Shanaishchara Jayanti is believed to be the day
when Lord Shani, one of the Navagrahas made his appearance on Earth. Shani is
feared by those people who believe and follow astrology, as Shanaishchara has
the capacity to create malefic influence on the horoscope and thus in their
life.
On Shanaishchara Jayanti day, people perform
special pujas at Navagraha Temples or in Shani Temples. Those Hindus having
Saturn cycle or Sade Sathi in their horoscope perform special pujas like
Shani Yagya or Homa. Some devotees observe a fast or upvaas
on the day.
The day is annually observed in Magha Krishna
Paksha. North India observes it on Jyesta Amavasya.
To overcome the fear of Shani people offer prayers
to Lord Hanuman.
Offerings
to be made in Shani Temple
Black cloth, black til (sesame), and til oil.
What to
do on Shanaishchara Jayanti?
Most Hindu devotees fast
on the Shanaishchara Jayanti day. The fasting is from sunrise to sunset. Only a
single meal is consumed on the day that is after pujas and prayers in the
evening.
Devotees who are
observing Shanaishchara Jayanti Vrat usually visit Shani or Navagraha shrines.
Black colored items like sesame
(til), sesame oil, black clothes, and black gram whole are offered to Lord
Shani. Black is the favorite color of Lord Shani.
Belief in that supreme power of Lord Shani plus
determination, hard work, and trust in your abilities can overcome any difficulties.
Shani gives results based on the 'karma' of a person. People who follow Dharma are never troubled by Shani Bhagavan.