Lord Shani, or Saturn, according to the Hindu mythology probably has the greatest influence upon people. Shani Jayanti, as the name itself suggests is celebrated to observe the birth of Lord Shani.
Lord Shani, volatile that he is, is needed to placate by observing Shani Jayanti, so that all bad omen ends. Naturally, it is no surprise that devotees do their best to appease Lord Shani.
- When is the Shani Jayanti celebrated?
Shani Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Lord Shani is celebrated on Vaisakh Vadya Chaturdashi Amabasya, as it is believed that he was born on that day. Shani Jayanti is celebrated with fervent prayers and rituals as Shani is known for his volatile and furious nature; and if annoyed, are believed to wreak havoc. This is celebrated with much fanfare in the Shani Shingnapur Shaneshwara Mandir located in Maharashtra.in Madhya Pradesh too people put a lot of emphasis on the observance of Shani Jayanti and people all over India believe in seeking the Lord’s benevolence.
- What is the influence of Shani in human life?
According to Hindu astrological science, it has been observed that a man’s success or failure is dependant to a large extent in the positioning of Shani in his natal chart. Though success and failure are also things of great perseverance, thus Shani advocates hard work too, as consistent hard work can be a way of keeping negative influences away.
- What does one do to keep Shani satisfied?
On Shani Jayanti, a lot of people perform Navagraha Puja, or the prayer invoking the nine gods to satisfy the Lord Shani. Shani Yagna or Havana is also performed under the aegis of a pundit, or a learned man. People throng to Shani temples on Saturdays, or Shanivars and particularly on Shani Jayanti to seek the blessing of the God and to end their misery.
- How is the Shani Jayanti celebrated?
Shani Jayanti should be meticulously celebrated. Some pundits suggest chanting of the Shani Yapa, or prayer 23,000 times on a shanivar, or Saturday. On the morning of the auspicious Shani Jayanti, the idol of the Lord Shani is cleaned with ganges water, oil and Panchamrat or the five amrits. Then he is decked with the Navratan har, or the necklace adorned with nine stones. Devotees perform the Shani Shanti puja or the Shani Yagna to protect themselves from all evils and black magic. As it is generally believed that the Lord Shani creates hurdles towards one’s success and growth, the following measures are also applies, like chanting of the Shani Stotra, reading out the eleven malas of Om Sham Shaneshchraya Namah’.