Shanivar Vrat or Saturday Fasting is dedicated to Hindu God Shani Dev. According to Vedic astrology the ill effects and misfortunes of Lord Shani can be reduced by observing Shanivar Vrat or Saturday Upavas. Saturday Fasting begins early morning and ends after sunset. The devotees who observe the fast will take only one time meal in the evening after worshipping Lord Shani. Black coloured food items such as black gram, food prepared using sesame oil are preferred for the devotees taking vrat.
Shanivar Vrat Rituals
People observing Saturday Fasting wakes up before sunrise takes a bath and visit Lord Shani temple or temples where Navagrahas are worshipped. Some people also visit Lord Hanuman temples as it is a popular belief that Shanidev would not trouble Lord Hanuman devotees. Devotees also visit Lord Ayyappa temples are also visited as worshipping Ayyappan is regarded to reduce Shani dosha.
Shani Chalisa and Shani Mahatmya are recited on the day. Shani Aarti is performed in the evening. Some people donate black clothes or black colored items on the day to appease Lord Shani.
About Lord Shani
Shani Dev is represented as a deity of dark complexion carrying bow and arrow riding a crow. According to Hindus, Shani is regarded as the son of Lord Surya and Chhaya Devi (the shadow image or reflection of Saranyu, the first wife of Surya). Sani Dev is also known by different names such as Saura - son of Surya, Pangu - disabled, Mandu – slow and dull, Asita - dark complexion and Saptarchi -seven eyed. Shani pooja enables to lessen bad luck caused by planet Shani. The people suffering from Shani dosha is advised to observe Shanivar Vrat for the blessings of Shani.
Major Shani Temples in India
There are only a few temples exclusively dedicated to Lord Shani. Some of the popular Lord Shani temples in India are Sri Shaniswar Temple in Mumbai, Shanidham Shani Temple at Delhi and Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra.
Shanivar Vrat Rituals
People observing Saturday Fasting wakes up before sunrise takes a bath and visit Lord Shani temple or temples where Navagrahas are worshipped. Some people also visit Lord Hanuman temples as it is a popular belief that Shanidev would not trouble Lord Hanuman devotees. Devotees also visit Lord Ayyappa temples are also visited as worshipping Ayyappan is regarded to reduce Shani dosha.
Shani Chalisa and Shani Mahatmya are recited on the day. Shani Aarti is performed in the evening. Some people donate black clothes or black colored items on the day to appease Lord Shani.
About Lord Shani
Shani Dev is represented as a deity of dark complexion carrying bow and arrow riding a crow. According to Hindus, Shani is regarded as the son of Lord Surya and Chhaya Devi (the shadow image or reflection of Saranyu, the first wife of Surya). Sani Dev is also known by different names such as Saura - son of Surya, Pangu - disabled, Mandu – slow and dull, Asita - dark complexion and Saptarchi -seven eyed. Shani pooja enables to lessen bad luck caused by planet Shani. The people suffering from Shani dosha is advised to observe Shanivar Vrat for the blessings of Shani.
Major Shani Temples in India
There are only a few temples exclusively dedicated to Lord Shani. Some of the popular Lord Shani temples in India are Sri Shaniswar Temple in Mumbai, Shanidham Shani Temple at Delhi and Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra.
The Thirunallar temple near Kumbakonam in Tanjavor district in TamilNadu is SaniBhagavan's or Lord Sani's Greatest Temple of Worship
ReplyDeleteThe THIRUNALLAR TEMPLE { NEAR KARAIKAL IN PONDICHERRY STATE AND ALSO NEARER TO KUMBAKONAM TOWN IN TAMIL NADU } OF LORD SHANI IS THE GREATEST TEMPLE OF WORSHIP OF LORD SHANI.
ReplyDeleteThis Is good site which I am watching every day,Please send a posting of Baghavan VEERABADRA with photos and devotional song of this diety
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Nesamany