Shani Dev or Planet Saturn is the son of Surya Dev and Chhaya and the brother of Lord Yama, the God of death. Shani plays the role of a judge like Lord Yama. Saturday is the most auspicious day to worship Lord Shani Dev and seek His divine blessings.
The difference is that while Lord Shani rewards or punishes a person as per his/her deeds during his lifetime, Lord Yama rewards or punishes a person after death. It is believed that devotees overcome problems related to occupation, finances, mental state, society, family and body by worshipping Lord Shani.
Lord Shani Dev is worshipped by offering the above and chanting the following mantras. Aasanam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while taking the posture or aasana, Padya Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering water to the feet of Lord Shani Dev.
Ardhya Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while pouring water.Aachamaniya Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while drinking water, Snanam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while bathing the Lord.
Vasram Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering the black cloth.Gandham Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering incense sticks or camphor. Pushpamalam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering a garland of flowers.
Deepam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while lighting lamps. Akshatam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering rice. Naivedyam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering til.Dakshinam Samarpayanami – This mantra is chanted while offering dakshina. Devotees end the puja after chanting Namaskaram Karomi.
Puja Essentials
A number of puja items are required for worshiping Lord Shani Dev. The most important items are:
- Black “til” and rice
- Mustard oil
- Lamps
- Incense sticks
- Flower garland
- Coconut
- Black cloth
Abhishekam is done to Shani Dev by offering mustard oil. This is how you get shani dev blessings.