Shani Jayanti, which is dedicated to Lord Shani, is one of the most auspicious and important days in the Hindu calendar. It is the day when devotees celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Shani and try to appease him. As the day falls on a no-moon day or Amavasya, it is also known as Shani Amavasya. This year, Shani Jayanti will be celebrated on May 16, 2026. From tithi and puja muhurat to puja vidhi and mantra, here’s everything you must know about Shani Jayanti 2026.
All About Shani Jayanti 2026
Shani Jayanti 2026: Date, Tithi And More
Shani Jayanti in 2026 will be celebrated on May 16, 2026. As the day falls on Amavasya, you also need to check the tithi timings. The amavasya tithi will begin at 5:11 AM on May 16, 2026, and the amavasya tithi will end on May 17 at 1:30 AM.
Shani Jayanti Significance
Shani Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani. The day is annually observed on Amavasya in the Jyestha month and hence is known as Shani Amavasya in the Hindu calendar.
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Shani was born to Lord Surya (the sun god) and Goddess Chhaya (the shadow of Goddess Sanjna). His mother did immense penance under the scorching sun when lord Shani was in her womb. This is the reason why Lord Shani was born dark in color. His father was very upset to see his son’s dark complexion. Shani’s powerful gaze actually caused an eclipse on the sun god, which was a testament to his cosmic powers.
When Shani Jayanti falls on a Saturday, it is said to have a double potential as the prayers and mantras become extra powerful.
Also Read: Vat Savitri Vrat 2026: When Is It? Banyan Rituals & Story
How To Appease Shani Dev
You all must have heard about Shani Dosh, Sade Saati, and similar terms, which have always shown Shani Dev as a bad god who only troubles people. But little did you know that he actually is the god of justice and punishes people for their bad deeds.
Yes, you read that right. Shani Dev, or Lord Shani, is the divine personification of Saturn in the solar system. He is known as the god of justice, retribution, and karma in Hindu mythology.
Appeasing Lord Shani or Shani Dev is not about fearing him. The first thing that comes to people’s minds after hearing this god’s name is fear because there are many misconceptions around him. The only way to appease him is to be disciplined, believe in humility, justice, and good karma. He is known as Karmaphal data, which means the one who blesses you with the fruits of your actions.
Rituals To Appease Shani Dev
- Performing specific rituals along with being disciplined and believing in justice and good karma can help in reducing the negative impacts of a weak Saturn.
- You must light a lamp filled with mustard oil on every Saturday under a Peepal tree.
- Offer purple or blue flowers to the deity.
- Visit a Shani temple where the deity is in the form of a rock and not an idol. If you visit a temple with the Lord Shani idol, make sure you do not look directly into the eyes. You can look at his feet and also stand slightly to the side.
- Offer sesame seeds and black gram dal to the deity on Saturdays.
- Worship Lord Hanuman. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shani had promised that he would never trouble Lord Hanuman’s devotees.
Also Read: Jyeshtha Amavasya 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Significance & Amavasya Timings
Shani Jayanti Fasting Rules
Based on your physical health and endurance, you can observe one of the three fasts:
- Nirjala fast: In this fast, you cannot consume food or water for the whole day.
- Phalaahar fast: In this fast, you can consume fruits and wafers.
- Sattvic one meal fast: In this meal, you can consume any one meal in the entire day, which has to be completely sattvic.
Wake up during the Brahma Muhurat or before sunrise. Bathe and wear blue or black clothing. Light a lamp in the prayer room and take a mental Sankalpana to fast with complete devotion and honesty.
Make sure you do not fast out of the fear of punishment. It should be completely out of devotion to cleanse your ego and mind.
Use sendha namak and not the regular table salt.
Avoid cooking in mustard oil as it is offered to the deity.
Shani Jayanti Puja Vidhi
- Take a bath early in the morning, wear clean clothes, and touch your parents’ feet.
- Visit a Shani temple or Navgraha temple to offer your prayers in the evening.
- Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree or in front of Lord Shani’s idol.
- Chant the Shani Mantra 108 times.
- You must distribute food and clothes to the needy and poor people on this day.
Shani Jayanti Mantra
There are two important and powerful mantras to chant on Shani Jayanti. You can chant them 108 times to appease Lord Shani. They are:
- Om Sham Shanischaraya Namah
- Neelanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yama Grajjam, Chhaya Martand Sambhutam, Tam Namami Shaneshcharam.
Also Read: Ganga Dussehra 2026: Date, Significance, Puja Vidhi And Snan Muhurat Timings
Shani Jayanti Dos And Don’ts
Dos
- Offer prayers to Shani Dev in the evening. This is because it is believed that evenings are the most effective time for lighting lamps and chanting Shani mantras.
- Worship Lord Hanuman and Shiva to get Lord Shani’s blessings and save yourself from his wrath.
- Make sure you perform charity on this day.
- Try to feed a black stray dog or crows on Shani Jayanti.
- Keep your thoughts pure and avoid expressing anger on this day.
Don’ts
- Do not look into the eyes of Lord Shani directly. You must always look at his feet out of respect.
- Try not to consume alcohol, meat, or basically any tamasic food on this day.
- Do not buy iron, leather, or oil.
- Never mistreat elderly people or workers.
- Do not cut your nails or hair on this day.
- Do not get into deceitful practices.
Summing Up
Shani Jayanti 2026 will be observed on May 16. Remember Lord Shani is the Karmaphaldata, which means he blesses you with the fruits of your own deeds. Make sure you follow the rituals and observe fast as a practice of discipline and not out of fear.
FAQs
Which Date Is Shani Jayanti?
Shani Jayanti will be celebrated on May 16, 2026.
Is 2026 Shani Year?
Yes, according to Hindu astrology, 2026 is Shani year.
Which Is The Shani Dev Mantra For Protection?
Om Sham Shanischaraya Namah is the Shani Dev mantra for protection.
