Shani Jayanti 2026: Date, Time, Puja Rituals and Why This Year Is Especially Significant

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Shani Jayanti is one of the most spiritually significant occasions in Hinduism, observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Shani Dev, the deity associated with karma, justice, discipline, and truth. The festival is celebrated every year on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Jyeshtha month and is also popularly known as Shani Amavasya.

In 2026, the occasion becomes even more special as Shani Jayanti falls on a Saturday, the day dedicated to Lord Shani himself. Devotees across India are expected to observe fasts, perform special pujas, chant mantras, and seek blessings for protection from obstacles, delays, and hardships.

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Shani Jayanti 2026: Date And Timings

Shani Jayanti will be observed on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Amavasya Tithi Timings

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: May 16, 2026 - 05:11 AM
• Amavasya Tithi Ends: May 17, 2026 - 01:30 AM

Who Is Lord Shani?

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In Hindu mythology, Lord Shani is considered the son of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhaya. He is regarded as the ruler of karma and justice, believed to reward or punish individuals based on their deeds.

Though often feared in astrology because of phases like Sade Sati and Dhaiya, Shani Dev is also seen as a powerful teacher who promotes honesty, patience, discipline, and accountability.

Puja Rituals: Step by Step

Shani Dev does not demand extravagance. What he values is sincerity, discipline, and a pure intent. Here is how to observe the puja at home or at a temple.

• Step 1 - Wake up before sunrise and bathe. Rise early and wear clean, dark-coloured clothes - black or dark blue - which are associated with Shani Dev.
• Step 2 - Set up the puja space. Place an idol or image of Lord Shani Dev on a clean, dark cloth. Keep a brass or iron lamp ready, along with mustard oil for the lamp and for Tailabhishekam.
• Step 3 - Cleanse the idol. Cleanse the idol with Ganga jal and Panchamrit - a mixture of five sacred items. It is also customary to offer the idol a nauratan haar, a necklace made of nine precious gems, before commencing the puja.
• Step 4 - Perform Shani Tailabhishekam. Pour mustard oil over the idol or Shani Yantra while chanting the Shani Beej Mantra. This is considered the most significant ritual of Shani Jayanti.
• Step 5 - Make your offerings. Offer black flowers, black sesame seeds (til), black cloth, and iron items to Shani Dev. Black til is one of the most beloved offerings and is deeply significant in all Shani rituals.
• Step 6 - Light the mustard oil lamp. Keeping the lamp burning through the evening hours, when Shani Dev is believed to be most active - is considered especially meritorious.
• Step 7 - Chant and pray. Recite the Shani Chalisa, Shani Stotra, or simply the Shani Beej Mantra: Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah. Sincerity in chanting matters more than volume or length.
• Step 8 - Perform acts of charity. The day is also considered highly important for Pitru rituals, charity, and spiritual reflection. Donating black sesame, mustard oil, black cloth, iron vessels, or food to those in need is considered deeply auspicious.

The Significance of Shani Dev

Shani Dev is designated as the Karmaphala Daata - the celestial judge who dispenses the fruits of karma, both good and bad. Shani Jayanti is deeply rooted in the concept of justice and austerity, emphasising that Lord Shani is not a malevolent force but a strict teacher who uses challenges to enforce learning, transformation, and humility.

Astrologers believe Saturn rewards humility, sincerity, patience, and truthfulness. Prayers on this day are believed to reduce karmic burdens, bring relief from financial difficulties and delays, improve discipline and mental clarity, and provide protection from negative Saturn-related effects.

Popular Shani Mantras

Devotees often chant the following mantras to seek blessings:

• Om Sham Shanishcharaya Namah
• Neelanjana Samabhasam
• Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
• Chhaya Martanda Sambhutam
• Tam Namami Shanishcharam

Famous Temples Visited During Shani Jayanti

Several temples witness huge gatherings on this occasion, especially:

• Shani Shingnapur Temple
• Thirunallar Shani Temple
• Kokilavan Shani Dev Temple

Thousands of devotees visit these temples to perform special pujas and seek blessings from Shani Dev.