Shani Jayanti 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Rituals and Importance of Shani Amavasya

Shani Jayanti 2026 is one of the most spiritually important occasions for devotees of Lord Shani. Observed on the Amavasya Tithi, this sacred day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani Dev , the deity associated with karma, justice, discipline and righteousness. Devotees across India observe fasts, perform special pujas and visit famous Shani temples to seek blessings and relief from the negative effects of Saturn.

This year, Shani Jayanti will be celebrated on May 16, 2026. Since the festival coincides with Amavasya, it is also popularly known as Shani Amavasya.

Shani Jayanti 2026: Date and Amavasya Timings

• Shani Jayanti Date : May 16, 2026
• Amavasya Tithi Begins: May 16, 2026 – 05:11 AM
• Amavasya Tithi Ends: May 17, 2026 – 01:30 AM

Devotees consider this period highly auspicious for offering prayers to Lord Shani and performing remedies related to Saturn.

Why is Shani Jayanti Celebrated?

According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shani was born to Lord Surya and Goddess Chhaya on this sacred day. Lord Shani is regarded as the divine judge who rewards or punishes people according to their deeds. He symbolises truth, justice, discipline and karma.

Many devotees worship Lord Shani on this day to reduce hardships, overcome obstacles and bring stability into their lives. Since Shani Dev is believed to have a powerful influence on human destiny, devotees pray for protection from negative planetary effects, especially during Shani Sade Sati and Dhaiya periods.

It is also believed that devotees should avoid looking directly into the eyes of Lord Shani while offering prayers.

Famous Places Where Shani Jayanti is Celebrated

Shani Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion in many parts of India, especially in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Thousands of devotees visit renowned Shani temples to participate in special rituals and seek blessings.

Some of the most famous temples associated with Lord Shani include:

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

Among these, Shani Shingnapur attracts a massive number of devotees during Shani Jayanti celebrations.

Shani Jayanti 2026: Important Puja Rituals

Devotees follow several rituals on Shani Jayanti to seek divine blessings and peace in life. Here are some commonly observed practices:

Visit a Shani or Navgraha Temple

People visit Shani temples or Navgraha temples early in the morning to offer prayers and perform special pujas.

Light a Mustard Oil Diya

Lighting a mustard oil lamp beneath a Peepal tree is considered highly auspicious on this day.

Chant Shani Mantras

Devotees chant powerful Shani mantras 108 times to please Lord Shani and reduce planetary afflictions.

Donate Food and Clothes

Offering food, black sesame seeds, clothes and helping the needy are considered beneficial on Shani Jayanti.

Offer Prayers at Shani Shingnapur

A large number of devotees travel to Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra to participate in grand celebrations and rituals.

Powerful Shani Mantras to Chant on Shani Jayanti

Shani Beej Mantra

• Om Sham Shanishcharaye Namah

Shani Dev Prayer Mantra

• Neelanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam,
• Chhaya Martand Shambhutam,
• Tam Namami Shanishcharam

Chanting these mantras with devotion is believed to bring peace, protection and positivity.

Spiritual Importance of Shani Amavasya

Shani Amavasya is considered highly powerful for spiritual cleansing and karmic balance. Devotees believe that sincere worship on this day helps remove negativity, financial troubles and obstacles in life. Many people also perform charity and prayers for their ancestors during Amavasya.

The day reminds devotees of the importance of honesty, discipline and good deeds, values strongly associated with Lord Shani.