‘Shani Jayanti’ on May 22

By Rajendra Diwe :

City temples have appealed the devotees to observe fast and chant Shani Mantra in their houses due to lockdown

Vaishakh Amavasya or Shani Jayanti tithi begins on May 21 at 9.35 pm and ends on May 22 at 11.08 pm

Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam| Chaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanescharam|| Means: “I bow down to Lord Shani Dev who is effulgent as that of a blue mountain. He is the son of Lord Surya (sun god) and the brother of Yama (god of death). He is born to Chaya and Martanda (another name of sun god).”

The astrologers and astronomers in the entire world believe importance of planet Saturn. This planet is termed as ‘Shani Dev’ or Lord Shani in Hindu philosophy. This planet is considered as one of the most important planets ruling over the birth charts of entire population and also its transit from one zodiac sign to another also affects the nature. Saturn takes the longest time to go around the sun and therefore stays in every zodiac sign for a longer time. Saade sati is the 7½ year period when an individual comes under the influence of Shani Dev according to his/her zodiac sign. According to ancient scriptures, “The Shani Mantra a highly efficacious one in alleviating the sufferings people usually undergo during the Saade Sati period. The mantra beautifully describes the unique attributes of Shani Dev and invokes his blessings upon the one who chants it with devotion and diligence.

The verse is rather very easy to understand and chant.” Shani Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Shani is the most important festival in India. It is also known as Shani Amavasya. According to panchangs in North India, Shani Jayanti is celebrated on Jyeshtha Amavasya while as per the panchangs in South India, including in Maharashtra Shani Jayanti falls on Amavasya Tithi during Vaishakha month. It is name of Lunar month which differs and in both type of calendars Shani Jayanti falls on the same day. Shani Jayanti coincides with Vat Savitri Vrat which is observed during Jyeshtha Amavasya in most North Indian states. On Shani Jayanti devotees keep fast or Upvaas to propitiate Lord Shani and visit Shani temples to seek blessing of Lord Shani. It is believed that Lord Shani believes in fair justice and if appeased blesses His devotee with good luck and fortune.

People, who do not have blessing of Lord Shani, toil for years without getting any reward for their hard work in life. Shani Jayanti is very appropriate day to perform Hawan, Homam and Yagya to appease Lord Shani. Shani Tailabhishekam and Shani Shanti Puja are the most important ceremonies performed during Shani Jayanti. Above ceremonies are performed to lessen the effect of Shani Dosha, which is popularly known as Sade Sati, in the Horoscope.