Shani Jayanti

History

Shani Jayanti, also known as Shanishchara Jayanti, is the day dedicated to Lord Shani, the deity representing the planet Saturn in Hindu astrology. According to Hindu mythology, Shani Dev is the son of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and his wife Chhaya. He is one of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) and is considered a powerful god who delivers justice based on one's karma. The day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani and is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.

Shani is the son of Surya, the Hindu sun god, and Chaya ("Shade"), a servant of Surya who acted as surrogate mother for Surya's wife Swarna. While Shani was in Chaya's womb, she fasted and sat under the hot sun to impress Shiva, who intervened and nurtured Shani. As a result, Shani turned black in the womb, which is said to have enraged his father, Surya. 

When Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse: that is Shani turning his father (temporarily) black in a rage of his own. 

The elder brother of the Hindu god of death, Yama, Shani delivers justice while a person is alive and Yama serves justice after a person's death.

Significance

Shani Jayanti holds immense significance for devotees who seek to appease Shani Dev to mitigate the adverse effects of his influence in their horoscope. Lord Shani is believed to be a strict disciplinarian who teaches life lessons through hardships, but he also rewards those who lead a righteous life. Observing Shani Jayanti is believed to bring relief from the malefic effects of Shani, known as Sade Sati and Dhaiya, which can cause various difficulties in one's life.

Devotees observe this day to seek blessings for prosperity, protection from evil influences, and relief from ailments. The day is also significant for performing remedies to reduce the impact of Shani's harsh gaze in one's astrological chart.

Shani Temples

To propitiate Shani properly, one may also wear black or dark blue on Saturdays; abstain from alcohol and meat; light lamps with sesame or mustard oil; worship Lord Hanuman; and/or visit one of his temples. 

Most Hindu temples have a little shrine set apart for the ‘Navagraha,’ or the nine planets, where Shani is placed. Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu is the oldest Navagraha temple and has the most benign Shani figure. There are a number of famous stand-alone temples and shrines of Shani Baghwan in India, located at different regions such as the Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra, the Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple in Pondicherry, and the Mandapalli Mandeswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh. 

The Yerdanur Shani Temple in Medak district has a 20-foot-tall statue of Lord Shani; the Bannanje Shri Shani Kshetra in Udupi has a 23-foot-tall statue of Shani, and the Shani Dham Temple of Delhi has the world’s tallest statue of Shani, carved out of native rock.

Mantra

1. Shani Beej Mantra : The Shani Beej Mantra is considered highly potent and is chanted to alleviate the malefic effects of Shani.

   ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः।

   Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah।

2. Shani Gayatri Mantra:The Shani Gayatri Mantra is a powerful chant that seeks the blessings of Shani Dev for protection and guidance.

   ॐ कालाय च विद्महे शनैश्चराय धीमहि तन्नः मंदः प्रचोदयात्।

   Om Kaalaaya Cha Vidmahe Shanaischaraya Dheemahi Tanno Mandah Prachodayat।

3. Shani Maha Mantra

The Shani Maha Mantra is recited to appease Shani Dev and to reduce the difficulties caused by his influence.

ॐ निलांजन समाभासं रवि पुत्रं यमाग्रजम्।

छाया मार्तण्ड संभूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्।।

Om Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam।Chhaya Martanda Sambhootam Tam Namami Shanaischaram।।

Rituals

The rituals performed on Shani Jayanti are aimed at appeasing Lord Shani and seeking his blessings for a trouble-free life. Here are the common rituals observed on this day:

1. Fasting (Vrat):

   • Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. Some may even abstain from food and water completely.

   • The fast is broken after performing the evening prayers and offering food to the poor.

2. Abhishekam (Holy Bath):

   • Devotees perform a ceremonial bath of Shani idols or images with water, milk, ghee, curd, and other sacred substances.

   • This ritual is believed to cleanse the negative energies and invoke the blessings of Shani Dev.

3. Puja and Mantras:

   • Special puja (worship) is conducted in temples dedicated to Shani Dev and at homes.

   • Devotees chant Shani mantras, such as "Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah" and the Shani Chalisa, to invoke his blessings.

   • The Shani Stotra, composed by King Dasharatha, is also recited to appease Shani Dev.

4. Offering Mustard Oil and Black Items:

   • Mustard oil, black sesame seeds, black clothes, and iron objects are offered to Shani Dev.

   • These offerings are considered dear to Shani and are believed to reduce his adverse effects.

5. Charity (Daan):

   • Donating to the poor and needy, especially items like black clothes, black sesame seeds, and iron utensils, is an important part of the rituals.

   • Feeding crows and dogs, which are considered the vehicles of Shani Dev, is also a common practice.

6. Lighting Lamps:

   • Lighting mustard oil lamps in front of Shani Dev's idol or in temples is a significant ritual.

   • These lamps are believed to dispel darkness and bring positive energy.

7. Reciting Shani Dev Katha:

   • Listening to or reading the story of Shani Dev, which describes his birth, virtues, and legends associated with him, is an important ritual on this day.

   • This practice helps devotees understand the significance of Shani and his role in dispensing justice

By observing these rituals with devotion and sincerity, devotees seek the grace of Shani Dev to lead a life of righteousness, free from obstacles and misfortunes.