Jyeshtha Amavasya 2026 Date: When is Shani Jayanti, puja timings, rituals, mantras and why devotees observe Shani Amavasya

Jyeshtha Amavasya also known as Shani Jayanti, a day dedicated to Lord Shani Dev, will be observed on May 16, 2026. The occasion coincides with Amavasya tithi and is also known as Shani Amavasya. Devotees across India are expected to visit Shani temples, light mustard oil diyas, chant mantras and offer prayers seeking relief from hardships and blessings for discipline, justice and good karma.

Jyeshtha Amavasya 2026: Shani Jayanti 2026 date and Amavasya timings

According to the Hindu calendar, Jyeshtha Amavasya or Shani Jayanti in 2026 falls on Saturday, May 16.

• Amavasya Tithi begins: May 16, 2026 — 05:11 AM
• Amavasya Tithi ends: May 17, 2026 — 01:30 AM

The day is considered important for devotees who worship Lord Shani and perform rituals linked to planetary peace and karmic balance.

Why is Shani Jayanti celebrated?

Shani Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shani Dev. Hindu belief says Lord Surya and Mother Swarna, also known as Chhaya, gave birth to Lord Shani on this day.

The occasion is linked with karma, justice and discipline. Lord Shani is regarded as the deity who rewards or punishes people based on their actions. Many devotees also associate the day with patience, honesty and responsibility in life.

As the festival falls on Amavasya, many people also observe it as Shani Amavasya. Traditional beliefs suggest devotees should avoid looking directly into the eyes of Shanidev.

Jyeshtha Amavasya: Temples where devotees gather on Shani Jayanti

The occasion is widely observed in different parts of India, especially in Madhya Pradesh. Several famous temples dedicated to Lord Shani attract large crowds during the festival.

Some of the well-known temples include:

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

Many devotees travel to Shani Shingnapur to offer prayers and participate in special rituals.

Shani Jayanti 2026 puja rituals

Devotees usually follow simple rituals on the occasion of Shani Jayanti.

Visit a Shani or Navgraha temple

People visit temples dedicated to Lord Shani or Navgraha deities to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Light a mustard oil diya

Lighting a mustard oil diya beneath a peepal tree at a Shani temple is considered one of the common rituals observed on this day.

Chant Shani mantra

Devotees chant the mantra “Om Sham Shanishcharaye Namah” 108 times to appease Lord Shani.

Donate food and clothes

Many people donate food, black clothes and other essentials to the needy as part of the observance.

Shani Jayanti mantras

Devotees recite special mantras during prayers:

1. “Om Sham Shanaishchraye Namah..!!”
2. “Neelanjana Samabhasam Ravi Putram Yamagrajam, Chhaya Martand Shambhutam, Tam Namami Shanishcharam..!!”