Who is Lord Saturn or Shani?
Lord Saturn, the son of Surya (the Sun) and Chhaya Devi, is among the most powerful of the Navagrahas. He is known for his disciplined nature and is the executor of Karmic justice.
Shani Dev rewards or punishes based on past actions, often testing devotees and guiding them toward growth through challenges.
As the ruler, the planet Saturn governs wisdom, justice, time, and life lessons. Shani Pooja and Saturn Homam help reduce the negative effects of Saturn’s transit, including Sade Sati and can bring balance, success, and peace.
What is called Saturday Fasting?
Saturday fasting, or Shanivar Vrat, is dedicated to Lord Shani or Saturn to appease his malefic effects, reduce the impact of Sade Sati, and overcome misfortunes, fears, or health backlogs. Devotees observe a Saturday fast from sunrise to sunset, eating only one salt-free meal while focusing on discipline, devotion and charity.
What is the significance of Shanivar Vrat?
According to mythology, as depicted in the epic Ramayana, when Hanuman set Lanka on fire, Hanuman rescued Shani from the demonic king Ravana. At that time, Shani promised Hanuman that he would not trouble the devotees of Hanuman.
This Shanivar Vrat is recommended to be observed on Saturdays to reduce the malefic effects of Saturn and seek blessings for a prosperous life. Saturday fasting helps overcome misery, hurdles, and health disturbances and brings relief to persons by involving themselves in charity on this auspicious day. It will bring back good fortune in life, as Saturn is the planet of service and denotes people and servants who do good work.
Which deity is worshipped during the Saturday Fasting?
Saturday is dedicated to the planetary God Shani, one of the most powerful Navagrahas among the nine planets. He is generally depicted as a deity in black or dark ash colour. He carries a bow and arrows and rides on a crow or vulture.
Since Hanuman once helped Shani, he remains grateful to the Monkey God. Hence, praying to Lord Hanuman during the Saturday fast helps receive the divine blessings of Shani Dev.
What is the procedure for the Shanivar Vrat?
People observe the Saturday fasting or the Shanivar Vrat from morning until evening. They offer prayers to Lord Shani by taking only one salt-free meal. People pray for Hanuman, Shani and Shiva by chanting their respective mantras and reading sacred texts. They visit Navagraha temples and offer sesame oil and black gram to Saturn. Some donate black dresses. After worshipping Saturn, they return home and culminate the fast.
When should I begin Saturday Fasting?
The first Saturday in the Shukla Paksha, the waxing moon, in the Shravan month (July-August) is considered an auspicious time to begin the Saturday fasting. Some devotees continue their fasting for 11 or even 51 Saturdays without a break.
What are the benefits of fasting on Saturdays?
· Lord Shiva is considered the Guru of Shani, and worshipping him can reduce miseries.
· Observing Saturday fasting increases patience, improves self-discipline, and creates a deeper bond with the divine.
· It reduces the negative effects of past karma and gives relief from all sufferings.
· Observing Saturday fasts protects people from accidents, ailments and other troubles.
· Performing Shani Homa or Shani Pooja can mitigate the malefic effects of Saturn.
What are the Mantra(s) chanted during the Saturday Fasting?
Shani Beej Mantra
||Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah||
Meaning of Shani Beej Mantra
“I bow to Lord Shani, invoking his divine energy for protection and balance.”
Shani Gayatri Mantra
||Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe
Chhaya Putraya Dhimahi
Tanno Manda Prachodayat||
Meaning of Shani Gayatri Mantra
“We meditate on Lord Shani and pray that he enlightens and guides us on the right path.”
Hanuman Mantra
||Om Hanumate Namah||
Meaning of Hanuman Mantra
“I bow to Lord Hanuman.”
