In Hinduism, Saturday is devoted to the god of Karma and Justice, Lord Shani. It is said to be the day of rest and worship and holds astrological significance, too. As per Hindu traditions, fasting on this day presents spiritual and material benefits to individuals. This blog discusses the methods, rituals, benefits, and all other information related to the Saturday Fast or Shanivar Vrat. Let us have a look.

Before we delve into the Saturday fast Katha, let us have a look at all the days of the week and know related deities as well as their associated colors:

Saturday Vrat Katha

Lord Shani, who is believed to be one of the most powerful deities, is the son of Surya Dev and his wife, Chhaya. He is said to be the most strict and stern deity who presents justice without any partiality, thus rewarding the righteous and penalizing the wrongdoers.

This story is about a noble and just king, King Vikramaditya, who once had to face the wrath of Shani dev owing to his unintentional disrespectfulness towards the deity. In anger, Shani dev swore to teach a lesson to the king, due to which the king encountered many hardships and challenges. Nevertheless, he stayed dedicated and kept on performing his duties with integrity. He ultimately pleased Shani Dev with his resilience and lifted the curse, reviving stability and prosperity in the kingdom.

The story marks the significance of patience, modesty, and dedication in overpowering the adversities of life. Observing the Saturday Vrat is said to appease Shani Dev, which helps eliminate the ill effects of the planet Saturn, yet getting relief from hindrances and sufferings.

Know About: Shubh Puja Muhurat Today

Saturday Fasting Benefits

Saturday fasting offers many benefits to individuals, as listed below:

Spiritual benefits

• Fasting on Saturdays reduces the negative effects of the past karma and gives relief from hindrances and sufferings.
• Observing fast develops patience, self-discipline, and a deeper bond with the divine.
• The individuals achieve inner peace and serenity by meditating, praying, and chanting mantras.

Know About: Saturday Rahu Kaal Time

Health Benefits

• Observing fasts detoxifies the body by giving a break to the digestive system and stimulates toxin elimination.
• Frequent fasting promotes the absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.
• By eating mindfully and reducing the intake of calories, one can also foster weight management.

Material Benefits

• As Saturday fasting appeases Shani Dev, it is said to bring financial stability and prosperity.
• Devotees seek blessings from Shani Dev for career growth and success and get their efforts rewarded.
• Observing fasts protects individuals from diseases, accidents, and other troubles coming their way.

Saturday Fast Vidhi: Step-Wise Ritual

To observe the Saturday Vrat, you need to follow the mentioned step-by-step rituals on the fasting day:

1. Clean the house and bathe early. Wear clean clothes, black or dark blue preferably. Set up a small puja space by placing the picture or idol of Shani dev. On Saturdays, as Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman are also worshiped, you can set them too. 
2. Vow to observe the fast with complete devotion by sitting in front of the altar. Offer water to Shani Dev and ignite a diya with mustard oil in front of his image.
3. Organize the puja by reciting the Shani Dev mantra 'Om Sham Shanaischaraya Namah.' Offer items related to Shani Dev, such as mustard oil, black sesame seeds, iron, black clothes, and blue flowers. Narrate the Saturday Vrat Katha. Conclude the puja by performing the Shani aarti. Offer Prasad to Shani Dev. 
4. Observe the fast throughout the day and ensure adherence to the dietary guidelines. Spend the day recalling Shani Dev by praying, meditating, and chanting mantras.
5. In the evening, perform the puja by lighting another mustard lamp and praying to Shani Dev. Try visiting Shani Dev or Lord Hanuman temple to offer prayers. 
6. Usually, the Saturday Fast is broken after sunset after the puja. You can offer food to the needy or donate items related to Shani Dev.

Know About: Satyanarayan Vrat Date

Do's and Don'ts of Shanivar Vrat Meals

To ensure benefiting the most by the Shanivar Vrat, follow the given dietary guidelines:

Food Items to Eat

• Fruits like Bananas, pomegranates, apples, and other seasonal fruits.
• Milk and dairy products like buttermilk, yogurt, and paneer.
• Nuts and dry fruits, such as almonds, raisins, cashews, and dates.
• Non-grain flour, like kuttu or buckwheat flour, singhara or water chestnut flour, and sabudana (tapioca pearls).

