Shani Jayanti 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Shani Dev: Those who wish to seek the grace of Lord Shani and ease the troubles of difficult planetary periods such as Sade Sati and Dhaiya (Shani Dosha Shanti) observe this day.
• Seekers of Justice and Discipline: Anyone who prays for fairness, steadiness in work, and relief from obstacles and delays offers worship to Shani Dev on this day.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath and Sankalp: Begin in the early hours, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), after bathing.
• Main Puja: The puja of Shani Dev is done in the morning hours, after sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Lamp: A lamp is lit again after sunset, at a Shani temple or under a Peepal tree.

About the Festival

Shani Jayanti is a widely observed festival across India that celebrates the birth of Shani Dev, the planet Saturn and the giver of justice. It takes place on the Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Jyeshtha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Shani Dev)

Shani Dev is the son of Surya Dev, the Sun God, and his shadow wife Chhaya. When Surya's first wife Sanjna could no longer bear his intense brilliance, she left her shadow, Chhaya, in her place and went away to perform austerities. Chhaya lived with Surya and, while carrying Shani in her womb, she observed hard penance and fasts in devotion to Lord Shiva, forgetting her own comfort.

Because of her severe tapas in the heat, the child was born with a dark complexion. When Surya Dev saw him, he doubted that the child was his son, and his harsh words hurt Chhaya deeply. When baby Shani first looked at his father with anger, the Sun lost his radiance and was covered in darkness. Troubled, Surya prayed to Lord Shiva, who explained the truth to him.

Shani grew up and performed intense penance to Lord Shiva, who was so pleased that he appeared before him and offered a boon. Shani asked for power greater than his father's and the strength to punish the wrong-doer.

Lord Shiva blessed him: "You will be the judge of the nine planets. All living beings, gods, and humans will receive the results of their deeds through you. Those who worship you with a pure heart and live truthfully will be free of your severe gaze." Since that day, devotees have worshipped Shani Dev on his birth anniversary, to seek his mercy and his blessings.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Murti: Idol or picture of Shani Dev, or an iron or stone Shani Shila
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sindoor mixed with oil, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: An iron or clay Diya with Mustard Oil (Sarson ka Tel) and a cotton wick
• Sacred Water Container: A small vessel filled with fresh water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Black Sesame (Til) laddus, Khichdi, Urad Dal, or other simple sattvic dishes
• Devotional Accessories: Blue or dark flowers, black cloth, black sesame seeds, and an iron nail or small iron item for donation

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean clothes (preferably black, blue, or dark colours).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Shani Dev, today I worship you with a pure heart. Forgive my faults, ease my difficulties, and bless me with patience, justice, and wellbeing."
3. Many devotees fast through the day, eating only fruits or a single simple meal; keep the fast according to your family's tradition.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the place of worship and sprinkle it with water.
2. Place the idol or picture of Shani Dev on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean black or blue cloth.
3. Place a small vessel of water near the idol and arrange the Samagri in front of it.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light the Mustard Oil Diya and place it in front of Shani Dev.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Sindoor, Roli, and Akshat to the idol.
3. Offering Flowers: Offer blue or dark flowers and a piece of black cloth.
4. Oil Abhishek: Pour a little Mustard Oil and black sesame on the idol or Shani Shila, then offer the Naivedya.

Step 4: Reciting the Katha and Mantras

1. Hold a few Akshat grains and flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully before the idol and recite or listen to the Shani Dev Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. Recite the Shani Chalisa or chant the Shani mantra, and sprinkle the held grains at the idol's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Evening Lamp

1. Perform the Shani Dev Aarti with the lit lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. After sunset, visit a Shani temple or a Peepal tree and light a Mustard Oil Diya there.
3. Walk around the tree or the idol slowly (Parikrama), praying for relief from hardship.

Step 6: Daan and Seeking Blessings

1. Donate black sesame, Urad Dal, mustard oil, black cloth, or iron items to the needy (Daan).
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Share the prasad with your family and break your fast with a simple sattvic meal.