Here are some effective practices to make the day more fruitful:
1. Light a sesame oil lamp in the morning
Lighting a lamp filled with sesame (til) oil at home or in a temple helps reduce Saturn-related doshas. It is believed to dispel negativity and bring steadiness to ongoing work.
2. Circumambulate a Peepal tree
The Peepal tree is regarded as a symbol of Shani. After sunrise, taking seven rounds (parikramas) of the tree and offering a sesame oil lamp is said to fulfil wishes. Do not pour water on the trunk.
3. Donate black items to the needy
Offering black clothes, black sesame, urad dal, iron items or mustard oil to the poor—especially the elderly, labourers or those in need—is considered highly beneficial on Saturdays.
4. Visit a Hanuman temple and recite prayers
Worshipping Lord Hanuman is known to calm Saturn’s influence. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan or Sundarkand is believed to bring relief from Shani’s hardships.
5. Chant Shani mantra
Chanting the mantra “Om Sham Shanaiścharāya Namah” 108 times helps ease stress, legal challenges, career blocks and financial problems.
6. Offer sesame oil in a Shani or Navgrah temple
Performing an oil offering (tailabhishek) with sesame oil at a Saturn or Navgraha shrine helps balance planetary energies and brings stability.
7. Feed animals associated with Saturn
Feeding a black dog with roti, offering sesame-mixed food to crows, or giving green fodder to cows is believed to pacify Saturn’s negative effects.
What to avoid on Saturday
Certain actions are traditionally discouraged:
• Cutting hair, nails or shaving
• Arguments or disturbances at home
• Giving loans
• Consuming alcohol or tamasic foods
Avoiding these is said to keep Saturn’s influence positive.
