Shani Trayodashi, a sacred day of profound spiritual significance, is dedicated to Bhagwan Shani, the divine embodiment of justice, karma, and discipline. This auspicious occasion is observed with great reverence by devotees seeking relief from malefic planetary influences, karmic afflictions, and hardships. Shani Dev, known as the stern yet just cosmic ruler, symbolizes the importance of righteousness, patience, and perseverance in one's life.
In 2025, Shani Trayodashi will be observed on Saturday, May 24th. This sacred day is marked by prayers, rituals, and acts of charity to seek Bhagwan Shani’s blessings. Devotees engage in Shani Stotra recitations, oil offerings (Til Abhishek), and worship at Shani temples to alleviate suffering and ensure prosperity. Observing Shani Trayodashi with sincerity is believed to pacify Saturn’s influence, remove obstacles, and bestow stability and success.
The festival serves as a powerful reminder of the law of karma, the necessity of righteous actions, and the boundless grace of Bhagwan Shani upon those who uphold truth and discipline. By observing this day with faith and devotion, one seeks spiritual strength, protection from adversities, and divine guidance in navigating life’s challenges.
Significance & Importance of Shani Trayodashi
Shani Trayodashi is a highly revered day dedicated to Bhagwan Shani , the cosmic ruler of justice and karma. As the divine dispenser of rewards and punishments based on an individual’s past and present deeds, Bhagwan Shani teaches the importance of self-discipline, patience, humility, and righteous living. This auspicious occasion holds profound spiritual significance as it is believed to alleviate the negative effects of Saturn (Shani Graha), mitigate karmic afflictions, and bestow divine protection upon sincere devotees.
Observing Shani Trayodashi with faith and devotion is said to pacify the adverse influences of Saturn, especially for those experiencing the challenges of Shani Sade Sati or Dhaiya. By performing rituals such as Shani Stotra recitation, oil (Til Abhishek) and black sesame offerings, and acts of charity, devotees seek Bhagwan Shani’s benevolence to remove obstacles, grant stability, and bring prosperity. Worshiping Bhagwan Shani on this day enhances patience, endurance, and inner strength, guiding individuals towards a life of righteousness (Dharma) and integrity.
This sacred day serves as a reminder of the law of karma, emphasizing that one’s actions determine one’s destiny. It urges devotees to cultivate truthfulness, humility, and devotion, ensuring spiritual elevation and divine grace. By surrendering to Bhagwan Shani with sincerity, devotees invoke his compassionate aspect, transforming suffering into wisdom and hardship into spiritual growth.
Stories of Shani Trayodashi
Shani Trayodashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with several stories illustrating the power of Bhagwan Shani and the significance of observing this sacred day. These narratives emphasize the importance of righteousness, devotion, and the law of karma, demonstrating how Bhagwan Shani’s influence shapes human destiny.
King Harishchandra and the Trial of Shani Dev
One of the most well-known stories associated with Bhagwan Shani is that of King Harishchandra, a ruler famed for his unwavering truthfulness and integrity. Due to karmic reasons, Bhagwan Shani decided to test him, plunging him into extreme hardships. The king lost his kingdom, his wealth, and even his family, yet he never abandoned his commitment to truth and dharma. Despite immense suffering, he remained steadfast in his devotion. Pleased by his endurance and righteousness, Bhagwan Shani eventually relieved him of his trials and restored his kingdom, proving that those who uphold truth and justice are ultimately blessed and rewarded.
The Devotion of Lord Hanuman
Another significant legend highlights Lord Hanuman’s victory over Shani Dev. It is said that during the Ramayana era, when Hanuman was on his mission to rescue Mother Sita, he encountered Bhagwan Shani. Recognizing the might of Hanuman, Bhagwan Shani warned that he had to undergo his planetary period of suffering (Sade Sati). However, Hanuman humbly bowed before him and requested his blessings. Seeing Hanuman’s devotion to Bhagwan Shri Ram, his selflessness, and courage, Shani Dev blessed him, stating that those who worship Hanuman would be protected from the malefic effects of Shani Graha. Hence, many devotees recite Hanuman Chalisa on Shani Trayodashi to seek relief from Saturn’s adverse effects.
