Shani Jayanti 2025: Celebrating the Birth of Lord Shani
Introduction
Shani Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani, the powerful deity of justice, karma, and discipline in Hindu mythology. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya (Shadow Goddess), is one of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) and governs Saturn (Shani) in Vedic astrology.
Devotees observe this day with prayers, fasting, and rituals to seek Lord Shani’s blessings for prosperity, protection from misfortunes, and relief from Saturn’s negative effects (Shani Dosh).
Shani Jayanti 2025 Date and Timing
- Shani Jayanti 2025 Date: May 29, 2025 (Thursday)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: May 28, 2025, at 06:10 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: May 29, 2025, at 04:58 PM
(Timings may vary based on location and Panchang calculations.)
The Mythology of Shani Dev
According to Hindu scriptures, Shani Dev was born to Lord Surya (Sun) and Devi Chhaya. Due to his mother’s intense penance during pregnancy, he was born with a dark complexion and a strong ascetic nature.
Key Legends of Shani Dev:
Shani’s Curse on Lord Vishnu’s Avatar
- Shani Dev is believed to have tested King Harishchandra, Lord Rama, and even the Pandavas during their Saturn periods (Shani Sade Sati and Dhaiya).
Shani and Lord Shiva
- It is said that Lord Shiva granted him the position of a planet (Graha) after intense penance, making him the ruler of karma and justice.
Shani’s Influence on Lord Hanuman
- According to the Ramayana, Hanuman protected Lord Shani from Ravana’s captivity, and in return, Shani Dev promised that Hanuman’s devotees would be protected from Saturn’s malefic effects.
Rituals of Shani Jayanti
1. Early Morning Bath and Temple Visit
- Devotees take a holy bath and visit Shani temples or Navagraha temples.
- Some people perform Shani Tailabhishek (oil offering on Shani idol).
2. Shani Puja and Remedies
- Sesame oil, black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and black clothes are offered to Lord Shani.
- Devotees light mustard oil lamps (Diya) under a Peepal tree and recite Shani mantras.
3. Chanting Shlokas and Mantras
- Reciting Shani Stotra, Shani Chalisa, and Hanuman Chalisa helps reduce Saturn’s negative effects.
4. Charity and Donations
- Offering black urad dal, sesame seeds, iron, and black clothes to the poor is considered auspicious.
5. Observing Fast (Shani Vrat)
- Many devotees observe Shani Jayanti Vrat (fasting) to remove Shani Dosha, Sade Sati, or Dhaiya from their horoscope.
Powerful Shlokas and Mantras for Shani Jayanti
Shani Beej Mantra
“Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah”
Shani Gayatri Mantra
“Om Kaakadhwajaaya Vidmahe
Khadga Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Mandah Prachodayat”
Shani Stotra by Dasharatha
Reciting the Shani Stotra composed by King Dasharatha brings relief from Shani Dosha.
Significance of Fasting on Shani Jayanti
Observing a fast on Shani Jayanti is believed to bring:
✔ Protection from Saturn’s Malefic Effects
✔ Relief from Career and Financial Struggles
✔ Improvement in Health and Well-being
✔ Happiness and Stability in Life
✔ Reduction in Shani Sade Sati and Dhaiya impact
People break their fast after sunset by consuming simple satvik food like khichdi, fruits, and black sesame preparations.
Astrological Significance of Shani Jayanti
1. Saturn’s Role in Astrology
- Saturn represents karma, discipline, patience, and hardships.
- A strong Saturn in the birth chart brings success, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
2. Impact of Shani Sade Sati & Dhaiya
- Shani Sade Sati (7.5-year period) and Shani Dhaiya (2.5-year phase) bring challenges and transformations.
- Performing Shani remedies on Shani Jayanti can reduce hardships and karmic struggles.
3. Beneficial Saturn Remedies on Shani Jayanti
- Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
- Donating black items (iron, sesame, urad dal, mustard oil)
- Worshipping Lord Shiva and Hanuman
Conclusion
Shani Jayanti 2025 is an auspicious day to honor Lord Shani and seek his blessings for justice, discipline, and karmic balance. By performing Shani Puja, fasting, and donations, devotees can reduce Shani Dosha, overcome challenges, and invite positivity into their lives.
🌟 May Lord Shani bless you with wisdom, patience, and success! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions
As per Hinduism, Shani Jayanti is an important festival commemorating Lord Shani’s birth, the god of justice. During the festival, followers can ask Lord Shani’s favours and get rid of Saturn’s unfavourable influences in their existence.
Practices of Shani Jayanti differ from one region to another. However, the most common practices are observing fast, conducting puja, reciting mantras and Shani Chalisa, visiting Shani temples, lighting diyas and offering oil at temples, and donations.
The customs and rituals mainly observed during Shani Jayanti are performing puja, homam, or yajna conducted at Navgraha temples or Shani temples,
Fasting should be observed from sunrise until sunset on Shani Jayanti.
Shani Jayanti is observed in homage to the powerful Saturn, and to appease the planet, Shani Jayanti is observed on Amavasya or Krishna Paksha’s New Moon in the Vaishakh month.
Devotees recite Shanti Strotra or Shanti Path on Shani Jayanti to gain prosperity and wealth and satisfy Shani Dev.
– Aum Shanescharaya Namah
– Om praam preem praum sah shanayishraya namah
– Sham Hreem Sham Shanishcharaya Namah
Shani Jayanti is believed to help people overcome Saturn’s negative influence in their horoscope by performing puja, donating to the needy, observing fast, and seeking forgiveness from Shani Dev.
Yes, non-Hindus can also celebrate Hanuman Jayanti since the power of justice and prosperity given by Shani Dev is prevalent in the non-Hindus and Hindu communities.