This is my personal sādhana I am sharing partially with our Veda Studies community. Shani (Śani) in Jyotiṣa is considered the graha (planet) who works through delays, obstacles, setbacks and general frustrations. Saturn forces one to inspect, reflect upon and recognise our own inner truths. Saturn is impersonal and teaches everyone, whether friend or enemy. (paraphrased from Komilla Sutton’s book). The Saturn remedies that one can observe include but are not limited to fasting, prayer, japa & donation. In the upcoming Śani vrata dates according to the Hindu calendar, you can join me in this year’s offering. Please read all details before you sign up. This sādhana is a combination of self-practice, LIVE practice together, learning an optional hymn through a self-paced course and fasting. You can choose a “vrata” that works for you, it does not have to be ALL Saturdays – decide (Saṅkalpa) what is possible to do and stick to it.

Note: I am not an astrologer and will not be “teaching” anything – I am just offering good company to do this practice in! The Śani vrata is beneficial for everyone!

If you have already studied the Narasiṃha kavacam with me in May 2023, you don’t have any further sign up to do! You will be in this group by default!

Dates & activity

This year the dates for doing Śani vrata are the 16 Saturdays starting from 19 August to the 02 of December.

1. Aug 19 – Email welcome + self-practice with video or audio (possible to download).
2. Aug 26 – Self-practice
3. Sept 02 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).
4. Sept 09 – Self-practice
5. Sept 16 – Self-practice
6. Sept 23 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).
7. Sept 30 – Self-practice
8. Oct 07 – Self-practice
9. Oct 14 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).
10. Oct 21 – Self-practice
11. Oct 28 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).
12. Nov 04 – Self-practice
13. Nov 11 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).
14. Nov 18 – Self-practice
15. Nov 25 – Self-practice
16. Dec 02 – Practice LIVE with Shantala (3pm Brussels time).

Vrata

Derived from the root verb √vṛñ (to choose), it indicates a set of rules and discipline with which one voluntarily binds oneself over a particular period of time. During this time, one undertakes the performance of certain observances/rituals in order to propitiate a particular deity. This whole process, should be undertaken with a saṅkalpa (a resolve), and adhered to.

Various options will be provided to all practitioners – you will be able to create your own personal sādhana, depending on what you are able to do. Choose what works for you, and stick with it!

The practice

We will chant Narasiṃha kavacam followed by a japa honouring Śani. You will follow a full fast/partial fast depending on what is possible by you. You don’t need to commit to all 16 Saturdays, only commit to what is practically possible and see it through.

In order to join this sādhana, I request everyone to please sign up to the self-paced course “Narasiṃha Kavacam” as your contribution to this offering. In case you are facing financial challenges, please write to us for a donation based participation – no one will be turned away from this sādhana.

How to prepare:

1. Choose your sādhana days – choose from 5 to 16 Saturdays, it doesn’t have to be all 16 Saturdays. What is really important is to commit to the days you decide to practice and see it through. No dropping out, make it work. This is your Saṅkalpa (vow).
2. Choose also whether or not you will fast. Only commit to fasting if you do not have any prior medical conditions which make fasting a challenge. You can do a partial/half or full fast. Full fasting starts at sunrise on Saturday, ending on Sunday sunrise.
3. Sign up to the Narasiṃha Kavacam course – you have to learn this hymn through the self-paced course, there is no LIVE teaching anymore. If you’re unable to learn it, don’t worry! In your Saṅkalpa, just decide that you will “listen” to the Narasiṃha Kavacam and join the Japa. Everyone can practice the japa, it will be short, easy, repetitive (108 times).
4. On your chosen Saturdays, practice on your own, or join Shantala on the fixed days when the practice will be offered LIVE. The Zoom link is available in the Narasiṃha course.