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7-Shani Vaar Vrat (Saturday)
See also    Shani  to know more about Shani;   Shani Vrat Kathaa

Fast on Saturday is devoted to Shani Dev - the planet Saturn. The effect of Shani is harsh and lasts for a long time, therefore this fast is observed. Shani is fond of all kinds of black things like black clothes, black Urad, black sesame, iron and mustard oil. Prayers are offered to Shani Dev followed by the Kathaa and Aaratee. To appease Shani one must use sapphire and iron. When inclined to give charity one should give black things like an iron vessel with oil, an umbrella, a black shoe, black clothes, black sesame and black Urad.

It is believed that those who have the blessing of Lord Hanumaan are protected from the wrath of Shani. Shani Dev do not harm them. Legend has it that Lord Hanumaan rescued Shani from Raavan. (read other stories about him here) This happened during the burning of the Lanka episode in the epic Raamaayan. Lord Shani gave his day, Saturday, to him and then promised that he would not trouble Lord Hanumaan devotees. Therefore many people make it a point to worship Hanuman at home or in temples on this day. Black is the preferred color on Saturday. Black colored items like sesame seeds (Kaalaa Til), sesame oil, black clothes, and whole black gram are offered to Shani. It must be noted here that the color of the idol of Shani is also always black in color and is made of iron. Those devotees who fast on Saturday take only a single meal, and that too in the evening after prayers. Food prepared usually consists of sesame seeds or black gram or any other black colored food item. Salt is avoided by many on the day.

Some devotees worship a black iron idol of Shani. Some worship the Peepal Tree and tie thread around its trunk. Black colored items like sesame oil and black clothes are also donated on the day.

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