Remedies for Shani Dosha

Introduction:

Saturn, also known as Shani, is known to be "The Greater Malefic" and is the most feared planet in astrology since primordial times as its main function is contraction, restriction and limitation. This planet is known to make things difficult for people. Despite its negative impact, Shani is the bringer of structure and discipline to the world; hence it has come to be known as a planet of justice.

Astrological Importance:

Saturn reveals limitations, fears and responsibility in our birth chart as per its association with the astrological sign. Shani is known to bestow an individual with great wealth and fame as and when it is placed in beneficial sign and house in our birth chart. He also is known to deliver long life to people if he is placed favorably in horoscope. In time of Shani Dosha, he is known impart poverty, accidents, loss, misery, sorrow, and hurdles in life. Shani is known to bring characterization in our lives and brings awareness about self-control and restraint. It is related to every aspect that leads to or brings people's effort to zero or negative.
Shani or Saturn is considered to be the father/authority figure due to its disciplinarian teachings. The learnings' are not always pleasant but they help us grow mature and gain better understanding of the world around us. He also helps guiding people's achievements and increase focus in life.
The color associated with the planet is black, and the gemstone associated is blue Sapphire.

What is Shani Mahadasha?

The great period in a person's life ruled by Shani is called Shani Mahadasha. This period portrays specific transitions and transformations in an individual's life. Shani Mahadasha influences different aspects of people's life and its effects can be entirely dependent on the influence exerted by that planet on the Nakshatra an individual is born with. The good and the bad aspects of the same are dependent on the person's horoscope, karma and his/her actions.

What is Shani Dosha?

Shani Dosha or malefic Saturn arises when the planet is debilitated or occupies any of the Cardinal Houses in a natal chart. The period when Saturn's malefic effects are prominent due to its planetary positions in conjugation with other planets, is known as the Shani Dosha.

God Associated and Shani Dosha Nivaran Puja:

Mythically, Shani is the God associated with Saturn and he is considered to be the son of Lord Surya and his wife Chhaya (Shadow). He is known to be a great teacher and impart righteous justice based on individual's karma; however, he is also known to punish the followers of evil.
Saturn, being the deliverer of justice, is also ruled by Goddess Katyayini. The sixth form of Navadurga is considered to be the giver of righteousness as per the karma and the lessons come as per the actions of an individual, hence she is the ruling Goddess for Shani.
It is based on the myth that Hanuman (the Monkey God) rescued Shani from the prison of Ravana (the demon-king), a popular belief has come around that worshiping Hanuman helps counter the destitution caused by Shani or Saturn.
Shani Dosha Puja is done to nullify the ill effects of Shani's gaze and bring back the prosperity in one's life. Shani Dosha Puja also includes paying obeisance to Him every Saturday, by lighting a lamp with sesame or mustard oil before His image. Shani Shingnapur is the most popular temple of Shani, and is believed to be a "jagrut devasthan" (alive temple), where Shanidev resides in His most powerful form.
Shani Dosha Nivaran Puja service includes Ganpathi Smaran, Shaanti paath, Invocation of all deities, Nine planets invocation, Shani mantra jaap, Shani Havan, Shani shanti donation in temple and daily Brahmin Bhojan.