Lord Shani (Saturn) is one of the powerful planets that govern the world. In astrology, Shani is viewed as an unlucky planet in a person's life. Saturn's birth is celebrated as Shani Jayanti, a Hindu festival that falls on Vaishak Vaidya Chaturdashi Amavasya.
Shani is a karmic planet that can take either benefic or malefic position in the native's horoscope. Thus, people on this auspicious day perform specific rituals and ceremonies as per the holy texts. Especially, natives with the malefic position of Shani dev performs all the provided rituals to pacify Shani in their life.
Following the customs and rituals provided by the astrologer on the day of Shani Jayanti can make the Shani providing positive effects. The malefic positioning can become benefic by assuaging Shani dev. This can make the person lead a wonderful life without much problems crossing.
Interrelation of Shani Dev and Life
The act of Shani dev is said to be impartial in people's life. It doesn't matter if he/she is rich or powerful, educated/illiterate or skilled/unskilled. As mentioned earlier, Shani being a karmic planet, makes sure that people who had committed mistakes in life are payable.
It is said that Shani is placed based on the karmas of last birth. In his earlier life, one who had committed sins is put into misery during the present birth (current Janam). This acts as an opportunity for these people to change their mistakes by performing good deeds.
Ones who are patient and persistent later lead a fruitful life. Ones who are disrespectful to this opportunity are pushed back and are believed to carry the karma to their next birth. The placement of Shani decides one's destiny!
Pooja on Shani Jayanti
There are nine planets according to astrology which is called Navagraha. Worshiping Navagraha and performing the pooja daily can help one to connect to Lord Shani. Performance of pooja and yagnas are conducted in the Shani temple, especially on Shani Jayanti's day.
This is believed to bring in good fortunes to the natives with the malefic positioning of Lord Shani. It is also important to follow the procedures as per the astrologer's guidance to avoid any negative consequences.
Shani Vrat (Fasting)
One most popular ritual on Shani Jayanti is fasting, called Shani vrat, which will bring in good fortunefor the devotee. It is highly believed that fasting is an act of good karma that will add good deeds to the devotee's family performing it. Along with the Shani vrat, the devotees are also asked to chant the Shani jap 23000 times to attain peace in life.
Customs Followed on Shani Jayanti
Here is the procedure that has been followed for years to perform the ritual on the day of Shani Jayanti:
· The devotees are asked to wake up early in the morning and take a bath in the closest water bodies. This is followed by worshipping Lord soorya by performing soorya namaskar and wearing clean clothes.
· The next step is to perform Abishekam to the statue of Shani, which is a process of pouring sacred substance on the statue while chanting mantras. Firstly, the holy water from Ganga is poured, followed by panchamrita (mixture of five in gredients), oil, and water. This is also considered as a pure form of bathing the Lord.
· The Lord's statue is decked up with Navaratna, which are the nine types of gems made in the form of jewels.
· The Shani pooja is conducted along with the performance of Yagna or Homa. This is done by dropping the offerings in the sacred fire to avoid evil energy.
· Horseshoe is also believed to keep the evil energies away. Thus, it is recommended towear horseshoe rings or hang horseshoe in the house on Shani Jayanti's day.
· In the form of a good deed, people feed the ants with wheat and jaggery.
· These are the customs that devotees can perform on the coming Shani Jayanti and get rid of the bad karma. Make your life living heaven by invoking Shani and receive his grace.
