Shani Puja

Grah Shanti Shani Puja is done to pacify planet Shani (Saturn). Shani Pooja is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases. Following things are associated with Shani.

In Vedic astrology, the planet Saturn is called Shanaishwara. Saturn is regarded as an emaciated God with long physique, big teeth and tawny eyes. Shani is indolent and lame. The temperament or nature of Shani is airy. Saturn is considered to be a malefic graha. It is believed that Shani can make a person, a king or a beggar according to the native's deeds (karmas).

Shani Pooja - Worship Of Saturn
Shani Puja or worship of Saturn mitigates the hardships one will have to face during bad times. Shani Puja is also recommended to people who have Saade Sati of Shani in their horoscope. One is advised to recite the following Shani Mantra facing the west, to minimize the evil influence of afflicted Saturn.

 "Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah: Aum"

One can observe fasts on Saturdays and can take Khichri (made of rice and black urad daal), after the sunset. Saturn bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him.

Position of Shani
Shani is most powerful in the 7th house. Saturn rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Shani exalts in Libra and falls in the sign of Aries. Saturn is particularly a beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn is the slowest moving planet as it takes 30 months or 2.6 years in each Rashi and completes one cycle in 30 years. Transit of Shani can cause problems from Govt., peers, wife, children, slowdown in business, loss of property and leprosy etc.

Significance of Shani
Shani is an indicator of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn is regarded as a planet of darkness which rules over the dark side of human nature, such as the conscience (awareness of right and wrong). Saturn is regarded to be both a giver as well as destroyer. A person who sincerely prays to Shani is blessed not only with removal of the problems and worries, but a life that one desires.

Items for Shani Puja:

• Rice, black ‘til’ and black string.
• Flowers and leaves, especially black flowers.
• Incense sticks.
• Lamps.
• Mustard oil.
• Sweets offerings.
• Summer fruits.
• The leaves of ‘rui’ tree.
• Camphor.
• God Shani’s photo or ‘yanta’
• Packets made from oil.
• Black ‘urud.’
• Clove.
• Elaichi.
• Pan and supari.
• Ganga water or holy water.
• Coconut, horse-shoe of iron .
  ( Any two or four of these above items.)

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