Shani Jayanti (Birth anniversary of Shanidev) is an important day to please the God of planet Saturn – Shanidev. Shanidev – Bhagwan of the planet Saturn is honored as the God of Justice and Karma, the one who gives fruits to everyone precisely as per their deeds/actions, speech, and even thoughts. Everything about Shanidev has a characteristic meaning; he is depicted as having a dark complexion, wearing black or blue robes, and riding on his vulture that follows Shani wherever he travels. Shanidev is also seen in a carrier – a chariot pulled by eight horses, carrying a sword. He even has a Trishul.
Shanidev is the ruling deity of planet Saturn. Bhagwan Shanidev, the son of Devi Chayya and Bhagwan Surya, was born on the Amavasya of Vaishakh month. The mother of Bhagwan Shani Dev was a loyal follower of Bhagwan Shiva, which made Shani Dev the recipient of the blessings of Bhagwat Shiva. Shani Dev had Shiva’s blessings while he was in his mother’s womb.
Shanidev brings in elaborate struggles, delays, challenging situations, and difficulties in one’s life. Especially the Sade Sati (7.5 years) period, connection with other malefic planets or Shani mahadasha, Shani panoti (cursed) period can cause severe hardships and delays. Therefore, seeking Shanidev’s blessings, particularly on Shani Jayanti, is extremely productive.
Saturn is considered one of the slowest planets in our solar system, and therefore, people face delays and very gradual progress under Shanidev’s influence. Shanidev, in essence, is an observer of Karma, taskmaster, and giver of results accordingly.
Character sketch of Shani Dev
Shanidev is the one who presents protection and shelter from enemies, one who sits on luxury, riches, and bliss, the protector and observer of Karma, the one who fulfills desires, the one who is excellent, brilliant; the admirable one, He is strict but often confused as cruel. He represents determination, longevity, losses, victory, madness, litigations, penance, and death. He is the greatest teacher in the universe who rewards the righteous acts and punishes those who follow the path of Adharma, evil, and betrayal.
The malefic gaze of Bhagwan Shani is said to be the cause of dullness, grief, laziness, failures, delays, poverty, and all unfavorable circumstance. Thus, on Shani Jayanti, various rituals are performed in different parts of India. On the auspicious day of Shani Jayanti, believers observe a fast and perform a Yajna, a special Puja ceremony, or Homa.
Devotees even recite Shani Dev Mantras 11000 times and visit Shani Temples to offer black til seeds and oil. It is believed that Hanuman and Bhagwan Ganesha are the two deities whose worship leads to a reduction in the malefic influence of Shani. Hanuman Chalisa is a ‘must’ today. Keep your home clean, and get rid of all the materialistic waste and offer food to the needy to keep Shani happy.