The Redemption of a Merchant
A famous folk tale narrates the story of a wealthy merchant who once disrespected Bhagwan Shani and disregarded his influence. As a result, he suffered immense financial loss, personal betrayals, and physical hardships. Eventually, realizing his folly, he sincerely repented and observed Shani Trayodashi by fasting, offering sesame oil, and reciting prayers. Moved by his devotion, Bhagwan Shani forgave him and restored his prosperity, teaching the lesson that humility and devotion can transform one’s fate.
The stories of Shani Trayodashi emphasize that Bhagwan Shani is not a punisher but a divine force that ensures justice and karma's fulfillment. Those who surrender to Bhagwan with sincerity, engage in selfless service, and uphold truth and righteousness will receive his blessings and protection.
Observing Shani Trayodashi with faith helps devotees mitigate past karmas, remove obstacles, and progress on the path of spiritual wisdom and inner strength.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Shani Trayodashi will be observed on Saturday, May 24th, 2025.
Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) of the Krishna Paksha as per the lunar calendar.
Key Timings for Shani Trayodashi 2025:
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Shani Trayodashi Muhurat:
06:10 AM to 08:30 AM (IST)
Duration : 2 Hours 20 Minutes - Trayodashi Tithi begins at 08:05 PM on May 23rd (IST)
- Trayodashi Tithi ends at 09:45 PM on May 24th (IST)
- Shani Puja Muhurat: 06:15 AM to 07:45 PM (IST)
Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, please refer to local astronomical data.
How to Celebrate Shani Trayodashi
Shani Trayodashi is a sacred day dedicated to Bhagwan Shani, the lord of karma and justice. Devotees observe this day with prayers, fasting, charity, and spiritual reflection to seek protection from misfortunes and to gain Bhagwan Shani’s blessings.
On this auspicious day, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean or black-colored clothes, as black is associated with Bhagwan Shani. A visit to Shani temples or Navagraha temples is considered highly auspicious. Devotees offer til (sesame seeds), mustard oil, black urad dal, and blue flowers to the deity as these are sacred to him. Lighting an oil lamp with sesame oil and chanting Shani mantras such as Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah is believed to reduce the malefic effects of Saturn.
Observing a fast (vrat) on Shani Trayodashi is an important part of the celebration. Some devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only water, while others take a simple meal of fruits, milk, or sattvic foods. Reading Shani Chalisa, Shani Stotra, and Hanuman Chalisa helps devotees gain protection from hardships, as Bhagwan Hanuman is considered to lessen the adverse effects of Shani Dev.
Acts of charity and service are emphasized on this day. Donating black sesame seeds, mustard oil, iron, black clothes, and food to the needy or offering food to Brahmins and the underprivileged is believed to please Bhagwan Shani. Feeding crows, black dogs, and cows is also considered highly meritorious.
During the evening, lighting deepas (lamps) with sesame oil and performing Shani aarti is an important ritual. Devotees meditate on self-discipline, patience, and humility, seeking forgiveness for past karmas and praying for protection from obstacles and hardships. By observing Shani Trayodashi with devotion, one can gain divine blessings, inner strength, and relief from life’s struggles.
Shani Trayodashi Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
Shani Trayodashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagwan Shani Dev, the powerful deity of justice and karma. Observing Shani Trayodashi Vrat and Puja with devotion is believed to mitigate the negative effects of Saturn (Shani Dosha), remove obstacles, and bring stability and prosperity.
Below is the step-by-step procedure for performing Shani Trayodashi Puja:
- Purification and Sankalpa: Begin the day with an early morning bath, wear black or dark-colored clothes, and take a Sankalpa (vow) to perform the puja with full faith and devotion.
- Sacred Altar Setup: Prepare an altar with an idol or picture of Bhagwan Shani Dev. Place a sesame oil lamp (diya), black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and flowers for the puja.
- Til Abhishek (Oil Offering): Pour mustard oil or sesame oil on Shani Dev’s idol or Shivalinga while chanting Shani mantras, as it is believed to reduce Saturn’s malefic effects.
- Invocation of Shani Dev: Light incense sticks and a ghee lamp, and offer black sesame seeds, urad dal (black lentils), jaggery, and black clothes to Bhagwan Shani with utmost devotion.
