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How To Pray To Lord Shani? In Hindu Religion - Worship Of Lord Shani

Worshipping Lord Shani, the Hindu deity representing the planet Saturn, is an important practice for many Hindus, especially those who wish to alleviate the negative effects associated with Saturn in their astrological charts. In Hindu tradition, Shani Dev is considered a powerful deity who delivers justice based on one's karma. Here's an expanded guide on how to pray to Lord Shani, including prayers, puja steps, associated deities, mantras, and symbolism:

How to Pray to Lord Shani:

1. Understanding Lord Shani:

  • Symbolism: Lord Shani represents justice, discipline, and control. He is associated with patience, austerity, and perseverance. Shani is often depicted as a dark-skinned deity mounted on a crow, holding a sword, arrows, and two daggers. His gaze is believed to be so powerful that it can bring misfortune if not approached respectfully.

  • Role in Hindu Astrology: In Vedic astrology, Shani represents Saturn and is known for delivering the consequences of one's actions (karma). He is seen as a strict teacher who disciplines and tests individuals to help them grow spiritually and morally.

2. Ideal Days and Timings for Worship:

  • Day of Worship: Saturday (known as 'Shanivar') is dedicated to Lord Shani.
  • Time of Worship: The best time to worship Shani Dev is in the evening, during sunset or early morning.

3. Preparation for Puja (Worship):

  • Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean, preferably black or dark blue clothes, as these colors are associated with Shani Dev.
  • Place of Worship: Set up a clean altar in a quiet area. You can place an idol or image of Lord Shani, ideally along with an idol of Lord Hanuman, as Shani Dev is believed to be devoted to Hanuman.
  • Offerings: Offerings to Lord Shani include black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black gram (urad dal), blue or black flowers, iron, and black clothes. You can also offer sweets like jaggery and black sesame ladoos.

4. Puja Steps:

  1. Invoke Lord Ganesha: Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles.
  2. Lighting a Lamp: Light a mustard oil lamp and place it near the idol or image of Shani Dev.
  3. Chanting Mantras: Recite Shani mantras and prayers to invoke his blessings. A popular mantra is the Shani Beej Mantra:
    ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः। Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah.
    This mantra is believed to reduce the malefic effects of Saturn.
  4. Offer Prasad: Offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and black gram to Shani Dev. Pour a little mustard oil on the Shani idol or picture (if permissible in your tradition).
  5. Reading Shani Chalisa or Shani Stotra: Recite the Shani Chalisa or Shani Stotra to gain Lord Shani's blessings. These texts are believed to protect against the hardships caused by Saturn.
  6. Offer Flowers and Incense: Offer blue or black flowers and light incense sticks while meditating on Lord Shani's image.
  7. Circumambulation: If you are performing the worship at a temple or with a Shani idol, walk around the idol seven times (pradakshina), if possible, in a clockwise direction.
  8. Aarti: Perform the aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp before the deity) while singing the aarti song for Shani Dev.
  9. Conclusion: Conclude the puja by bowing and seeking forgiveness for any mistakes made during the worship. Distribute the prasad among family and friends.

5. Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Lord Shani:

  • Lord Hanuman: Devotees believe that Hanuman can alleviate the negative effects of Shani. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is a common practice to appease both Hanuman and Shani Dev.
  • Lord Shiva: As Shani Dev is considered a devotee of Lord Shiva, worshipping Shiva can bring peace and mitigate Shani's harsh influences.
  • Goddess Kali: Worshipping Goddess Kali, who represents time and change, can also help in alleviating Saturn's malefic effects.

6. Additional Prayers and Mantras:

  • Shani Gayatri Mantra:
    ॐ कृष्णाय विद्महे, रौद्राय धीमहि, तन्नो मन्दः प्रचोदयात्॥ Om Krishnaya Vidmahe, Raudraya Dhimahi, Tanno Manda Prachodayat.
  • Shani Mahamantra:
    नीलांजनसमाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्। छायामार्तण्डसंभूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्॥ Neelanjanasamaabhaasam Raviputram Yamaagrajam, Chaayaamartandasambhootam Tam Namaami Shanaischaram.

These mantras are chanted to reduce the adverse effects of Saturn in one’s horoscope and to seek blessings.

7. Rare and Relevant Facts About Lord Shani:

  • Shani's Birth and Family: Shani is the son of Surya (the Sun God) and his wife Chhaya (shadow). He is considered the elder brother of Yama (the God of Death) and is associated with truth and justice.
  • The Story of Shani and Hanuman: There is a popular story in Hindu mythology where Shani Dev is humbled by Lord Hanuman’s devotion. As a result, Shani Dev promised that those who worship Hanuman would not face the wrath of Saturn.
  • The Shani Dasha (Period of Saturn): The Saturn period or Shani Dasha in Vedic astrology is believed to last for 7.5 years (Sade Sati) and is often considered a challenging period for individuals, though it can also lead to significant personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

8. Symbolism and Significance:

  • Crow as a Vahana (Vehicle): Shani’s vehicle is the crow, which symbolizes darkness and secrecy. The crow is also known to be a messenger between the material and spiritual worlds.
  • Justice and Karma: Shani is seen as the divine judge of our actions, bringing justice according to one's deeds. This association teaches us about the importance of moral behavior and the consequences of our actions.

9. Observances and Rituals:

  • Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Saturdays to honor Lord Shani. This fast can be either a full fast (consuming only water) or a partial fast (eating only specific foods like fruits or milk).
  • Visit to Shani Temples: Visiting temples dedicated to Lord Shani, such as the Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra or the Shani Dham Temple in Delhi, is believed to be highly auspicious.
  • Donating to the Needy: Donations made on Saturdays to the poor, especially in the form of black clothes, sesame seeds, or iron, are considered beneficial for reducing the malefic effects of Shani.

By understanding and respecting the energy and symbolism associated with Lord Shani, devotees aim to lead a more disciplined and righteous life, aligning themselves with cosmic justice and seeking spiritual advancement.