Shani Jayanti

Shani Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Shani. It is believed that Lord Shani was born on the day of Jestha Krishna Amavasya, and on this day, devotees observe a fast and worship him with devotion. According to Hindu scriptures, Shani is described as the planet (graha) who delivers results based on one’s karma.

Origin and Mythology of Shani Jayanti

After the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma desired to create living beings and sought permission from Lord Shiva. With Shiva’s consent, he created 8.4 million species. However, during that time, the Earth was completely dark, and all living beings wandered in darkness. Seeing this, Brahma requested Shiva for light, and Shiva advised him to worship Surya (the Sun). Upon Brahma’s request, the Sun agreed to provide light to Earth but mentioned he would illuminate it only half a day at a time, thus day and night came into existence. The first sunrise occurred on Magh Shukla Saptami, which is celebrated as Achala or Lagla Saptami, marked by fasting and Sun worship.

Lord Shani was born from the union of Surya and his wife Sandhya (also known as Chhaya or Suvarna) in Saurashtra (modern-day Gujarat, India). Among their nine sons, Shani had a distinct temperament—short-tempered, proud, and ambitious. While his brothers ruled peacefully over their respective realms, Shani kept an envious eye on their domains as well. 

When his brothers complained to Surya about this behavior, Lord Shiva tried to reason with Shani. However, Shani disobeyed Shiva himself, leading to a battle in which Shiva ultimately subdued Shani with his trident. After Shani apologized, Shiva appointed him as the authority responsible for delivering results based on one’s karma.

Power and Influence of Shani

With the boon from Shiva, Shani began to roam the universe fearlessly, capable of bestowing blessings through his auspicious vision (sudrishti) and misfortune through his inauspicious gaze (kudrishti). His inauspicious gaze was believed to cause significant upheavals like Suryadev was afflicted with leprosy, Lord Ganesha was beheaded, Lord Rama was sent to exile, and King Bali lost his kingdom and was banished to the underworld. Despite this, Shani is also known as a purifier of sins; “Shani shamayate papam”, meaning “Shani destroys sins.”

Worship and Fasting on Shani Jayanti

On Shani Jayanti, devotees fast, perform rituals and recite the following mantra to seek his blessings:

“Om shanno devīr-abhiṣṭaya āpo bhavantu pīyate, shamyor-abhi sravantu naḥ.”

It is believed that chanting this mantra brings divine grace from Lord Shani. Items such as black sesame seeds, blue flowers, black clothing, and iron/copper utensils hold special significance during his worship.