- Chanting Shani Mantras: Recite powerful Shani Stotra, Shani Chalisa, and the mantra 'Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah' to seek Bhagwan Shani’s blessings and protection.
- Offering to Crows and Animals: Feed crows, dogs, and cows with black sesame seeds, chapati with mustard oil, and bananas, as these offerings are believed to pacify Shani Dev’s energy.
- Charity and Donations: Perform daan (charity) by donating black sesame, mustard oil, iron, black cloth, and food to the poor and Brahmins, as charity pleases Bhagwan Shani.
- Performing Shani Aarti: Sing Shani Dev Aarti with dedication, offering flowers and lighting camphor while circumambulating the deity.
- Observing Fasting: Devotees may observe a strict or partial fast, consuming sattvic food like fruits, milk, and water throughout the day while refraining from tamasic food.
- Breaking the Fast (Parana): The fast is concluded the next day after offering prayers to Bhagwan Shani, giving charity, and consuming simple sattvic food.
Observing Shani Trayodashi with devotion and sincerity helps in clearing past karmic debts, reducing planetary afflictions, and bringing peace, prosperity, and stability in life. Worshipping Bhagwan Shani on this sacred day reminds devotees of the importance of righteous living, patience, and humility in facing life’s challenges.
Shani Trayodashi Puja Mantra
Neelanjana Samabasam Ravi Putram Yamaagarjam Chaaya Martanda Sambhutam Tan Namami Sannescharam'
Meaning: I bow down to Shani who is splendid like a blue mountain, who is the divine son of Surya (Sun god), who is the elder brother of Lord Yama (Death god), who is to Chaya and Martanda (Sun) and who is slow moving.
Shani Trayodashi Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
Devotees begin their day with a ritual bath, wear clean black or dark-colored clothes, and take a Sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast sincerely. The entire day should be spent in prayer, mantra chanting, and performing puja to Shani Dev.
During the fast, grains, lentils, spicy and tamasic foods are avoided. Devotees usually consume only fruits, milk, water, and sattvic food. Some observe nirjala vrat (waterless fast), while others follow a partial fast by eating a single meal in the evening, preferably consisting of black sesame, urad dal, jaggery, and simple sattvic food. It is also recommended to feed crows, stray dogs, and the needy, as this is considered a way to reduce karmic burdens and seek Shani Dev’s blessings.
The fast is concluded the next day (Parana) after offering prayers to Bhagwan Shani, donating black sesame, mustard oil, iron, black clothes, and food to the underprivileged, and consuming a simple meal.
Observing Shani Trayodashi Vrat with sincerity is believed to remove obstacles, neutralize Shani Dosha, and bring stability, prosperity, and divine protection. Devotees should also practice truthfulness, patience, and humility, as these virtues align with Bhagwan Shani’s teachings.
Shani Trayodashi Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
In ancient times, there lived a wealthy and virtuous merchant named Dhaneshwar, renowned for his honesty and generosity. He was a man of great devotion and righteousness, always engaging in charity and helping those in need. Despite his noble nature, misfortunes began to engulf his life like a dark cloud. His flourishing business collapsed, his ships sank, thieves looted his warehouses, and his once-happy family faced continuous suffering. No remedy or prayer seemed to ease his troubles, and he was left in a state of despair.
One day, while wandering in distress, Dhaneshwar encountered a renowned sage meditating under a sacred peepal tree. Seeking guidance, he fell at the sage’s feet and narrated his tale of endless misfortune and suffering. The wise sage closed his eyes and meditated upon the merchant’s fate. After a moment of deep contemplation, the sage opened his eyes and spoke, 'Your miseries are the result of past karma, and you are currently under the severe influence of Shani Dev. However, there is a way to seek his mercy. Observe the sacred fast of Shani Trayodashi with unwavering devotion, worship Bhagwan Shani with black sesame, oil, and iron, and serve the poor and helpless. Only then will you find relief from your sufferings.'
Determined to free himself from his hardships, Dhaneshwar diligently observed the Shani Trayodashi fast. He bathed before sunrise, wore black clothes, and offered mustard oil, black sesame, and deep prayers to Shani Dev with complete surrender. He fed the needy, served crows and stray animals, and spent the entire day in meditation and chanting Shani mantras. As night fell, he stayed awake, singing bhajans in praise of Bhagwan Shani, praying for divine grace.
