Lord Shani is often worshipped out of fear of Shani’s punishments of the hardships he gives in people's lives (like Shani sadhesati). But in reality, lord shani is the lord of justice, karma, and discipline. He is the god of righteousness. It is exactly like whatever you sow you will get as a result.  So when lord shani gives hardships, it is actually a second chance in life to restart it after learning the right things: patience, righteousness, and responsibility. He delays, but when the moment you learn the lessons, he blesses you with unstoppable success.

Saturday or Shanivar is considered the most auspicious day to worship lord shani, and devotees across India dedicate this day to seek his blessings and protection. But ever thought why lord shani is only worshiped on Saturday? Let’s understand the significance behind this.

The Planet Saturn and Its Influence

In Vedic astrology, Lord Shani is represented by the planet Saturn (shani graha), which is known to govern justice, truth, and karma. Saturn is usually considered a planet that moves slowly and takes about 30 years to complete one revolution around the sun. This slow pace reflects his nature, which is patience, justice, and karma.

 Saturday is ruled by Saturn among the seven days of the week because it is believed that on this day, the energy of lord shani is strongest, making it the most effective time to connect with him and seek his blessings through prayers, fasting, and charity. If we worship lord shani on Saturday, then it helps to balance Saturn's influence in one’s horoscope and brings relief from struggles, delays, and challenges in life.

The Symbolism of Saturday

Saturday symbolizes self-discipline, humility, and perseverance. It is a day to pause, reflect, and introspect on the actions in terms of what we do, think, and learn in our day-to-day lives. He does not punish anyone unfairly; rather, he gives you results based on the karma of each soul. His lessons can be hard sometimes, but in the end, it meant to lead one toward spiritual growth and righteousness.

That’s why devotees observe fasting on Saturdays and visit Shani temples to cleanse their past karmas and fill their lives with peace. Many also offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and black cloth, which keep the Saturn energy calm and bring harmony in your life.

Legends Associated with Shani Dev

As per ancient scriptures, Lord Shani is the son of Surya Dev (Sun) and Chhaya Devi. At the time of his birth, when Shani Dev opened his eye, his powerful gaze caused the sun to go into an eclipse. Lord Shani, powerful gaze, represents his intense energy and influence. Despite being feared for his strictness, Shani Dev is a protector of truth, Karma, and justice.

According to one popular story, Lord Hanuman once saved lord shani from Ravan’s imprisonment

After which lord shani promised Hanuman Ji that lord hanuman devotees should never be troubled by him. This is why Hanuman and Shani Dev are worshipped together on Saturdays, especially those seeking relief from Saturn’s immense effect (shani dosh or sade sati).

How Devotees Worship on Saturdays

Every devotee wakes up early morning, takes a bath, and visits the Shani temple. Visiting Shani temples where Shani idols are bathed with mustard oil is considered more auspicious. Once you reach the Shani temple, light a til oil Diya, and recite the Shani chalisa. You can also donate the food or clothes to poor people today. Feeding crows (vehicle of Shani Dev) or helping the needy will help you reduce the karmic burden and will please Lord Shani.

Thousands of devotees also visit the Shani Dham Temple (one of the temples at the Chaar Dham Temple, Vrindavan), where devotees feel the divine presence of Lord Shani. They also get a chance to light the diya and offer oil to the Navgrah puja sthal outside the Shani Dev temple to get the blessings of lord shani.

Why Do We Offer Til Oil to Shani Dev?

As per ancient scriptures, Til oil (sesame oil) can absorb and reduce the negative karmic energies which directly connected to the influence of Saturn. When devotees offer oil on the Shani idol, also known as Shani shila, it symbolically washes away all the impact of negative karma, obstacles, and burdens that you are carrying in your life. The smooth reflective surface of oil is believed to calm Shani dev's slow-moving energy and bring relief and protection to one’s life. 

This oldest and most powerful ritual mentioned in the Puranas is suggested to be performed especially during Shani Dasha, Sade Sati, and Dhaiyya, providing devotees with mental clarity, peace, and progress.

What to Offer to Shani Dev on Saturdays 

You can offer multiple things to Shani Dev, which reflect his energy and symbolise him to reduce the effect of Shani on you. 

1. Offer Mustard Oil or use in a bhishek or light a mustard oil diya on the Shani temple or the peepal tree to calm Saturn's impact 

2. Offer Black Sesame Seeds to remove all the karmic blockages and calm Saturn’s energy.

3. Wear and donate Black clothes on Saturday represents discipline and humility. 

4. Donating Iron or iron objects reduces challenges in life, as Saturn is associated with iron.

5. Offering or donating urad dal (Black Gram), please Shani Dev.

6. Offering blue flowers of Aprajita (Butterfly Pea) makes it special for Shani Dev.

7. Feeding Shani Dev vehicles like Black Dog or a Crow can help you reduce obstacles.

8. Donating shoes, clothes, or food to the poor, which represents the act of kindness, charity pleases lord shani.

9. Chanting the Shani mantra or Shani chalisha strengthens protection and reduces Saturn's harsh effects.

The Deeper Meaning

Worshipping Lord Shani with faith and self-awareness can help alleviate your hardships and karmic burdens in life. Remember, he is not the destroyer; he is the one who is known for blessing you and more than what you deserve. 

We always remember that the delays and hardships created by Lord Shani are an opportunity to learn patience, introspection, and transformation. When lord shani is worshipped with devotion and a true sense, he always blesses you with more than you prayed for.

So, the next time Saturday arrives, light a diya for Shani Dev with all your devotion and believe not with fear.