Shanivar Vrat (fasting on Saturday)

Shanivar Vrat (fasting on Saturday)

Saturday fast is observed to please Lord Saturn. According to the Hindu scriptures, fasting on Saturdays has a special significance. This is especially so, for those who have Saturn placed in a weak position in their horoscope (Kundli).

The Shanivar-vrat is commenced on the first Saturday of the Shukla Paksh of any month. (Shukla paksha refers to the bright lunar fortnight or waxing moon in the Hindu calendar,which is a period of 15 days). Henceforth, this fast is observed regularly for 11 or 51 times.

The procedure for the fast to be observed, is as follows:

The concerned person should wake up before sunrise on the day of the fast and after bathing and completing the morning rituals, should sprinkle holy water on oneself as well as the entire house. Now she/he should wear black or dark blue coloured clothes. If possible, it is auspicious to worship an idol of Shani Dev made of iron, kept in an iron utensil containing Sesame or Til oil. With the materials of Puja, espically the black flowers of Kagmachi or Kalgrah, two black clothes, black Til, Bhaat (boiled rice) should be gifted to Shani Dev. Shani Lord should be worshiped by chanting the Shani Chalisa, Stotra, mantra and Aarti. Then the Shani Vrat Katha should be read.

Also, person should visit the Shani temple in the morning and evening. And, vision of Lord Hanuman and Bhairav is very favorable. In the temple of Shani Dev, offering is made from,oil of Til, black Urad Dal, black items, black Til and food made of oil.

Meal should be taken 2 hours after sunset. Food item made of Urad dal, in the meal, should be first given to a beggar and then eaten. Poor people should be given donation as per an individual’s capacity. Donations may include black blanket, umbrella, Til, shoes etc. If possible mantra of Saturn planet should be chanted, as many times as possible.

This Vrat is especially useful for people who have Sadhesati, Dahiya, Mahadasha or Antardasha of Shani. Also,observing the fast on Saturday gives relief from joint pains, back pain, muscular- disorders as well as reduces mental tensions and makes a person optimistic.

(Inputs from Wikipedia and c gupta)