Shani Jayanti, also known as Shani Amavasya, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shani, one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial gods) in Hindu astrology. Shani Jayanti is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Jyeshtha in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls during the months of May or June in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Shani Jayanti will be observed on Sunday, 14th May.
Significance of Shani Jayanti:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shani is the son of Surya (Sun god) and Chhaya. He is considered to be a powerful deity who is capable of both giving blessings and causing hardships in a person’s life based on their past deeds or karma. Shani is often depicted as a dark, tall, and handsome man riding a crow, carrying a bow and arrow. Worshiping Lord Shani is believed to reduce the malefic effects of Saturn in a person’s horoscope and bring peace and prosperity.
Rituals and Celebrations:
On the auspicious day of Shani Jayanti, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes. They visit Lord Shani temples or Navagraha temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. Devotees often observe a fast on this day and perform special rituals to please Lord Shani. Some of the common rituals and practices followed on Shani Jayanti include:
1. Lighting Diyas: Lighting sesame oil lamps or diyas in front of Lord Shani idols is considered auspicious and is believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity.
2. Reciting Mantras: Chanting Shani Mantras such as the Shani Beej Mantra or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is believed to pacify Lord Shani and ward off negative energies.
3. Donating Black Items: Offering donations of black sesame seeds, black clothes, mustard oil, iron utensils, etc., to the poor and needy is believed to please Lord Shani and reduce the malefic effects of Saturn.
4. Feeding the Needy: Offering food to the underprivileged and feeding crows is considered highly auspicious on Shani Jayanti, as crows are believed to be the vehicle of Lord Shani.
5. Praying to Peepal Tree: Worshiping the Peepal tree, which is associated with Lord Shani, and tying a black thread around its trunk is believed to bring positive energy and ward off evil influences.
6. Shani Puja: Performing a special Shani Puja with devotion and dedication is a common practice on Shani Jayanti to seek the blessings and protection of Lord Shani.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Is it necessary to fast on Shani Jayanti?
Fasting is not mandatory, but it is considered auspicious to observe a fast on Shani Jayanti to seek the blessings of Lord Shani and alleviate the malefic effects of Saturn.
2. Can we worship Lord Shani at home?
Yes, you can worship Lord Shani at home by setting up a small altar, offering prayers, lighting incense sticks, and chanting mantras with devotion.
3. How does worshiping Lord Shani help in astrology?
Worshiping Lord Shani is believed to reduce the negative influence of Saturn in a person’s horoscope and bring peace, harmony, and prosperity in their life.
4. What are the benefits of donating black items on Shani Jayanti?
Donating black items like sesame seeds, clothes, and mustard oil symbolizes surrendering one’s ego and seeking blessings for a harmonious life free from obstacles and hardships.
5. Can pregnant women observe the rituals of Shani Jayanti?
Pregnant women can participate in the worship and rituals of Shani Jayanti with a pure heart and seek the blessings of Lord Shani for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. However, fasting is not recommended for pregnant women.
Shani Jayanti is a significant festival for those seeking protection from malefic influences and seeking blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life. By following the traditional rituals with devotion and faith, devotees believe they can overcome obstacles and lead a fulfilling life under the divine grace of Lord Shani.
