Shani or Shanaishchara is the divine personification of the planet Saturn in Hinduism, and is one of the nine heavenly objects (Navagraha) in Hindu astrology. Shani is also a male Hindu deity in the Puranas, whose iconography consists of a figure with a dark complexion carrying a sword or danda (sceptre) and sitting on a crow. He is the god of karma, justice, and retribution, and delivers results depending upon one’s thoughts, speech, and deeds.
Shani is the controller of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership, authority, humility, integrity, and wisdom born of experience. He also signifies spiritual asceticism, penance, discipline, and conscientious work. He is associated with two consorts: Neela, the personification of the gemstone sapphire, and Manda, a gandharva princess.
Shree Shani Shinganapur Temple
Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa Taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. The village is 35 kilometres from the city of Ahmednagar.
Shani is part of the Navagraha in the Hindu zodiac system. It is considered malefic, associated with spiritual asceticism, penance, discipline and conscientious work. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas.
NAVA meaning nine. They include the sun (Surya), moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (north node of the moon), and Ketu (south node of the moon).
SHANI PRADOSH
The Pradosh fast holds special significance in Hinduism, occurring twice each month. When it falls on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Trayodashi. This year, the last Pradosh fast of Sawan will be on August 17, which is also a Saturday, making it a Shani Pradosh Vrat.
According to the Vedic calendar, the Trayodashi date of Shukla Paksha in Sawan begins at 8:04 AM on August 17 and ends at 5:52 AM on August 18. The auspicious time for worship during Pradosh Vrat will start at 6:57 PM and continue until 9:11 PM. During this period, we can worship Lord Shiva and Shani Dev.
Importance of Pradosh Vrat
Worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan and observing Pradosh Vrat is believed to attract God’s special grace. It brings happiness and peace to married life and alleviates ongoing stress. This fast also helps free us from the negative influences of malefic planets. On Pradosh Vrat day, worship of Lord Shiva is performed during the evening hours.
Method of Worship
On Pradosh Vrat, wake up early and visit a nearby Shiva temple. Bathe the Shivling with Ganges water and Panchamrit, then offer prasad and garlands to Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Nandi Maharaj. Perform the aarti and chant “Om Namah Shivay.”
In the evening, after fasting, offer 108 Belpatra on the Shivling to remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Performing Rudrabhishek on this day can help mitigate the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu, freeing you from other planetary challenges.
Also, consider mixing saffron into milk and offering it to the Shivling, as this can strengthen Jupiter’s position in your horoscope and enhance your financial situation.