Saripodhaa Sanivaaram: A Festival Honoring the Blessings of Saturn

Introduction

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, also known as the Saturday of Saturn or Sani Bhairava Ashtami, is an auspicious festival celebrated across India to honor Lord Shani, the planet Saturn. This festival falls on the eighth day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

Lord Shani is considered a powerful deity who brings both blessings and challenges into one's life. Worshipping Lord Shani on Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is believed to appease him and seek his favor for success, good health, and well-being.

Significance of Saripodhaa Sanivaaram

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is a significant festival for several reasons:

1. It marks the beginning of the worship of Lord Shani: The eight days leading up to Saripodhaa Sanivaaram are considered the most auspicious time to worship Lord Shani.
2. It offers an opportunity to seek blessings: Devotees observe fasting, perform special pujas, and chant mantras to Lord Shani on this day to seek his blessings and ward off any negative influences in their lives.
3. It helps reduce the malefic effects of Saturn: According to Hindu astrology, Saturn's malefic effects can cause setbacks, delays, and challenges. Worshipping Lord Shani on Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is believed to reduce these negative effects and bring positive outcomes.

Observances and Rituals

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is observed with great devotion and fervor by Hindus across India. Some of the key rituals associated with this festival include:

1. Fasting: Devotees observing the fast abstain from non-vegetarian food, grains, and salt for the entire day.
2. Special Puja: Special pujas are performed to Lord Shani on this day, involving the offering of flowers, incense, and sweets.
3. Chanting of Mantras: Devotees chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shani, such as the "Om Shani Devaya Namaha" mantra, to seek his blessings and protection.
4. Offering of Black Sesame Seeds: Black sesame seeds are considered sacred to Lord Shani, and devotees offer them as part of the puja rituals.
5. Lighting of Oil Lamps: Oil lamps are lit in temples and homes to symbolize the warding off of darkness and negativity.

In Conclusion

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar that offers an opportunity to worship Lord Shani and seek his blessings for success, happiness, and well-being. By observing the rituals and traditions associated with this festival, devotees can appease Lord Shani and reduce the negative effects of Saturn's influence in their lives.