Ashtama Shani refers to the astrological period when Saturn (Shani) transits the 8th house from the individual's natal Moon. This period is known for challenges, obstacles, and hardships. It tests endurance, patience, and perseverance. However, the challenges of Ashtama Shani are also meant to cleanse karma and offer spiritual growth.
To navigate this phase, ancient Hindu wisdom provides various practices, mantras, stories, and suggestions. Below is a detailed guide:
1. Understanding the Importance of Shani
Shani (Saturn) represents discipline, karma, justice, and endurance in Vedic astrology. His influence teaches patience and humility, reminding us to accept responsibilities and lead a righteous life. During Ashtama Shani, Saturn compels us to reflect on our past actions, correct mistakes, and become spiritually disciplined.
Quote from Hindu Scriptures:
- "Shani is the son of Surya and the greatest teacher who rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked." – Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra
2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions for Ashtama Shani
a. Fasting and Vrat (Vows)
- Observing a fast on Saturdays, which is dedicated to Shani Dev, helps to calm his adverse effects. This fast can involve eating only one meal or avoiding grains and non-vegetarian food.
- Offerings: Sesame oil (til ka tel), black sesame seeds (til), and black clothes can be offered to Shani Dev to seek his blessings.
b. Charity and Helping Others
- Donating black-colored items, like black cloth, black sesame, iron, or urad dal (black lentils) on Saturdays is highly beneficial.
- Helping the underprivileged, such as the elderly, poor, or disabled, pleases Shani Dev. Offering food (Annadaan) and medical assistance is particularly effective.
c. Simple Living and Spiritual Discipline
- Leading a disciplined life, avoiding overindulgence, and practicing humility are essential. During Ashtama Shani, it is important to remain patient and avoid ego-driven actions.
- Avoid taking shortcuts or unethical decisions. Saturn rewards those who follow the path of truth and righteousness, even if it is more difficult.
d. Maintaining Calm and Patience
- Daily meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) are extremely helpful for staying calm during turbulent times. Regular spiritual practices help develop mental strength and resilience.
e. Service to Animals
- Feeding crows, dogs, and buffaloes, especially on Saturdays, is believed to reduce Shani's negative influence.
3. Mantras for Overcoming Ashtama Shani
a. Shani Mantra
Reciting Shani mantras with sincerity can mitigate difficulties and earn the grace of Saturn.
Shani Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe
Sooryaputraya Dheemahi
Tanno Manda Prachodayat."Shani Beej Mantra:
"Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaishcharaya Namah."Shani Dev Vedic Mantra:
"Om Sham Shanaischaraya Namah."
Chant these mantras daily or at least on Saturdays. Offer sesame oil lamps while chanting.
b. Hanuman Mantra
Since Lord Hanuman is known to alleviate the malefic effects of Shani, his worship is a great remedy.
Hanuman Chalisa: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, particularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is highly effective.
Hanuman Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namah."
Hanuman is believed to protect devotees from the difficulties caused by Shani.
c. Surya Mantra
As Shani is the son of Surya (Sun God), propitiating Surya Narayana can help reduce Shani's malefic influence.
Aditya Hridayam Stotra: Reciting this prayer, especially in the early morning facing the sun, brings strength, positivity, and blessings from Surya.
Surya Mantra:
"Om Hram Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah."
Offer water to the Sun (Surya Arghya) every morning while chanting this mantra.
d. Shiva Mantra
Lord Shiva, as the ultimate spiritual master, is closely associated with Saturn. Worshiping him helps in lessening Shani’s harshness.
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra:
"Om Namah Shivaya."Shiva Rudra Mantra:
"Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
Mahadevaya Dheemahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat."
Worshiping Shiva on Mondays, offering milk, and chanting his mantras can be a great remedy.
e. Lord Ayyappa Mantra
Lord Ayyappa, considered a form of both Shiva and Vishnu, is revered for his ability to pacify Saturn’s malefic effects.
- Ayyappa Mantra:
"Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa."
Visiting Ayyappa temples and observing the 41-day vrat associated with Lord Ayyappa, if possible, are considered powerful.
f. Narasimha Mantra
Lord Narasimha, the fierce incarnation of Vishnu, protects devotees from intense karmic suffering caused by planetary influences like Shani.
- Narasimha Mantra:
"Om Ugram Viram Maha-Vishnum
Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham
Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram
Mrityor Mrityum Namamy Aham."
Offer prayers to Narasimha on Saturdays and chant this mantra to receive protection from negative forces.
4. Stories and Inspiration from Hindu Scriptures
Story of King Harishchandra: A famous example of how Saturn’s influence tested the righteous King Harishchandra, who lost everything due to Shani's transit. Yet, through his integrity and steadfastness in truth, he ultimately emerged victorious. His story teaches that enduring challenges with righteousness eventually leads to liberation from suffering.
Hanuman and Shani Dev: According to mythology, Shani Dev promised Hanuman that anyone who worships him with devotion will be relieved from Shani’s harmful effects. Hence, Hanuman is revered as a protector during tough times like Ashtama Shani.
5. Gods and Goddesses to Worship During Ashtama Shani
- Shani Dev: To directly appease Shani, offer prayers and light sesame oil lamps on Saturdays.
- Hanuman: He protects from the harmful effects of Saturn.
- Lord Shiva: Known as "Mahakaal," Shiva has the power to dissolve time and karma, mitigating Saturn's impact.
- Surya Dev: Since Shani is the son of Surya, praying to Surya can bring harmony between these celestial forces.
- Lord Ayyappa: Especially revered in South India, he is known to alleviate hardships caused by Saturn’s transit.
- Narasimha: This fierce form of Vishnu can remove obstacles and destroy evil karmic influences.
6. Lesser-Known Remedies for Ashtama Shani
- Tailabhishekam to Shani Dev: Perform a tailabhishekam (oil bath) to the idol of Shani Dev in a temple. Use sesame oil, and this abhishekam helps in pacifying Shani’s effects.
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama: Regular chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama brings divine protection and grace to overcome Shani’s harsh lessons.
- Wearing Black Horse Shoe Ring: Wearing a ring made from a black horse's shoe is an ancient remedy believed to lessen Shani's malefic effects.
7. Key Takeaways and Conclusion
Ashtama Shani is a period of learning and growth, though it may seem difficult. With patience, humility, and proper spiritual practice, one can emerge stronger and more enlightened.
Shani teaches us the value of discipline, hard work, and accepting the consequences of our actions. By focusing on ethical living, devotional practices, and the above remedies, one can navigate this challenging period with grace and emerge victorious, spiritually evolved, and free from karmic burdens.