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Shani Jayanti 2026: An impressive 21-foot idol made of *Ashtadhatu* (an alloy of eight metals) stands installed at the Shri Shani Dham in Chhatarpur, Delhi. This is widely regarded as the tallest idol of Lord Shani (Shani Dev) in the entire country. Consequently, on the occasion of Shani Jayanti on May 16, 2026, devotees from across the nation are expected to flock to this shrine. Special rituals and prayers are performed here under the guidance of Paramhans Dati Maharaj.

Lord Shani is revered as the God of Justice. It is believed that in the *Kali Yuga* (the current epoch), it is Lord Shani who maintains the cosmic ledger of every individual's good and bad deeds. Astrologers regard him as the "King of Planets"—specifically, the celestial Judge who presides over justice. This year, the birth anniversary (Jayanti) of this deity of justice—Lord Shani—falls on May 16; that is, exactly two days from now. The Shani Dham in Delhi operates primarily under the direction of Paramhans Dati Maharaj; he oversees its administration and personally conducts all the key rituals—ranging from the main *Aarti* (prayer ceremony) to the *Jal Abhishek* (ritual water libation) and various other specialized forms of worship dedicated to Lord Shani. A well-known and prominent figure across the nation, the Maharaj also draws people to the shrine seeking his spiritual counsel and guidance.

The shrine houses not just one, but several idols of Lord Shani, each depicted in a distinct posture (*Mudra*). You would be hard-pressed to find such a unique and magnificent temple anywhere else in the country. Upon visiting the *Navagraha* (Nine Planets) Temple located within the complex, you will encounter idols representing all nine celestial bodies; devotees typically offer mustard oil and water to each of these idols. The shrine witnesses a particularly massive turnout on Saturdays. This year, preparations for Shani Jayanti are being undertaken on a grand scale, anticipating the arrival of devotees from every corner of the country.

Therefore, if you wish to seek the *Darshan* (divine sight) of Lord Shani and invoke his blessings—and if you happen to be anywhere within the Delhi-NCR region—you must make it a point to visit the Chhatarpur Shani Dham at least once. Especially on the day of Shani Jayanti (which falls on a Saturday this time), you will be blessed with a truly divine vision of Lord Shani—an experience of an idol and a temple unlike any you have ever witnessed before.

Indeed, if there is one place that houses the largest idol of Lord Shani in all of India, it is right here in Chhatarpur, Delhi. Home to the world's largest statue of Lord Shani, the 'Shri Shani Dham Temple' is situated in Asola Fatehpur Beri, along the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road in Delhi. This statue stands 21 feet tall and is crafted from *Ashtadhatu* (an alloy of eight metals); it was consecrated on May 31, 2003. This is precisely what makes this temple so unique. Upon entering the temple premises, the very first sight that greets you is this colossal statue of Lord Shani.

In the year 2026, Shani Jayanti will be celebrated on May 16, a Saturday. Falling on the *Amavasya* (New Moon) Tithi of the month of *Jyeshtha*, this Jayanti holds special significance because it coincides with a Saturday—an occurrence considered to be extremely rare and highly auspicious. Performing worship and specific rituals on this day is believed to provide relief from *Shani Dosha* (afflictions caused by the planet Saturn). Furthermore, it is said that offering prayers on this day ensures that Lord Shani's divine grace remains with the devotee forever.

In this context, we will today introduce you to a specific *Shakti Peeth*—or rather, a temple—dedicated to Lord Shani, known as 'Shani Dham.' Located in Chhatarpur, within the national capital of Delhi, the entire surrounding area is colloquially referred to as the 'Shani Dev Zone.' This is Shani Dham, and you might be surprised to learn that it houses a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shani. Every Saturday, devotees travel from far and wide to visit this site for *Darshan* (divine viewing) and worship.

A sacred mantra dedicated to Lord Shani has also been enshrined here. It is believed that performing seven or eleven circumambulations (*Parikrama*) while reciting this mantra ensures the continued blessings of Lord Shani. Situated directly beneath the 21-foot-tall statue of Lord Shani is a shrine dedicated to 'Baba Bholenath' (Lord Shiva), where His divine adornment (*Shringar*) is ritually performed using sacred ash and various other offerings. Upon entering the complex, devotees first seek the blessings of Baba Bholenath, followed by a visit to Lord Kala Bhairava, then proceed to seek the blessings of Lord Shani, and finally visit the *Navagraha* (Nine Planets) Temple.

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