In most Indian households, there is a tradition of lighting a mustard oil diya and offering black sesame seeds to Lord Shani dev on Saturday evenings, but do you know why? Well, there are many beliefs that are deeply rooted in Vedic astrology and Hindu mythology, and this mystery of offering kala til to Shani Dev is one of them. So, read on to find out more:
Why is black sesame offered to Shani dev?
Saturday, also known as Shanivar in Hindi, is the day of Lord Shani Dev. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shani dev is the stern taskmaster of karma and justice, whose gaze tests discipline and humility. Interestingly, black sesame seeds also known as Kala Til is believed to be a sacred offering to the deity, which has the power to reduce as well as absorb negativity and karmic cleansing. This is seen as a remedial ritual and the mentions of this can be found in many books of mythology and vedic astrology.
How do devotees perform this ritual?
According to ancient vedic texts, this ritual can be performed only during saturdays to honour Lord Shani Dev and to reduce the malefic effects of planet saturn. People light a diya of mustard oil under peepal trees or at Shani Dev temples, and this is done to pacify Saturn’s malefic effects like Sade Sati and other doshas. One can also chant Shani Chalisa after offering black til.
How can this simple remedy change your life?
According to vedic astrology experts, observing this ritual regularly on Saturdays and donating black sesame seeds under the peepal tree may help in reducing karmic debts, removes hurdles and blockages from life and brings in progress and prosperity. It is also believed that, when black til is combined with black urad dal or iron donations the results get amplified. Lastly, chanting “Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah” 108 times is believed to be the simplest way to seek blessings of Lord Shani dev.
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