Shanivar Vrat
Shanivar Vrat is a sacred Hindu fast observed on Saturdays, dedicated to Lord Shani Dev, the deity associated with karma, discipline, and justice. Shani is known for delivering rewards and consequences based on one's actions, and worshipping him with sincerity can help reduce the effects of Shani Dosha or Sade Sati. Observing Shanivar Vrat is believed to bring relief from difficulties, remove obstacles, and bring stability to one’s personal and professional life.
Shanivar Vrat Katha
Once there was a proud king who never worshipped Shani Dev (Lord Saturn). When Shani entered his zodiac, everything fell apart—he lost his wealth, kingdom, and respect. He became a poor oil seller and suffered greatly.
One day, wrongly accused, he was beaten and cried out to Shani Dev. Pleased with his genuine remorse, Shani Dev appeared, forgave him, and restored his fortunes. The king realized his mistake and began observing Shanivar Vrat regularly.
The story teaches that Shani Dev rewards justice, humility, and devotion, and punishes ego and wrongdoing.
God Worshipped
Lord Shani & Hanuman Ji
Day Observed
Saturday (Shanivar)
Associated Color
Black or Dark Blue
God Worshipped
Lord Shani & Hanuman Ji
Day Observed
Saturday (Shanivar)
Associated Color
Black or Dark Blue
Saturday Pooja Kit for Lord Shani (Shanivar Vrat)
Idol or image of Lord Shani
Black cloth
Mustard oil
Black sesame seeds (Til)
Iron lamp (diya)
Blue or black flowers
Neelam (if astrologically advised)
Incense sticks, sandalwood paste, and rice
Importance of Shanivar Vrat
The Shanivar Vrat is particularly important for those going through difficult Saturn phases in their astrological charts. Worshipping Shani Dev with devotion can reduce the malefic effects and bring mental peace, financial recovery, and protection from misfortune. It also encourages discipline, humility, and devotion to dharma.
Benefits of Shanivar Vrat
Protects from Shani Dosha and astrological hardships
Brings stability and protection in career and finances
Helps overcome legal, health, or debt-related issues
Increases patience, discipline, and spiritual strength
Shanivar Vrat Vidhi
Wake up early on Saturday morning, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (before sunrise).
Take a bath and wear black or dark blue clothes, which are considered auspicious for Lord Shani Dev.
Clean the pooja space and place a picture or idol of Lord Shani Dev or a Shani Yantra.
Light a sesame oil (til oil) lamp in front of the deity.
Offer black sesame seeds, black cloth, mustard oil, black urad dal, and blue flowers to Lord Shani.
Chant Shani Mantras like “Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah” 108 times with devotion.
Recite the Shanivar Vrat Katha and pray for protection from hardships, justice, and blessings.
Offer food such as black chana, sesame seeds sweets, or khichdi to the poor or a Shani temple priest.
Maintain a simple and sattvic diet, avoiding salt, non-veg, alcohol, and onion-garlic during the fast.
Donate items like iron, black sesame, clothes, or shoes to the needy after the pooja.
Break the fast after sunset with simple food if complete fasting is difficult.
Mantras to chant during the day
“ॐ नीलाञ्जन समाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्।
छायामार्तण्ड सम्भूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्॥”“Om Nilanjana Samabhasam Raviputram Yamagrajam |
Chhaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanaishcharam ||”
Meaning (in English):
“I bow down to Lord Shani, who is the color of black collyrium (kajal), the son of Surya (the Sun God) and Chhaya (shadow), the elder brother of Yama (God of Death), and who moves slowly.”
Food Items Do's and Don'ts for Shanivar vrat
Food to Eat in Shanivar Vrat
Plain fruits and raw vegetables
Khichdi (without onion, garlic, or excessive spices)
Sabudana dishes
Roasted peanuts or dry fruits
Milk and curd
Food Items to Avoid in Shanivar Vrat
Salt and oily food
Non-vegetarian food
Onion, garlic
Alcohol or any intoxicants
Caffeinated drinks (prefer herbal teas or water)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Shanivar vrat?
Shanivar Vrat is believed to reduce the malefic effects of Shani (Saturn), remove obstacles, protect from evil influences, and bring peace, stability, and justice into one’s life.
What should we eat in Shani vrat?
On Shanivar Vrat, one should eat black sesame seeds, black gram (urad dal), jaggery, fruits, or satvik food once a day, preferably after sunset. Avoid salt and oily food.
What are the benefits of Saturday pooja?
Saturday pooja helps to lessen Shani Dosh, remove karmic burdens, and protect from delays and hardships. It also attracts spiritual growth and discipline.
What happens if I fast on Saturday?
Fasting on Saturday can help you become mentally strong, eliminate negativity, and gain blessings from Shani Dev. It also fosters patience and a balanced outlook.
How to impress Shani Dev on Saturday?
To impress Shani Dev, light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree, offer black sesame, mustard oil, and black clothes, and chant Shani mantras like “ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः” with true devotion and discipline.