📜 Significance:
Shani Shanti Puja is performed to appease Lord Shani (Saturn), the powerful planetary deity associated with discipline, karma, and justice. In Maharashtra, this puja is especially important to reduce the malefic effects of Shani dosha (Saturn’s adverse influence) in one’s horoscope. The ritual brings relief from obstacles, delays, and hardships caused by Shani’s unfavorable transit and promotes patience, endurance, and spiritual growth. It helps in mitigating difficulties related to health, career, finances, and personal life.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • On Shani Amavasya (new moon day dedicated to Lord Shani)
  • On Saturdays, especially during Shani Jayanti (Lord Shani’s birth anniversary)
  • During periods of Sade Sati or Dhaiya (specific astrological phases of Saturn)
  • When advised by astrologers to reduce Shani dosha effects

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Individuals facing difficulties linked to Shani dosha or seeking protection from negative planetary influences
  • Families or devotees with strong faith in planetary remedies
  • Performed at home or in temples with the help of a Panditji

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Idol or picture of Lord Shani, preferably black or dark blue in color
  • Black sesame seeds (til), black cloth, iron items
  • Haldi (turmeric), kumkum, chandan (sandalwood paste)
  • Mustard oil, black flowers like marigold or hibiscus
  • Diya (oil lamp) with mustard oil, agarbatti (incense sticks), camphor
  • Fruits, sweets (preferably black sesame sweets), betel leaves, nuts
  • Panchamrit (milk, honey, ghee, sugar, yogurt)
  • Black gram, black pepper, and other traditional havan samagri if havan is included

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Sankalpa (vow) to perform Shani Shanti Puja with devotion
  2. Invocation of Lord Shani and lighting of the oil lamp with mustard oil
  3. Offering black sesame seeds, flowers, and other items to the deity
  4. Chanting Shani mantras and specific prayers like the Shani Stotra and Shani Chalisa
  5. Performing havan (fire ritual) if included, with offerings into the sacred fire
  6. Aarti and distribution of prasadam to attendees

⏳ Duration:
About 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether havan is performed and extent of chanting

🎁 Benefits of Shani Shanti Puja:

  • Reduces malefic effects of Shani dosha and planetary hardships
  • Protects from accidents, delays, and obstacles in life
  • Improves discipline, patience, and perseverance
  • Brings stability, success, and spiritual growth
  • Cleanses negative energies and promotes overall well-being