Saptavar - Shanivar Vrat

Saptavar - Weekly Vrat and Pooja:

SHANIVAR (Saturday)

Lord Shanidev and Lord Hanuman are prayed to on Shanivar or Saturday. It is believed that Shani or Saturn is a very powerful planet and its influence can bring a lot of distress in one's life. 'Sadhe Sati' period of Shani's 'ku-Drishti' or harmful influence is extremely painful. It is thus important to always keep Shanidev happy and satisfied so that he blesses his devotees. 

Shani can thus give immense pain but he can also give great blessings in the form of immense wealth and all around benefit in one's life. One should start Shanivar puja from the Saawan month as it is considered auspicious.

One uses black clothes today to please Shani dev. Mustard oil, black Til, flowers are used to do the Shani puja. The ten names of Shani dev are recited today - KONASHTH, KRISHNA, PIPPALA, SOURI, YAM, PINGLO, RODROTAKO, BABHRU, MAND, SHNAISHCHAR. A devotee can tie a cotton thread around the Peepal tree seven times. Also, one must try to do the puja close to sunrise for superior results. 

One can donate to charity food, sweets, clothes, items made with Iron to gain Lord Shanidev's favors. When pleased, Shani dev bestows on his devotees, money, wealth, high status and position of respect in society, wisdom, progress to family members, and a happy home filled with children and grand children.

A devotee should also recite the Hanuman Chalisa today.

Om Sham Shanishchara Namah - Beej Mantra

||Nilanjan Samabhasam Raviputram Yamagrajam
ChhayaMartand Sambhootam, Tam Namami Shanaishcharam||