Know the details about the Shani Jayanti 2024 Date Timings Pooja Celebration Process, 2024 Shani Jayanti Festival Date Timings Pooja Procedure
Shani Jayanti 2024: Date, Timings, Pooja Celebration Procedure, Story, and Importance
Shani Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Shani, the deity associated with justice and karma in Hindu mythology. This significant day is observed with devotion and various rituals to appease Lord Shani and seek his blessings. This article provides detailed information on Shani Jayanti 2024, including the date, timings, pooja celebration procedure, story, importance, and essential facts.
Shani Jayanti 2024 Date Timings Pooja Celebration Process
Date and Timings
Date: Shani Jayanti in 2024 falls on June 8, 2024. Timings:
The Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) begins at 01:37 PM on June 7, 2024, and ends at 03:38 PM on June 8, 2024. The ideal time for performing the pooja is during the morning hours on June 8.
Pooja Celebration Procedure
Observing Shani Jayanti involves several rituals to honor Lord Shani. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
Preparation
- Clean the House: Ensure the house, especially the pooja area, is clean.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, traditional clothes.
- Gather Pooja Items: Collect all necessary items for the pooja.
Setting Up the Altar
- Place an Idol or Picture: Set up an idol or picture of Lord Shani on a clean altar.
- Decorate with Flowers: Adorn the altar with fresh flowers and garlands.
- Light Lamps and Incense: Light oil lamps (diya) and incense sticks to create a divine atmosphere.
Performing the Pooja
- Chant Mantras and Shlokas: Begin by chanting Shani mantras, such as “Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah”.
- Offer Sesame Seeds and Oil: Offer black sesame seeds and mustard oil to the deity.
- Apply Tilak: Apply a tilak of mustard oil mixed with black sesame seeds to the idol.
- Recite Shani Chalisa: Read or listen to the Shani Chalisa to invoke Lord Shani’s blessings.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the pooja with an aarti, singing hymns in praise of Lord Shani while waving camphor or a lamp in front of the deity.
Fasting and Charity
- Observe a Fast: Many devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, consuming only simple foods like fruits and milk.
- Break the Fast: Break the fast the next day after performing the morning rituals.
- Engage in Charity: Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy as part of the observance.
Story of Shani Dev
Shani Dev, also known as Saturn, is the son of Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya. According to mythology, Shani’s gaze can bring both difficulties and rewards based on one’s karma. He is known for his strictness and justice, rewarding good deeds and punishing wrongdoings. Shani Dev’s influence is considered crucial in astrology, affecting an individual’s life events and guiding them towards righteous living.
Importance of Shani Jayanti
Shani Jayanti holds immense significance for several reasons:
- Justice and Karma: Observing this day helps devotees reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings.
- Appeasing Shani Dev: Performing rituals and fasting can appease Shani Dev and mitigate the adverse effects of his influence.
- Spiritual Growth: Engaging in prayers and charitable acts fosters inner peace and spiritual growth.
Things to Know
- Avoid Certain Foods: Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and garlic/onion on Shani Jayanti.
- Maintain Purity: Ensure personal and environmental cleanliness during the observance.
- Devote Time to Prayer: Spend time in meditation, prayer, and reading scriptures dedicated to Shani Dev.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of fasting on Shani Jayanti? A: Fasting on Shani Jayanti is believed to purify the soul and seek forgiveness for past sins.
Q: Can children and elderly people observe the fast? A: Yes, but they should opt for a milder version of the fast, such as consuming fruits and milk.
Q: Are there specific mantras to chant on this day? A: Devotees often recite “Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah” and the Shani Chalisa.
Q: Can non-Hindus participate in the celebrations? A: Yes, non-Hindus can participate and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival.
Q: Is it necessary to visit a temple on Shani Jayanti? A: Visiting a temple is beneficial but not mandatory. You can perform the rituals at home.
Shani Jayanti is a deeply spiritual day that offers devotees an opportunity to seek Lord Shani’s blessings and reflect on their karma. By observing the fast and engaging in rituals with devotion, one can experience spiritual growth and inner peace.