Shani Amavasya 2017: This is how you can seek divine blessings!

Faith moveth mountains and therefore there are numerous ways to seek the blessings of the almighty. As per Hindu tradition, the Saturn Lord or Shani Dev is one of the main deities worshipped across the globe. The Lord is mentioned in the ancient Puranas and scripts as well. The planet associated with the Lord is Saturn; it is also one of the main Navagraha as per Hindu mythology.

On the new moon as per Hindu calendar, certain specific rituals are performed for different gods and goddesses. If a new moon or Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya and if it is on a Saturday then it becomes Shani Amavasya.

November 18, 2017 (Saturday) happens to be Shani Amavasya—a day which is as it is dedicated to the Saturn Lord. This time is even more auspicious because the Amavasya is falling on a Saturday. This Amavasya is taking place during the winter season.

Many believe that if the Amavasya falls on a Saturday and you take bath at a holy place, then all your bad deeds get washed away and you are freed from your sins. This year, Shani Amavasya is on a Saturday and this has happened after a gap of 30 long years. In 2007, there was the same planetary conjecture and the Amavasya was on a Saturday. In 2017, it has happened twice as the first Shani Amavasya this year took place on June 24 which again was a Saturday. That took place after a gap of ten years.

This is how you can make the most of this day:

You can pray to the Lord by getting up early and taking a bath at some holy river or pilgrimage.

Also, the devotees can offer food, clothes and other valuable stuff in the name of their ancestors who are no longer alive.

Helping the poor and needy on this day can please the Lord and in turn, he will bless you.

You can visit any Shani Temple and offer jaggery and chana (black chickpeas or Gram) to the Lord. Also, black lentils (urad black dal) can be offered to the Lord as well. It is believed that the Saturn God also likes black colour and the mettle Iron (Loha) is associated with him. The devotees can give eatables along with the mettle utensils to the needy also.

The most important thing above all is that you must pray to Lord Shani Dev with a pure mind, body, and soul not thinking about your worries and he shall grant your wishes.

Jai Shani Dev!