Shani Puja

Shani puja is a Vedic remedy performed to appease the planet Saturn to reduce its harsh effects. This is a symbolic act of surrendering one’s ego.

The ritual is often performed on Saturdays – the day dedicated to Shani Dev. It involves the use of particular items like black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and blue flowers to resonate with Saturn’s vibrational frequency.

Organizing this puja, the followers focus on eliminating professional problems, chronic health issues, and mental anxiety.

To plan an effective yet simplified Shani puja at home or in a temple, go through these steps:

1. Preparation and Fasting:

Wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Multiple people keep fasting from Saturday sunrise to sunset. Wear clean, dark colored clothes to cater to the deity’s preferred colours.

2. The Oil Offering (Tailabhishekam):

Keep the lord idol or a Shani yantra in a clean place. Perform Chhaya daan by looking at your reflection in a bowl of mustard oil. Offer that oil to the lord. It shows the surrendering of your shadow or negative abilities.

3. Ritual Offerings:

Light a lamp using mustard oil. Present black sesame seeds, whole black gram, and blue flowers.

The particular offerings are thought to absorb the intense energy of Saturn and provide relief to the performer.

4. Mantra Chanting and Charity:

Chant Shani beej mantra: ‘Om Praam Preem Proom Sah Shanayishraya Namah’ 108 times. Complete by chanting Shani chalisa or Dashrath krit shani stotra.

Once the puja is done, donate black blankets, an umbrella, and iron utensils. Lord Shani Dev is most honoured by acts of service for the underprivileged.