Shani Mahatma, also known as Lord Shani Dev, is the ruling deity of planet Saturn (Shani Graha) and represents karma, justice, discipline, delays, hardships, and spiritual evolution. Performing Shani Mahatma Puja helps mitigate the malefic effects of Shani, especially during Sade Sati, Dhaiya, or Shani Dasha periods in one’s horoscope.
🌟 Significance of Shani Mahatma Puja
- Lord Shani is the son of Lord Surya (Sun) and Chhaya Devi.
- Known for his impartial judgment, he ensures everyone faces the consequences of their actions.
- Worshipping him with sincerity reduces sufferings, legal issues, financial problems, and health issues.
📅 Best Days to Perform Shani Puja
- Saturdays (Shanivara) – most auspicious for Shani worship
- Amavasya (New Moon Day)
- During Shani Jayanti (usually in May or June)
- During Sade Sati, Ashtama Shani, or Shani Dasha periods
🛕 Other Names of Shani Dev
- Shanaischara, Sani Maharaj, Shani Bhagwan, Mandachala
🪔 Items Required for Shani Mahatma Puja
- Idol or photo of Lord Shani Dev (preferably in black stone or iron)
- Black sesame seeds (til), mustard oil
- Black cloth, blue flowers, black gram (urad dal)
- Coconut, betel leaves and nuts, incense, camphor
- Iron items, Navagraha deepam (lamp), lamp with sesame oil
- Prasad: sesame laddu, rice and jaggery
🕉️ Shani Mahatma Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
- Purification and Sankalpa:
- Take a holy bath and wear black or dark blue clothing.
- Sit facing west or northwest direction and take a Sankalpa (intention).
- Lighting the Deepam:
- Light a lamp using til oil (sesame oil) and chant:
“Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah”
- Dhyana and Invocation:
- Meditate on Lord Shani’s powerful form – dark-skinned, sitting on a crow, holding trident, bow, and arrows.
- Offer water and black til to the idol or image.
- Offerings (Upacharas):
- Offer black til, black cloth, blue flowers, mustard oil, and urad dal.
- Avoid red-colored flowers or items.
- Offer coconut, jaggery, and curd rice.
- Chanting Mantras and Shani Stotra:
- Recite Shani Beej Mantra:
“Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaishcharaya Namah”
- Recite the Shani Mahatmya or Shani Stotra from scriptures (like from the Skanda Purana).
- Chant Shani Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe, Sooryaputraya Dhimahi, Tanno Mandah Prachodayat”
- Aarti and Prayer:
- Perform aarti with mustard oil lamp and camphor.
- Apologize for past karma and pray for strength and justice.
- Charity and Donation:
- Donate black sesame, clothes, iron, mustard oil, shoes, or food to the poor or to Shani temples.
📿 Important Shani Mantras
- Moola Mantra:
“Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah” - Shani Navagraha Mantra:
“Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chhaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanaishcharam” - Beej Mantra:
“Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaishcharaya Namah”
🙌 Benefits of Shani Mahatma Puja
- Reduces obstacles, delays, and bad luck
- Helps during Sade Sati, Dhaiya, and Shani Dasha
- Grants justice, career growth, and mental discipline
- Removes fear of legal cases, debts, and health issues
- Enhances spiritual awareness and karmic purification
