Hindu festival
Shani Jayanti
Also known as Shani Amavasya, Shani Jyanti.
In short
Shani Jayanti marks the appearance of Shani — the planet Saturn, son of Surya, and the stern lord of karma and justice — on the new moon of Jyeshtha. Devotees worship him with oil, sesame, and dark offerings, seeking patience, fairness, and relief from hardship.
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When is Shani Jayanti?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Jyeshtha — the appearance day of Shani (Saturn), son of Surya
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Shani
Shani, lord of karma and justice, is propitiated; devotees offer oil and sesame and seek relief from the trials of sade-sati and dhaiya.
The story of Shani Jayanti
Shani is the son of Surya, the Sun, and Chhaya. Slowest of the planets, he is the great weigher of deeds — giving to each exactly what has been earned, neither more nor less. He is feared, yet he is just: his trials are the ripening of one's own karma.
His worship is therefore a turning toward honesty, patience, and discipline. Devotees also seek the protection of Hanuman, before whom Shani is said to have promised to spare the faithful, and the day is kept with charity to the poor, labourers, and the overlooked.
How is Shani Jayanti celebrated?
Devotees offer oil (til oil) to Shani, along with sesame, black cloth, and iron, keep a fast, recite the Shani mantra and Hanuman Chalisa, and give in charity to the needy — honesty and service being his truest worship.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः
oṃ śaṃ śanaiścarāya namaḥ
I bow to Shani, lord of discipline, patience, and justice.
More Hindu festivals
About Shani Jayanti
When is Shani Jayanti?
On the Amavasya (new moon) of Jyeshtha. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year.
Why is Shani worshipped?
Shani is the lord of karma and justice, who returns to each exactly what their deeds have earned. He is worshipped for patience, fairness, and relief from hardship.
Mark Shani Jayanti with Bhagavan
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