ŚANI JAYANTĪ
शनि जयन्ति
The day preceding the new moon in the month of Jyeṣṭhā, known as Śani Amāvásyā, holds special significance in the Vedic calendar as it commemorates the birth of Lord Saturn. Saturn, often referred to as the keeper of time, giver of longevity (Āyus Kāraka - long life indicator), and the embodiment of discipline, is the brother of Yama Dev (lord of death) and was conceived from the radiant light of the Sun and his shadowy consort, Chhaya Devi.
His presence in our lives can manifest as a force that slows us down, humbles us, and may seemingly bring an unceasing succession of challenges and sorrows. Despite the difficulty inherent in Saturn's teachings, embracing his influence can also bestow upon us maturity, spiritual resilience, and the ability to reign over vast domains when we manage to appease him. Śani may manifest as restrictions and delays along our path; however, he never denies. When he gives, he bestows everything abundantly.
Śani, the divine deliverer of our karmas—the fruits of our actions—is the seventh of the nine grahas (planets). He is the lord of the west, presiding over Saturdays, and governs the rāśīs Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius). He rules the Nakṣatras at the heart of all water signs: Puṣyā, Anurādhā, and Uttara Bhadrapadā. Śani is exalted (uccha) in Swāti (Libra) and debilitated (nīca) in Bharaṇī (Aries). His janma nakṣatra, or birth star, is said to be Revatī (Pisces). In Ayurvedic astrology, Śani Dev is associated with the muscle tissue, thighs, colon, rectum, knees, legs, and joints.
Śani’s constitution is Vata, and he is considered of Shudra caste; some even regard him as an outcast. By trade, Śani is depicted as an oil-presser who venerates Kalā Bhairava. His color is black or collyrium, his metal is iron, and his gemstone is blue sapphire. To appease Lord Saturn and prevent him from causing disruptions in your life, you can make regular offerings of black sesame seeds to the crows on Saturdays and chant the Hanumān Chalīsā.
If you’re currently running a cycle (daśā or sub-daśā) of Saturn, experiencing sāḍēsātī (the seven-and-a-half-year transit), undergoing a saturn return (occurs roughly every 29.5 years) or feeling the influence of Saturn holding back your progress, observing a fast on this day can be immensely beneficial. Śani, who is measured, known for his restraint and tolerance, favors those who embrace these virtues. Consider a fast from technology, food, or opting for a slower approach from 6/5 19:54 pm to 6/6 18:07 pm IDT (6/5 10:24 am to 6/6 8:37 am PDT). Additionally, listening to or chanting the Śrī-Rudram, a hymn to Lord Śiva, can invite Saturn's blessings and positive effects into your life.
By honoring a fast on the day preceding this transformative new moon, it is believed that you can invite Saturn's blessings and positive effects into your life.
ॐ शनि शनिस्चराये नमः