18 May: Devotees gathered in large numbers at Maa Bawe Wali Temple in Jammu to observe Shani Jayanti with religious devotion and special rituals on Thursday.
Shani Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani Dev and is considered an important occasion in Hindu tradition for seeking blessings related to relief from hardships, protection from negative influences, and improvement in karma. This year, the occasion also coincided with Shani Amavasya, which occurs when the Amavasya tithi aligns with sunrise, adding greater spiritual significance to the day.
At the historic temple located inside Bahu Fort, priests and devotees participated in early morning religious ceremonies beginning around 6 AM. The rituals included special puja, Vedic mantra chanting, Abhishek, and Aarti dedicated to Lord Shani Dev.
The temple premises witnessed a steady flow of devotees throughout the day as worshippers offered prayers, lit oil lamps, and performed traditional rituals associated with Shani worship. Many devotees also observed fasting and participated in spiritual practices believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection from difficulties.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Shani is associated with justice, discipline, karma, and spiritual balance. Worshipping Shani Dev on this auspicious occasion is considered highly beneficial for overcoming personal struggles and attaining mental and spiritual strength.
Special offerings including mustard oil, black sesame seeds, and prayers were made by devotees during the ceremonies. The atmosphere at the temple remained deeply spiritual, with devotional hymns and Vedic chants echoing through the Bahu Fort complex.
Temple authorities made necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of rituals and proper management of devotees visiting the shrine during the observance. Security and crowd management measures were also maintained to ensure orderly movement inside the temple premises.
Shani Jayanti is celebrated across India with religious gatherings, temple visits, charity, and spiritual observances. In Jammu, Maa Bawe Wali Temple remains one of the major centres of worship during important Hindu festivals and occasions.
Religious scholars say the festival carries both spiritual and moral significance, reminding devotees about the importance of good deeds, patience, discipline, and righteous conduct in life.
The observance once again highlighted the deep-rooted spiritual traditions and religious faith associated with Jammu’s historic temples and cultural heritage.
As devotees concluded prayers and rituals, the occasion reflected a collective sense of devotion, hope, and spiritual connection centred around the blessings of Lord Shani Dev.
