Shani Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Shani or Sani. Shani bhagwan is one of the Navagrahas (Nine primary celestial deities). In Hinduism, Sani is the deity of Shanivar. Shani bhagwan is also called as Shaneeswaran, Sani dev, Sanischara bhagwan or Chaya Putra.

When is Shani Jayanthi Observed?
Shani Jayanti or Saneeshwara Jayanti observed on Amavasya (No Moon day) in Vaishakha masam (Vaishakha Amavasya). In 2009, Shani Jayanthi falls on May 24, Sunday. The day of Shani Jayanthi is also observed as Shani Amavasya.

Rituals and Customs of Shani Jayanti:
As Shani Dosham (bad effects from Lord Shani’s position in one’s birth chart) is considered as an important feature in one’s future aspects, Shani Puja is an auspicious ritual for Hindu astrology believers.

Those who have Sade sathi (a long period of bad effects from Lord Shani) in their horoscope, observe Shani Yagna or Shani homa on Shani Jayanti day. People believe that Shani worship on Shani Jayanthi day pacifies Sani (happens Sani Shanti).

On the day of Sani Jayanti, devotees perform Lord Ganesha Puja (Ganapati Puja), Lord Hanuman Puja, Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) Puja to pacify Shani. It is believed that the devotees of Lord Hanuman are free from the Shani’s bad effects on their lives.

Shani Amavasya Puja

Shani Trayodashi Puja

Apara Ekadasi is observed during the Krishna Paksha (second fortnight) of the month Vaisakha masam. Importance and significance of Apara Ekadasi was explained by Lord Sri Krsihna to Yudhistira (Dharma raj). Apara Ekadasi is also called as Vaishak Vadi Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi.

When is Apara Ekadasi observed?
Apara Ekadasi is observed on Vaisakha masa Krishna Paksha Ekadasi. In 2009, Apara Ekadasi falls on May 20, Wednesday.

Importance and Significance of Apara Ekadashi:
Apara Ekadashi mahatmyam was explained in the Brahmanda Purana. Observance of Apara Ekadashi fasting cleanses all sins of the performer and makes him/her free from all the bonds in the life.

It is believed that the performers of Apara Ekadashi will get the merits which are equal to – performing three times ritual bath in Pushkar Kshetra in Kartika masam, performing ritual bath in Prayag at in the month of Magha masam at Mesha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Capricorn), worshipping Lord Shiva in Varanasi, offering tharpan to forefathers at Gaya, performing ritual bath in the sacred Gautami river at the time of Simha Sankraman (when Sun transits to Leo) and etc.

Other Festival and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)

Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009

Mohini Ekadasi is observed during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chithirai in Tamil calendar and in Vaishakha month in North Indian and other regions’ calendars. Mohini Ekadasi mahatmyam (importance or significance) was told by Sage Vasista to Lord Sri Ram. Lord Sri Krishna also told the importance of Mohini Ekadasi to Yudhishtira (Dharma raj).

When is Mohini Ekadasi Observed?
Mohini Ekadasi is observed on the eleventh day (ekadasi) of Shukla paksha in Vaishakha month. In Tamil traditional calendar, Mohini Ekadasi falls in Chithirai masam. In 2009, the date of Mohini Ekadasi is May 5, Tuesday.

Importance and Significance of Mohini Ekadashi:
When Mata Sita Devi separated from Lord Sri Ram, Rama became very sad and wanted to give up his life. Lord Sri Ram met Sage Vasista and he advised him to observe Mohini Ekadashi vrata which can reduce or nullify his sins and give him great pleasure and blissful life.

As suggested by Sage Vasista, Lord Sri Ram observed the fasting and all rituals and customs associated with Mohini Ekadashi and got rid of all sins to lead a very happy life with his concert Mata Sita Devi.

Sage Vasista explained Lord Sri Ram that fasting on Mohini Ekadashi is more fruitful than performing ritual bath in holy rivers. Importance of Mohini Ekadashi Vrata is explained in the Surya Purana.

Lord Vishnu – Deity of Mohini Ekdashi:
Lord Vishnu is the deity to worship on Mohini Ekadashi day. As Mohini Ekadasi falls in Vaishakha mas, the day is very auspicious for Vishnu puja. On Mohini Ekadasi, all other rituals, customs and traditions are followed as other Ekadasis.

Other Festivals and Auspicious days in Vaishakha masam (May 2009)

Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009

Vaisakha Shukla Saptami – Vidyaranya Jayanti and Gangothpatthi:
Vaisakha Shukla Saptmai is celebrated as Vidyaranya Jayanti and Gangothpatthi. Vidyaranya Swamy was one of the frontline Hindu saints and considered as great as Jagadguru Aadi Shankaracharya. Gangothpatthi is the day to celebrate the arrival of the holy River Ganga on to the earth. In 2009, Vidyaranya Jayanti and Gangothpatthi are celebrated on May 1, Friday.

