Shani Jayanti is celebrated as birthday of Lord Shani. It is also known as "Shanishchara Jayanti" or "Sani Jayanti". As per the Hindu calendar, Shani Jayanti falls on the Vaishak Vaidya Chaturdashi Amavasya. Praying to Shani on this day of Shani Jayanti helps to mitigate the malefic effects of Shani and get rid of negative energies from your life. However, people follow very strict rules and regulations so as to keep Lord Shani Dev happy as he is known for his furious nature.
Worshiping Lord Shani has a special significance on this day. Devotees recite mantas and stotras to please Lord Shani. As per astrology,Saturn is one of the nine major planets in the solar system. Saturn is a slow moving planet and hence known as Shanishchara.
Shani Dev Birth Story:
It is said that Surya Dev was initially married to Saranyu, but because of his unbearable heat and brightness, she left him and went away for penance leaving her shadow "Chhaya" behind. Shani Dev is the son of Surya Dev and Chhaya, while his mother was going through severe penance. Lord Shiva has, therefore, blessed Shani Dev with darkness symbolizing the power of extreme penance that he possesses.
Some details about Shani:
Ruler – Lord Brahma
Colour – Black
Taste – Astringent
Body parts ruled by Saturn – Muscles
Number – 8
Metal – Iron as well as lead and tin
Saturn, known as ‘Shani’ is the slowest moving planet in space. It is quite important from an Astrological perspective and is a major planet in this context. You can say, Lord Shani is a great leveler. However rich, poor, educated or illiterate you may be, in the eyes of the lord, you are all the same. If one has to suffer and pay for their sins, Lord Shani will ensure they do.
It is believed that Shani’s (Saturn) malefic position brings struggles, disappointments and delay in success and hence is considered the most feared god. He is strict in his judgement and is instrumental in an individual’s growth, happiness and long life. It is considered auspicious to perform Shani yagnya or homa by those who possess Shani/Saturn cycle or Sade Sathi in their horoscope. Performing Shani Tailabhishekam and Shani Shanti Puja helps to lessen the effect of Sade Sati.
What should one do on Shani Jayanti
- On Shani Jayanti, worship Shani’s idol by bathing it with gangajal, panchamrut, oil and water. Worshipping Shani can remove all hurdles and obstacles in your way towards progress.
- Observe fast from sunrise to sunset and take only one meal after performing the puja in the evening.
- Visit Shani temple. Offer black sesame seeds, sesame oil and black cloth. Black is assumed to be the favourite colour of the lord as the idol is always black. Purpose of visiting Shani temples is to attract blessings of luck and fortune.
- Chanting Shani stotra and ‘Om Sham Shaneshchraya Namah’ (11 malas) can bring calmness and peace.
- Feed ants with wheat and jaggery to prevent misfortunes and unforeseen troubles
Hindus worship Shani Dev to avoid the malefic influence of the planet Saturn in their horoscope. If pleased, Shani Dev blesses a devotee with abundant knowledge, wealth, and prosperity.