A Sankalpa is a Resolution

“A sankalpa is a resolution, a statement of truth, a silent vow you make to yourself that is only yours” A Sanskrit word, sankalpa means "will, purpose, or determination." Setting an intention so that the desire can be fulfilled by positively energizing your inner energy. All you need to do is focus your mind, connect to your most heartfelt desires, and channel the divine energy within. A sankalpa is a statement that does this for us. 

The Shani of Sankalpa

Stryker explains that kalpa means vow, or “the rule to be followed above all other rules.” San, he says, refers to a connection with the highest truth. Sankalpa, then, is a vow and commitment we make to support our highest truth. “By definition, a sankalpa should honor the deeper meaning of our life. A sankalpa speaks to the larger arc of our lives, our dharma—our overriding purpose for being here.” The sankalpa becomes a statement you can call upon to remind you of your true nature and guide your choices.

Performing Sankalpa at the beginning of puja we are affirming our connection with the Supreme and asking him to energize our inner consciousness so we may perform our duties to the best of abilities.

Astrology: Lord Shani Dev

According to Vedic Astrology, Shani is one of the nine Navagraha or planets.

Lord Shani

Shani is considered to be the strongest and a strict teacher who represents patience, effort, Endeavour, and endurance; and who brings restrictions and misfortunes. However, a favorably-placed Shani on the horoscope of a person stands for a strong career, healthy life and everything positive for that person.

Shri Vijaya Raghavan performing Havan

In fact, a well-placed Shani in one's horoscope is something every astrology-believing Hindu hopes for, as no other 'graha' can bestow what a favorable Shani can.

Suryaputhro Deerghadeho Vishaalaakshah Shivapriyah |
Mandachaarah Prasannathmaa peedam harathu me Shanih ||

AHAM BRAHMASMI---I AM BRAHMAN

Awakening your inner consciousness doesn't just happen, it’s a series of steps that you go through, lessons that you learn, some full of sorrow and some of pure joy. 

Lord Shani

The very first step, laying the foundation of the Shani temple was full of joy. Never in my mind did I doubt that we would not complete what we had started. 

Lord Shani Abhishekam

Shani wanted this to be his home and we were his instruments. This was the first step of "coming out of a sleeping state". The next step when we started working on the Mandap , creating by hand what was in our thoughts, a beautiful faceted Mandap, each and every nail that went in said Shani , each and every piece of wood had our devotion to him etched in there. From the sleeping to being aware that I exist and conceptualizing this that is around me, to which I am bound. Then came the state of awareness where our emotions and desires surfaced, our thoughts and actions bound by creating the Mandir for Shani Bhagvan took forefront. When the Mandap went up and the carvings and statues that adorn it were put in place we got a sense of completion and the feeling that I exist and am existence itself overpowered me. We felt the omnipresence, a liberated soul fulfilled and detached. I exist not in relationship with others but by myself. I am Brahman. Aham Brahmasmi. The Havan that we performed with Shri Vijay Rag van was attaining the sense on oneness with Him, infinite and immeasurable devotion and spiritual energy. I am in Him and He is in me, inseparable, bound by Him alone. I am Brahman.

Havan

Brahman, Creation, and Us

"Like 2 birds of golden plumage, inseparable companion the individual self and the immortal self are perched on the branches of the self same tree. The former tastes of the sweet and bitter fruits of the tree, the latter tasting of neither, calmly observe. The individual self deluded by forgetfulness of his identity with the divine self, bewildered by his ego grieves and is sad. But when he recognizes the worshipful Lord as his own true self and beholds his glory, he grieves no more."

Upanishads

Lord Shani Dev

It is not easy to understand that Brahman resides in us. If he does, why does he make us suffer? The answer is not simple. Immersed in the oceans of birth and death, pain, confusion, jealousy we are tossed about as piece of driftwood in an ocean. Conflict, blame, hopelessness, self pity we are enveloped in all negativity. Thought is different from reality and we attempt to rationalize our actions. We never want to hurt others, but situations develop over which we have no control. There are lessons to be learnt that only liberate us. What should have been, what was and what is , is exactly how it was deemed to happen. The Self within you shines and is brilliant but is hidden beneath this cloak of emotions. 

Realize your inner self. Shake off Virtue and vice. You are nothing without Him. You are Him. Distance yourself and meditate on the Self. Atman and Brahman have to be one. Be kind and nature yourself, your Atman, bring him joy and release yourself from the bondage of self doubt, identify your Absolute Self.

Lord Shani Effects on Human Life

Lord Shani delivers the result of our deeds without any favour or animosity. He should not be considered as a planet that grants only pains to the living beings. On the other hand, by doing so he nullifies the effects of his misdeeds and makes the living being pure and devoted towards the Divine.

Lord Shani Dev

Thus, Lord Shani is always a well wisher and is very similar to a Kalpa Vriksha (Tree that fulfills the desires).People should follow the truthful path, thereby making Lord Shani all happy. This will enable them to experience thyself and thereby enjoying the pleasures, the worldly and the heavenly.

Abhishekam being performed to Lord Shani

We must remember that the blessings of Lord Shani can only be achieved by performing good deeds and through his blessings, our prayers bear fruits, resulting into the speedy experience of the Almighty.

Devotees offer prayers to Lord Shani

Devotees offer prayers to Lord Shani