Food Items to Avoid

• Grains such as wheat, rice, and other cereal grains.
• Legumes and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, etc.
• Avoid regular salt and use rock salt if required.
• Do not use strong spices. Instead, use spices such as black pepper, cumin, and coriander as they are mild.

Sample Menu for Saturday Fast

• 1st Meal (Breakfast): Have fresh fruits with yogurt for breakfast.
• 2nd Meal (Mid-Morning): Handful of dry fruits and nuts.
• 3rd Meal (Lunch): Kuttu ka cheela with yogurt.
• 4th Meal (Tea-time): Fruit smoothie / Buttermilk or Lassi / Tea or Coffee
• 5th Meal (Dinner): Sabudana Khichdi with a bowl of fruits.

Saturday Vrat Aarti

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव महाराज।

मन्दिर मन्दिर दशरत आवे, करते शनि महाराज।

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव महाराज।

दशरथ धिक दे राजा रामजी के दादा।

तिनके नगर में पधारे थे आप कृपा की।

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव महाराज।

दुष्टों का संहार करो, भक्तों की रक्षा करो।

दुखियों का दुःख दूर करो, सबका उद्धार करो।

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव महाराज।

कुंडली में पापी ग्रह हो, जब शनि की दशा हो।

दशा दुखदायी बन जाये, शनि की जब दशा हो।

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव महाराज।

हे शनि देव प्रसन्न रहो, भक्तों की सुन लो।

दीनन की विनती सुन लो, दु:ख दरिद्रता हर लो।

जय शनि देव, जय शनि देव, जय शनि

Know About: Online Day Panchang

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What is the significance of Saturday Fast?

Ans. Saturday fasting is dedicated to Lord Shani and is considered to mitigate Shani Dosha, fetch justice and security, as well as promote health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Q.2 What are the Saturday Fasting Benefits?

Ans. The benefits of Shanivar Vrat are karmic relief, spiritual growth, health advancement, career success, financial stability, and a shield from hardships.

Q.3 Can I eat during the Saturday fast?

Ans. Yes, you can eat food items such as fruits, dry fruits, nuts, milk, dairy products, and non-grain flour, like buckwheat and tapioca pearls, while observing the Saturday fast.

Q.4 What to avoid eating on Saturday fasts?

Ans. On Saturday fasting, you should avoid eating pulses, grains, strong spices, and regular salt. If required, use rock salt or mild spices such as cumin and black pepper.

Q.5 How should I perform Saturday fasting rituals?

Ans. As a part of Saturday's fast vidhi, ignite the mustard oil lamp, recite Shani mantras, offer items such as black sesame seeds, and narrate the Vrat Katha.

Q.6 Can I break the Shanivar Vrat after sunset?

Ans. Yes, the fast generally breaks after the sunset evening puja. It is advised to offer food to the poor or donate to them after breaking the fast.

Q.7 Can my child observe a Saturday fast?

Ans. Children can observe the Shanivar Vrat in a simplified manner by avoiding certain foods and praying under adult supervision.

Q.8 Is it compulsory to visit a temple on Saturdays?

Ans. Visiting the Shani or Hanuman temple on Saturdays can promote spiritual experience, as well as fetch additional blessings. However, it is not mandatory to visit the temple.

Q.9 What mantra to chant during Saturday fast?

Ans. You can chant the Shani Mantra 'Om Sham Shanaischaraya Namah' to invoke blessings from Shani Dev.

Q.10 Why should we offer mustard oil to Shani Dev?

Ans. As mustard oil is considered to appease Shani Dev, diminish the malefic impacts of Saturn, and get protection and prosperity, it is recommended to offer it to Shani Dev.

Q.11 What can I include in Shani Dev fast prasad?

Ans. You can include items like sesame seeds, black gram, or other simple food prepared without salt.