Hindu devotees across West Bengal and other parts of India are observing Shani Trayodashi today, a spiritually significant day dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) and Lord Shiva. Falling on a Saturday (Shanivar) and the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase), this observance holds immense importance in the Hindu calendar for those seeking relief from karmic burdens and planetary afflictions.
What is Shani Trayodashi?
Shani Trayodashi is a rare conjunction when Trayodashi Tithi coincides with a Saturday, considered extremely powerful for appeasing Shani Dev, the celestial deity associated with justice, discipline, and karmic retribution. Devotees believe that rituals performed on this day can lessen the adverse effects of Shani Dosha or Sade Sati in one’s astrological chart.
This year, the observance holds added significance as it falls just days before Buddha Purnima and is being celebrated in the intense summer heat — yet that has not deterred pilgrims from observing traditional practices.
Common Rituals Performed Today
Devotees across Bengal, especially in districts like Birbhum, Purulia, and Howrah, observed the day with early morning baths, fasting, and temple visits. Many chose to visit Shani temples such as:
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Shani Temple in Barasat
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Shani Mandir near Dakshineswar
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Lord Shiva temples in Nabadwip and Kalighat (where Shani is also invoked)
Key rituals observed:
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Oil Abhishek (bathing the deity with mustard oil)
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Offering black sesame seeds, mustard oil, coal, and black cloth
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Lighting til oil lamps in the evening
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Reciting Shani Mantras such as:
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Observing Upvaas (fasting) till sundown and donating to the needy — particularly black-colored goods.
Spiritual Significance and Beliefs
Shani is known as the “Karmaphal Daata” — the lord of karma — who delivers justice without bias. On Shani Trayodashi, devotees seek his blessings to remove:
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Misfortunes
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Legal battles
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Delays in career or marriage
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Health issues associated with bones, joints, and nervous system
Astrologers recommend this day for individuals currently undergoing Shani Mahadasha or Sade Sati to perform remedies and spiritual cleansing.
Special Observances in Temples
Temples in Kalighat, Tarakeshwar, and Nabadwip witnessed a surge in footfall. In Hooghly, priests organized a Shani Havan where over 100 devotees participated in chanting, offerings, and oil rituals. In North Bengal, many devotees observed night-long bhajans and Shani Katha recitations.
Local authorities in some areas deployed heat shelters and water booths due to high daytime temperatures crossing 38°C, as per IMD alerts.
Voices from the Devotees
Rina Das, a 38-year-old homemaker from Baranagar, shared:
“I have been fasting on every Shani Trayodashi since 2019. My husband’s health improved after we started this. It’s not superstition — it’s faith and discipline.”
Many astrologers took to local FM channels and Facebook Live today to advise remedies, chant mantras, and explain planetary transits linked to Saturn.
Shani Trayodashi 2025: Auspicious Timings
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Trayodashi Tithi Begins: May 23, 9:48 PM
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Trayodashi Tithi Ends: May 24, 7:15 PM
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Shani Puja Muhurat: May 24, 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
As Bengal continues to celebrate a string of cultural and spiritual events leading into monsoon season, Shani Trayodashi stands as a symbolic reminder of introspection, penance, and the cosmic law of karma. With rituals, fasting, and community service, the day remains a cornerstone of faith in discipline — an apt tribute to Shani Dev.
Stay tuned to Events247.in for more updates on Buddha Purnima, Cyclone alerts, and Bengal’s rich religious calendar.
