New Delhi/Haridwar: Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani, the God of Justice. According to Vedic astrology, Shani Dev rewards or punishes individuals based on their Karma. If you are facing the ill effects of Sade Sati or Dhaiya, performing specific rituals today can bring immense relief and prosperity.
According to scriptures, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi reside in the Peepal tree on Saturdays. Mythology states that Sage Pippalad performed penance under this tree to subdue Lord Shani, leading to a boon that anyone who worships the Peepal tree on Saturday will be protected from Saturn's wrath.
Rules for Lighting the Lamp:
Oil: Always use mustard oil for the earthen lamp (Diya).
Timing: The most auspicious time is after sunset (between 5 PM and 7 PM).
Circumambulation: After lighting the lamp, perform 7 or 9 rounds (Parikrama) of the tree.
Shadow Donation (Chhaya Daan): Look at your reflection in a bowl of mustard oil and donate it to the needy.
Reciting Hanuman Chalisa: Shani Dev promised Lord Hanuman that he would never trouble his devotees. Reciting it under a Peepal tree today is highly effective.
Donating Black Sesame: Offer black sesame seeds (Til), black gram, or black clothes to the underprivileged.
Feeding a Black Dog: Feeding a mustard-oil-smeared roti to a black dog pacifies Shani, Rahu, and Ketu.
Worshipping the Shami Plant: Lighting a lamp near a Shami plant alongside the Peepal tree is believed to double the blessings.