Here is everything you need to know about Shani Jayanti 2026

All you need to know about Shani Jayanti 2026

Shani Amavasya or Shani Jayanti is a day that honors the birth of Lord Shanti. This jayanti is observed on the tithi of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha Amavasya. Let us now dive deep into this day

Lord Shani Jayanti 2026: Date And Time

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Starting time: 05:11 AM on May 16, 2026

Ending time: 01:30 AM on May 17, 2026

Shani Dev: The God of Karma

Lord Shani is seen as one of the most fierce and powerful gods as per the Hindu mythology. Discipline, dedication and responsibility are the traits he is well known for and an individual is rewarded or punished based on their karma. His vision is believed to either demolish or help someone positively. The God of Justice was blessed with the boon of being a Navgraha, also called as Sanaischara, or Saturn. 

The Significance of Shani Jayanti

Shani Amavasya is a highly auspicious day to honour the birth of Lord Shani Dev and seek the divine blessings for prosperity and protection. This day has a spiritual significance for those feeling Saturn’s adverse effects like Shani Dosh, Sade Sati or Dhaiya. According to astrology, it is believed that everyone goes through a period of Sahni karmic influence lasting for seven and a half years, during which they face problems and delays in life. However, once finished, Shani Dev blesses you with everything you have put your sweat into. 

The Mythological Story associated with Shani Dev

This story is related to the birth of Lord Shani Dev, which not only made him one of the most feared Gods but also made him the provider of justice and the owner of karma chakra. Wife of Lord Surya (Sun), Devi Sarnyu could not put up with the intense light and thus created her Chaaya (shadow), and headed into the forest to pray to Lord Shiva. During this time, Devi Chaaya gave birth to Shani Dev. However due to the dark completion of Shani Dev, Surya Dev questioned the character Chaaya and rejected Shani Dev as his legitimate son. Shani Dev was very offended by this disrespect of him and his mother. He burned Surya Dev, turning him completely back. This resulted in darkness on Earth. Lord Shiva upon knowing about this conflict appeared and made Lord Surya aware of the situation. Shiva’s wisdom made Surya Dev realise his mistake and he accepted Shani as his child. Mahadeva also blessed the God of Karma as the most powerful planet among the Navgrah and bestowed him with the power to bring ultimate justice. 

Which rituals to perform on Shani Dev Jayanti

Correct rituals are important for celebrating Shani Jayanti. Let us look at the rituals required to please Lord Shani on this day. 

• Take an early bath in the morning and cleanse yourself

• Pay a visit to a Shani temple near your place or big temples like Shani Shingnapur Temple (Maharashtra) , Tirunallar Shani Temple (Tamil Nadu), and Shani Dham Temple (Delhi). 

• Perform Shani Tailabhishekam or Shani Shanti Puja to get rid of life problems.

• If performing a puja at home, make sure the idol and the place is cleaned properly. 

• Put sesame seeds in a mustard oil lamp and place it in front of the idol of Lord Shani. 

• Chant “ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः”  in the praise of Lord Shani