Shani Amavasya is the Amavasya day that falls on a shanivar or Saturday. Some Hindu communities consider Amavasya as inauspicious day and the Amavasya that falls on Saturday is even more inauspicious day. But the Hindu communities that follow Sauramana Calendar (Solar Calendar) consider Amavasya as auspicious. They worship Lord Shani, who is the supreme God in one’s fortune, on the day of Shani Amavasya. In 2010, Shani Amavasya dates are – February 13 and June 12, 2010.
As Lord Shani is called as Sanaischara, Shanishwara, Chaya Putra etc. name of the Amavasya also varies according to the name of Lord Sani.
Significance and Importance of Shani Amavasya Puja:
Those who believe in Astrology, observe Shani Amavasya puja. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shani and offering him naivedya can reduce bad effects in their lives. Sani Amavas pooja is observed mainly in North India and in Tamilnadu and some regions of Kerala as they follow Sauraman (Solar Calendar). Sani Amavas is considered as one of the best days to perform Shraadh and Tarpan to dead ancestors.
Rituals and Customs of Shani Amavasya:
Rituals and customs of Shani Amavasya include – Shani Thailabhishekam and some other Shani pujas. Devotees believe that Shani Amavas day is the auspicious day to please and pacify Lord Sani. Those who are suffering from several doshas such as Pitra Dosh, Kaala Sarpa Dosh (Naga Dosh) perform remedial pujas for Lord Sani.
Shani Thailabhishek is the prominent puja observed by many devotees during Sani Amavas. During the Thailabhishek, people offer a piece of Black cloth, Black Til, Til Oil and fruits to Lord Shanishwara. Chanting and reciting Lord Shani Stotras, slokas and mantras may benefit devotees to reduce the bad effects of Lord Sani.
Best Way to get rid of malevolent effects of Lord Shani is praying to Lord Hanuman. Once Lord Hanuman granted a boon to his devotees that they would not be suffered from Shani’s malevolent looks.
Famous Temples of Lord Shani:
Lord Sri Sanishwara temple in Shani Shinganapur (Maharashtra) and Sri Sanischara temple in Tirunallur are the most popular temples to conduct Shani Amavas puja.