Moved by his unwavering devotion and sincere repentance, Bhagwan Shani himself appeared before Dhaneshwar, his divine form radiating power and justice. With a compassionate gaze, he spoke, 'Your sufferings were the result of past karma, but your sincere devotion has pleased me. From this day forth, your obstacles shall be removed, prosperity will return, and you shall live a life of peace and abundance.' True to the divine words, Dhaneshwar’s business flourished once more, his wealth was restored, and happiness returned to his family. From that day onward, he observed Shani Trayodashi every year and encouraged others to do the same, spreading the sacred knowledge of Bhagwan Shani’s grace.
Thus, the observance of Shani Trayodashi Vrat became a time-honored tradition, believed to remove karmic burdens, mitigate the malefic effects of Shani Dosha, and invite divine blessings of stability, prosperity, and protection. Devotees who fast with sincerity, engage in charity, and surrender to Bhagwan Shani with a pure heart are said to be freed from obstacles and hardships, ultimately attaining a life of peace, success, and spiritual fulfillment.
Puja Utensils, Essentials
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Shani Yantra
Shani Yantra is worshipped to curtail the malefic of planet Saturn and propitiate the planet when an individual is under the influence of Sade Sati.
17 Mukhi (Face) Nepali Rudraksha
This rudraksha is renowned for severing past karmic ties, liberating human existence from karmic ties and pave the way for the actualization of our deepest desires. It nullifies the negative effects of a malefic Shani.
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Shani Dosh Nivaran Puja/ Shani Shanti Homam
Shani is renowned as the God of Karma (deeds), justice, and retribution and based on the Karmas (thoughts, deeds and speech), He rewards or punishes the native. Lord Shani rules over an individual’s longevity, misery, sorrow, old age, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition and leadership. He also authority, humility, integrity, and wisdom born of experience. He also signifies spiritual asceticism, penance, discipline, and conscientious work.
According to the Vimshottari Dasha system, Lord Shani has been allocated 19 years. Lord Shani is often associated with Black, Dark Blue and Dark Brown colour and is known to be the giver as well as the destroyer. A benefic Shani is known to fill one’s life with success, bliss, comfort, rational thinking, emotional balance, financial stability and much more.
Benefits of Online Shani Dosh Nivaran Puja:
- Helps to appease and attain the blessings of Lord Shani
- Helps to remove obstacles in the path of success
- Stability in professional and personal life
- Offers protection from material losses
- Helps to offer good health
- Helps to calm the wavering mind
- Helps in achieving success in work undertaking
- Makes one see things clearly
- Helps to accomplish the target goals
- Creates harmonious relationships between couples
- Fills life with overall bliss
- Helps to elevate spiritually
Rudra Centre Puja Services is the oldest and most trusted Online Puja Services provider in the world. Over 20 years we have organized Yagnas, Pujas, Homas and Kathas like Ati Rudra Mahayajna, Sahasra Chandi Homa, Akhand Ramayan Paath, Shiva Maha Puran Katha, 4 Prahar Mahashivratri Mahapuja with teams of 100’s of curated priests for the benefit of mankind and our global clientele.
Conclusion
Shani Trayodashi is a profoundly spiritually significant occasion that reminds devotees of the immutable law of karma and the importance of righteousness, patience, and devotion. Observing this sacred day with faith, discipline, and sincerity is believed to mitigate the malefic effects of Shani Dosha, remove obstacles, and invite prosperity, stability, and divine blessings.
By fasting, worshipping Bhagwan Shani, offering charity, and engaging in acts of selfless service, devotees seek his forgiveness and grace, transforming hardships into opportunities for spiritual growth. This day serves as a powerful reminder that Shani Dev does not punish but teaches valuable life lessons, guiding souls toward righteousness, humility, and inner strength.
Those who observe Shani Trayodashi with unwavering devotion are blessed with peace, protection from adversities, and a life of dharma (righteousness). Through his divine justice, Bhagwan Shani bestows wisdom, patience, and perseverance, ensuring that devotees rise above difficulties and walk the path of truth and integrity.
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