Sanikizhamai is abbreviated as “Sani” (Saturday). Saturdays in the Tamil month of Purattasi are ideal for worshipping Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati.
What exactly is Purattasi Sani, and why is it significant?
Purattasi, the Tamil month, is considered one of the sacred months for Hindus. Purattasi is known by the North Indians as Ashwin Month. This month is filled with important festivals such as Mahalaya Paksha, Pitru Paksha, and Sarada Navratri.
During this month, Lord Venkateswara devotees follow a no onion, no garlic menu, and non-vegetarian devotees refrain from eating non-vegetarian food. Purattasi month is very auspicious for Lord Venkateshwara worship because it is considered that the Lord came from Vaikunta to Earth during this month.
Every year during this month, special Poojas and grand celebrations are held at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Though the entire month of Purattasi is ideal for worshiping Lord Venkateshwara, Purattasi Sani is particularly special.
Once upon a time in Tirumala, there lived a humble devotee who was wholeheartedly devoted to Lord Venkateshwara and enjoyed serving the Lord and his devotees. However, the devotee was affected at one point by the sade sati phase, in which Lord Shani worries a person on the basis of the karma of his past and present lives.
The devotee, like others, received the brunt of the sade sati phase. He did lose his wealth, suffer health problems, and encounter numerous other difficulties, but he did not abandon his devotion to Lord Venkateshwara.
Lord Shani was astonished by the devotee’s sincere devotion to the Lord, and he tried every trick in the book to entice the devotee away from Lord Venkateswara.
Lord Shani gradually became impatient and arrogant about the devotee’s devotion, causing major harm to the devotee. Finally, Lord Venkateswara appeared before his devotee, rescuing him from Lord Shani’s clutches, and bestowing massive wealth and fortune upon him. Shani, unable to bear Lord Venkateswara’s wrath, begged forgiveness and promised not to bother those worshippers observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham.
As a result, Lord Saneeswara is said to reduce his negative power and bestow more benefits on Venkateswara Swami’s devotees.
Furthermore, the Pooja performed and Viratham observed on this day are thought to relieve devotees of long-term illness, monetary loss, and marital delay. Thus, worshiping Lord Venkateswara as well as fasting on Purattasi Saturday is an excellent way to appease Sani.
Procedure for Purattasi Sani Viratham
Throughout the year, Hindus observe several fasts. Although the basic procedures for most fasts are the same, minor variations exist based on the region, traditions, and the God to whom the fast is observed.
The following is the procedure for observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham.
Purattasi Viratham’s Importance