What is the benefit of visiting shrines over the New Year holidays?

Generally speaking, people visit shrines at the beginning of the year to pray for safety and peace throughout the year.
Paticularly it is said that if they visit the shrines of the Seven Lucky Gods (Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hotei, Fukurokuju, Jurojin) by January 7 during the period called matsunouchi, they will achieve seven happinesses: business prosperity, financial gain, victory, wisdom, virtue, longevity. and good luck.
Also, some people pay visits in the hope of obtaining more direct and necessary benefits, such as students preparing for entrance examinations, and their families, who pray that they pass the exams, or singles who hope to find good partners.