Vaishakha Amavasya (Shani Jayanti)
वैशाख अमावस्या (शनि जयंती / वट सावित्री)
Vaishakha Amavasya falling on a Saturday makes it a magnificent Shani Amavasya and the divine birth anniversary of Lord Shani (Shani Jayanti). It also coincides with Vat Savitri Vrat in the Purnimanta calendar.
May 16, 2026
Saturday
04:10 AM to 06:00 AM
Sacred river bath muhurta
May 15, 2026 at 05:40 AM
Commencement
May 16, 2026 at 03:52 AM
Conclusion
ॐ नीलांजन समाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्। छायामार्तण्ड संभूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्॥
Oṁ nīlāñjana samābhāsaṁ raviputraṁ yamāgrajam | Chāyāmārtaṇḍa saṁbhūtaṁ taṁ namāmi śanaiścaram ||
I bow to Lord Shani, whose luster resembles a dark blue gem, who is the son of Surya and Chhaya, the elder brother of Yama, and the slow-moving lord of cosmic justice.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
Supremely auspicious for appeasing Saturn (Lord Shani Dev). Worshipping with mustard oil, blue flowers, and black sesame alleviates the painful trials of Shani Sade Sati, Dhaiya, and Kantaka Shani.
Pauranic Katha & History
The Skanda Purana reveals that Lord Shani was born from the womb of Chhaya, the shadow form of Surya's consort Sanjna. Due to Chhaya's intense penance to Lord Shiva, Shani was born with a dark complexion and bestowed with the role of Karmaphala Data—the dispenser of the fruits of all human deeds.
Step-by-Step Pitru Tarpan & Puja Vidhi
- 1Bathe early and wear dark blue or black clean clothes.
- 2Visit a Shani temple and perform Shani Tailabhishek (offering pure mustard oil to the Shani idol).
- 3Offer blue Aparajita flowers, black sesame seeds, and black urad dal.
- 4Recite the Shani Chalisa, Dasharatha Shani Stotram, or chant the Shani Gayatri Mantra 108 times.
- 5Donate iron utensils, umbrellas, footwear, and black blankets to laborers and the needy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vaishakha Amavasya (Shani Jayanti)
Why is Vaishakha Amavasya celebrated as Shani Jayanti?
According to Vedic tradition, Lord Shani was born on the Amavasya of the Vaishakha month, making this the most potent day to seek his divine blessings.
What remedies pacify Shani Sade Sati on this day?
Lighting a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree at dusk, feeding black dogs, chanting Hanuman Chalisa, and offering mustard oil to Shani Dev removes malefic Saturn influences.