Shani Jayanthi
Shani Jayanthi: The Appearance Day of Lord Shanaishchara
Shani Jayanthi is observed on Vaishakha Bahula Amavasya, the new moon of the Vaishakha month. It is regarded as the birthday of Lord Shanaishchara, one of the Navagrahas. People going through Shani dosham, Elinati Shani or Ashtama Shani worship him especially on this day. North Indian calendars call the same day Jyeshtha Amavasya.
The Birth of Shani Deva
According to the Puranas, Shani is the son of Surya Bhagavan and Chhaya Devi; Yama and Yamuna are his siblings. Dark in colour, riding a crow and holding a staff, he is the giver of the fruits of karma and the lord of justice. Elders say he should be worshipped with a sense of dharma rather than fear, because he only gives each person what their actions deserve. "Shanaih charati" means "one who moves slowly", which is how he got the name Shanaishchara.
How to Perform the Puja
- Bathe early; many people wear black or blue clothes on this day.
- Perform tailabhishekam with sesame oil to Shani Deva at a Navagraha mandapam or Shani temple.
- Offer black sesame, blue flowers and urad dal (minumulu), and light a sesame oil lamp.
- Chant "Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah" or recite the Shani Stotram, including the Dasharatha Krita Shani Stotram.
- It is believed that devotees of Hanuman are not troubled by Shani, so many also recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Feed crows and donate sesame, oil, black cloth or food to the needy.
Shani Temples in the Telugu States
The Sri Mandeswara Swamy (Shanaishchara) temple at Mandapalli in the East Godavari region is well known for Shani worship. Large numbers of devotees go there for tailabhishekam on Shani Jayanthi and Shani Trayodashi. The puja can be done at any temple with a Navagraha sannidhi.
Significance
Devotees believe that worship and charity on Shani Jayanthi reduce the effects of Shani dosham, remove obstacles and build patience and discipline. Honest hard work is the truest worship of Shani Deva.
May the grace of Lord Shanaishchara bring success to all your efforts.
Frequently asked questions
When is Shani Jayanthi?
Who are Shani Deva's parents?
What is offered to Shani Deva on Shani Jayanthi?
What should people with Elinati Shani do on this day?
Which Shani temple is famous in the Telugu states?
What should be donated on Shani Jayanthi?
Comments
Please login to leave a comment
Loading comments...