Introduction
The Saturdays (Shanivar) that fall during the holy month of Shravana (July–August) are considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Shani Dev, the powerful deity of karma, justice, and discipline. These Saturdays are known as “Shravana Shanivar” and are believed by many traditions to be connected with Shani Dev’s birthday or special spiritual appearance.
Shravana Saturdays are observed by fasting, offering oil, and reciting Shani mantras to seek relief from misfortunes, planetary afflictions, and karmic blockages caused by the malefic influence of Saturn (Shani dosha, Sade Sati, Dhaiya, etc.).
Who is Lord Shani Dev?
Shani Dev is the son of Surya (the Sun God) and Chhaya (Shadow goddess). He is one of the Navagrahas (Nine Planets) in Vedic astrology and is known for his slow movement and powerful influence over human life. He is a strict dispenser of justice — rewarding virtue and punishing wrong deeds without bias.
Shani is feared and revered alike because his planetary period (dasha) or aspect (drishti) can either elevate a person to great heights or lead them through suffering — depending entirely on one’s karma.
Why Shravana Saturdays are Special
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Shani Dev is a devotee of Lord Shiva, and Shravana is the holiest month dedicated to Shiva.
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Worshipping Shani on Shravana Saturdays multiplies the benefits of Shani Upasana.
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It is believed Shani Dev received his divine powers and responsibilities during the Shravana month.
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Devotees believe that Shani’s birthday or avirbhava (divine manifestation) occurred on a Shravana Saturday.
Benefits of Worshiping Shani Dev on Shravana Saturdays
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Helps remove Saturn-related afflictions in the horoscope.
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Provides relief from Sade Sati, Dhaiya, and other planetary problems.
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Brings protection from accidents, diseases, and sudden misfortunes.
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Enhances discipline, detachment, and clarity in life.
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Bestows Shani’s blessings in career, stability, and justice.
Mythological Story: Birth of Shani Dev
According to Hindu mythology, when Shani Dev was born to Chhaya, the second wife of Surya Dev, his dark complexion made Surya suspicious about his parentage. This led to friction between father and son.
Infuriated by Surya’s behavior, young Shani glanced angrily at his father, and that very moment Surya developed a serious skin disease. The devas approached Lord Shiva for a solution. Shiva not only healed Surya Dev but also blessed Shani with the responsibility of being the dispeller of karmic justice.
Since then, Shani Dev became a great devotee of Lord Shiva and is especially worshipped during the month of Shravana.
Worship Method on Shravana Saturdays (Puja Vidhi)
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Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
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Light a lamp (diya) with mustard oil under a Peepal tree.
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Offer mustard oil and black sesame seeds (til) to Lord Shani.
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Chant “Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah” 108 times.
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Donate black clothes, iron, urad dal, or footwear to the needy.
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Read Shani Chalisa and Hanuman Chalisa — as Hanuman is known to protect from Shani’s wrath.
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Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and anger on this day.
Scriptural References (Where Shani Dev is Mentioned)
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Skanda Purana
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Details of Shani Dev’s birth and his deep devotion to Lord Shiva.
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Bhagavata Purana
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Discusses the roles of Navagrahas and their influence on human beings.
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Brahma Vaivarta Purana
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Describes the character and justice of Shani Dev.
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Mahabharata – Anushasana Parva
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Bhishma teaches Yudhishthira about planetary influences, including Shani.
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Padma Purana
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Gives remedies and rituals to please Shani and gain his favor.
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Ramcharitmanas (Koshala Khand)
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References to Shani Dev’s gaze and how it affects both devas and mortals.
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Important Mantra to Chant
“Om Neelanjana Samaabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chhaya Martanda Sambhootam Tam Namami Shanaishcharam”
This Sanskrit mantra glorifies Shani Dev as the son of Surya and Chhaya, dark-hued as blue sapphire, and the elder brother of Yama (the god of death).
Conclusion
Shravana Saturdays are not just ritualistic observances, but spiritual opportunities to correct our karmas and realign with truth, discipline, and devotion. Worshiping Shani Dev with sincerity during this sacred month opens the doors to inner purification, stability in life, and the blessings of justice and balance.
Even the most difficult periods of life governed by Shani Dev are meant not to punish but to help us evolve. When approached with humility and purity of heart — especially during Shravana — Shani becomes a compassionate guide instead of a harsh judge.
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