Shani Puja is done to appease planet Saturn. Grah Shanti Shani Pooja (Worship of Saturn) is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases. Following things are associated with Shani (Saturn).

Direction :	West
Gemstone :	Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Metal :	Lead
Ruling Day :	Saturday
Flower :	Vanni, Kuvalai
Color :	Black
Associated No. :	7 (Seven)
Grain :	Black Urad Daal
Food :	Rice Mixed With Black Urad Daal
Dhyan Mantra :	Nilanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam Chaya Mrttanda Sambhutam Tam Namami Shanai Shwaram
Shani Gayatri Mantra:	Aum Sanaischaraya Vidmahe, Sooryaputraya Dheemahi, Tanno Manda Prachodayat.

In Vedic astrology, the planet Saturn is called Shanaishwara. Saturn is regarded as an emaciated God with long physique, big teeth and tawny eyes. Shani is indolent and lame. The temperament or nature of Shani is airy. Saturn is considered to be a malefic graha. It is believed that Shani can make a person, a king or a beggar according to the native's deeds (karmas).

Shani Pooja - Worship Of Saturn
Shani Puja or worship of Saturn mitigates the hardships one will have to face during bad times. Shani Puja is also recommended to people who have Saade Sati of Shani in their horoscope. One is advised to recite the following Shani Mantra facing the west, to minimize the evil influence of afflicted Saturn.

"Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah: Aum"
One can observe fasts on Saturdays and can take Khichri (made of rice and black urad daal), after the sunset. Saturn bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him.

Position of Shani- The Saturn
Shani is most powerful in the 7th house. Saturn rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Shani exalts in Libra and falls in the sign of Aries. Saturn is particularly a beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn is the slowest moving planet as it takes 30 months or 2.6 years in each Rashi and completes one cycle in 30 years. Transit of Shani can cause problems from Govt., peers, wife, children, slowdown in business, loss of property and leprosy etc.

Significance of Shani
Shani (Saturn) is an indicator of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn is regarded as a planet of darkness which rules over the dark side of human nature, such as the conscience (awareness of right and wrong). Saturn is regarded to be both a giver as well as destroyer. A person who sincerely prays to Shani is blessed not only with removal of the problems and worries, but a life that one desires.