Shani Jayanti
festivals
Shani Jayanti
Shani Jayanti at a Glance
Shani Jayanti is fixed by the lunar calendar to Jyeshtha Krishna Amavasya, the 15th tithi of the waning (Krishna) fortnight of Jyeshtha (Vaisakha Krishna Amavasya in the Amanta calendar).
- Tithi rule
- Jyeshtha Krishna Amavasya (Purnimanta)Krishna AmavasyaJyeshtha month
- Tithi swami and group
- Pitra · Purna Tithi
About Shani Jayanti
Shani Jayanti honors the birth of Lord Shani, the planetary deity of Saturn and the divine arbiter of karma and justice. It falls on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Krishna Paksha in the lunar month of Jyeshtha, usually in May or June.
Lord Shani is the son of Surya, the Sun God, and Chhaya, the shadow of Sanjna. He is feared and revered for his impartial judgment; his gaze is believed to bring the fruits of one's actions, both good and bad. Devotees observe this day to reduce the effects of Shani Dosha, Sade Sati, and Ashtama Shani.
Major celebrations and special pujas take place at Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra and the Tirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu. The day is also seen as an opportunity for self-improvement, honesty, and service to the underprivileged.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees worship Shani, observe a fast, and perform charitable acts to mitigate Saturn's challenging influences.
- Wake early and bathe with water mixed with a few drops of mustard oil or black sesame seeds, both associated with Shani.
- Observe a fast, consuming only satvik food once or avoiding food until evening, depending on health and capacity.
- Visit a Shani temple or install a dark-colored image of Shani Dev on the altar.
- Light a sesame-oil lamp, offer black cloth, black sesame, urad dal, iron items, and mustard oil to Shani.
- Chant the Shani Chalisa, Shani Beej Mantra, or the Navagraha Stotram at least 108 times.
- Donate food, blankets, shoes, or iron articles to the needy, and avoid lying, anger, or dishonest dealings.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Place Shani Dev's image facing west on a clean altar.
- Offer abhisheka with water mixed with black sesame.
- Apply tilak and offer black cloth, flowers, urad dal, and iron items.
- Light a sesame-oil lamp and incense.
- Recite Shani mantras and perform arati.
- Distribute prasad and donate to the poor.
Vrat Katha: The Birth of Shani Dev
Sanjna, daughter of Daksha, could not endure the blazing brilliance of her husband Surya and left for the forest to perform severe tapas. She placed her shadow, Chhaya, in her place so that her household would not suffer.
Chhaya served Surya faithfully and gave birth to Shani. Because Shani was born from the shadow, his complexion was dark. Surya doubted his parentage, but Lord Shiva appeared and affirmed that Shani was indeed his son, blessing him with the role of the cosmic dispenser of karma. Thus Shani Jayanti marks the appearance of the lord of justice.
Shani Jayanti: Frequently Asked Questions
Jyeshtha Krishna Amavasya (Vaisakha Krishna Amavasya in the Amanta calendar); its swami is Pitra, a Purna Tithi.
Shani delivers the fruits of one's karma, including hardships, but his judgments are ultimately just and purifying.
Sade Sati is the seven-and-a-half-year transit of Saturn over the moon sign in a horoscope.
Black sesame, mustard oil, iron, black cloth, blankets, shoes, and urad dal are considered auspicious donations.
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.