Saturday Fasting For Shani Dev

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Saturday Fasting for Shani Dev

In Hindu tradition, every day of the week is dedicated to a particular deity, and Saturday (Shanivar) is considered highly significant for the worship of Lord Shani Dev (Saturn God). Shani Dev is regarded as the dispenser of justice who rewards or punishes people according to their deeds (karma). Devotees observe Saturday fasting (Shani Vrat) to seek protection from hardships, remove obstacles, and invite blessings of peace, health, and prosperity into their lives.

Shani Dev is often misunderstood as a malefic planet bringing misfortune, but in reality, he ensures that justice is served by teaching valuable lessons. With devotion, discipline, and proper worship, his blessings can transform one’s life. This article explores the significance of Saturday fasting for Shani Dev, the proper puja method, rules, benefits, and remedies.

Who is Lord Shani Dev?

Lord Shani Dev is the son of Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya Devi. He governs the planet Saturn in Vedic astrology and is one of the Navagrahas (nine planets). Shani Dev rides a crow and holds a sword, bow, and arrow. He is considered the ultimate judge who observes the actions of humans and delivers results accordingly.

Role in Astrology: Shani represents discipline, justice, hard work, and endurance. When positioned favorably in a horoscope, Shani brings immense success, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Shani Dosha: When unfavorable, Shani can cause struggles, delays, financial difficulties, or health issues. Hence, people observe fasts and perform puja to reduce the ill effects of Saturn.

Significance of Saturday Fasting (Shani Vrat)

Relief from Shani Dosha – Fasting on Saturdays is believed to reduce the impact of Shani Dasha, Sade Sati, and Dhaiya.
Protection from Misfortune – Worshipping Shani Dev removes obstacles and protects against accidents, debts, and enmity.
Spiritual Discipline – Observing fast instills patience, discipline, and humility, aligning one’s mind with spiritual energy.
Balance of Karma – Shani Dev ensures that sincere worshippers are forgiven for their past mistakes and guided toward righteous living.
Wealth and Prosperity – Shani Dev blesses hardworking and honest devotees with stable careers, financial growth, and peace of mind.

When to Observe Saturday Fasting?

Day: Every Saturday.
Special Occasions: Shani Jayanti (birth of Shani Dev) and Saturdays during Amavasya or Shani Trayodashi are considered very powerful.
Duration: Devotees may observe fasts for 11, 21, or 51 consecutive Saturdays for maximum benefits.

Rules of Saturday Fasting (Shani Vrat Rules)

Purity – Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean (preferably black or dark blue) clothes.
Food Restrictions – Some devotees maintain a strict fast with only water, while others consume fruits or simple food like khichdi, black sesame, or jaggery.
Devotion – Avoid anger, lies, and negative behavior. Maintain purity of thoughts.
Charity – Donate black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black clothes, or iron items to the poor or at Shani temples.
Crow Feeding – Offering food to crows on Saturdays is believed to please Shani Dev, as the crow is his vehicle.

Shani Dev Puja Method (Step-by-Step)

1. Morning Preparations

Take a holy bath early in the morning.
Wear clean black or blue clothes.
Light a mustard oil lamp (दीपक) under a Peepal tree or near Shani Dev’s idol.

2. Puja at Home or Temple

Clean the worship area and place an idol or picture of Shani Dev.
Offer flowers (especially blue or black), mustard oil, black sesame seeds, and incense sticks.
Recite Shani Chalisa, Shani Stotra, or the Hanuman Chalisa, as Hanuman ji is also believed to remove Shani’s negative influence.

3. Mantras to Chant

Shani Beej Mantra:
“ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः”
Shani Gayatri Mantra:
“ॐ शन्नो देवीरभिष्टय आपो भवन्तु पीतये। शं योरभि स्त्रवन्तु नः॥”
Hanuman Chalisa or Bajrang Baan for protection from Shani’s dosha.

4. Offering Mustard Oil

Pour mustard oil in an iron diya or offer oil on Shani Dev’s idol or Shani Shila (stone) in temples. This reduces the malefic effects of Saturn.

5. Charity

Distribute food, clothes, or money to the needy, especially the poor, laborers, or the disabled.

Benefits of Saturday Fasting and Puja

Removes obstacles from career, business, and finances.
Helps overcome Shani Dasha, Sade Sati, and planetary challenges.
Provides mental peace and protection from accidents or illnesses.
Enhances spiritual growth, discipline, and patience.
Brings blessings of justice, fairness, and prosperity.

Remedies to Please Shani Dev on Saturday

Light mustard oil lamps under the Peepal tree.
Offer black sesame seeds and urad dal in temples.
Chant Hanuman Chalisa daily.
Avoid alcohol, meat, and negative actions on Saturdays.
Help the poor and feed crows.

Stories and Legends of Shani Dev

According to Hindu scriptures, Shani Dev is a strict but just deity. Several stories highlight his significance:

Lord Hanuman and Shani Dev: Once, Shani tried to test Hanuman during the burning of Lanka. Hanuman defeated him, and Shani promised that anyone who worships Hanuman will be protected from his negative influence.
Shani and Lord Krishna: In another legend, Shani Dev’s unfavorable influence on Krishna was avoided as Krishna’s devotees were blessed due to his divine aura.

These stories show that while Shani Dev may bring hardships, his ultimate aim is to guide devotees toward righteousness.

Do’s and Don’ts During Saturday Fast

Do’s

Wake up early and maintain cleanliness.
Offer mustard oil, sesame seeds, and black clothes to Shani Dev.
Chant mantras and read Shani Chalisa.
Perform charity, especially to the poor and needy.

Don’ts

Avoid arguments, lies, and hurting others.
Do not cut Peepal tree leaves on Saturdays.
Avoid consuming alcohol, meat, or onion-garlic food.
Do not disrespect elders, servants, or laborers.

Conclusion

Saturday fasting for Shani Dev is not merely a ritual but a spiritual practice that aligns devotees with discipline, justice, and humility. Observing Shani Vrat with sincerity reduces the ill effects of Shani Dosha and brings prosperity, peace, and protection. While Shani Dev may seem strict, his blessings are long-lasting and deeply transformative. By following the correct Shani Puja method, chanting mantras, practicing charity, and leading a disciplined life, devotees can receive divine grace and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.