Vaisakha Shukla Astami – Goddess Bhagalamukhi Mata Jayanti:
Goddess Bhagalamukhi Devi is one of the manifestations or forms of Durga Devi. Bhagalamukhi Devi is also considered as one of the Dasamahavidya Matas. In 2009, Bhagalamukhi Jayanti is celebrated on May 2, Saturday.

Vaisakha Shukla Navami – Vasista Rushi Jayanti:
Vasista Jayanti is observed on Vaisakha Shukla Navami. Vasista was one of the Saptarshis (seven great sages). He was the Guru for Survanshi Kingdom. He was Brahma’s Manas Puthra (son) and very noble rishi. Vasista rushi, the husband of Arundathi (great pativrata), has remarkable role in Ramayana.

Vaisakha Shukla Ekadasi – Mohini Ekadasi and Sri Rama Satya Narayana Swamy Kalyanam in Annavaram:
Vaisakha Sukla Ekadasi is observed as Mohini Ekadasi. On this day, Sri Rama Satyanarayana Swamy Kalyanam is held in Annavaram temple (Andhra Pradesh). Observance of Sri Satya Narayana Vrata is the ritual or puja of the day. In 2009, Mohini Ekadasi and Rama Satyanarayana Swamy Kalyanam are celebrated on May 5, Tuesday.

Vaisakha Shukla Chaturdasi – Narasimha Jayanti and Vyasa Jayanti:
Lord Narasimha, one of the dasavataras (ten incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, was incarnated or appeared at Pradosha time on this day. This day is also celebrated as Vyasa Jayanti. In 2009, Nrusimha Jayanti and Vyasa Jayanti are celebrated on May 7, Thursday.

Vaisakha Purnima – Maha Vaisakhi and Annamacharya Jayanti:
Vaisakha Purnima is one of the most auspicious days in Vaisakha mas. Observance of Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam and Vishnu Pujas are preferred on this day. This day is the birthday of Thallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya) hence celebrated as Annamacharya Jayanti. In 2009, Vaisakha purnima falls on May 9, Saturday.

Vaisakha Bahula Padyami – Narada Jayanti:
Vaisakha Bahula Padyami is observed as Narada Jayanthi. The great sage Narada muni, the son of Lord Brahma, has a remarkable role in Hindu Puranas and other epics. The date of Narada Jayanti in 2009 is May 10, Sunday.

Vaisakha Bahula Dashami – Hanuman Jayanti:
Mighty Lord Hanuman’s birthday is celebrated on Vaisakha Bahula Dashami. Hanuman Jayanti date varies from region to region – Hanuman Jayanti celebrated on Chaitra Poornima day in North India whereas it is celebrated as Hanuman Vijayotsavam in South India. South Indian people celebrate this day as Hanuman Jayanti.

The date of Hanuman Jayanti in 2009 is May 19, Tuesday. It is considered as utmost auspicious as Hanuman Jayanti falls on Tuesday in 2009.

Vaisakha Bahula Ekadasi – Apara Ekadasi:
Vaisakha Bahula Ekadasi is observed as Apara Ekadasi. Observance of Apara Ekadasi vrata gives the benefit of visiting all pilgrimages. Recitation of Vishnu stotra, japa, observance of fasting are considered as auspicious on Apara Ekadasi day. The date of Apara Ekadasi in 2009 is May 20, Wednesday.

Vaisakha Amavasya – Vata Savitri Vratam:
Vata Savitri Vratam is observed on Vaisakha Amavasya day. Vaisakha Amavasya is also called as Vajasaneyi Amavasya. Vata Savitri Vrat is observed by married women for their husbands’ good health. This Vrat is observed by almost all Hindu women. The date of Vat Savitri Vrat in 2009 is May 24, Sunday.

Vaisakha masam is considered as the supreme among the three most auspicious months. The other two months are Kartika and Magha. Vaisakha mas is the most favourite month for Lord Vishnu. Vaishakha month is also considered auspicious because in this month, four avataras of Lord Vishnu were incarnated – Parashuram Jayanti, Balarama Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti and Kurma Jayanti and also Buddha Jayanti. In 2009, Vaisakha month starts on April 26, Sunday and ends on May 24, Sunday.

 Vaisakha Masa Festivals and Auspicious Days in April 2009:

Vaisakha Shudda Padyami – Narasimha Chandanotsav in Simhachalam and Parasara Jayanti:
On Vaisakha shudda Padyami day, Chandanotsavam is celebrated in Simhachalam (Andhra Pradesh) Sri Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy. Those who offer chandanam (sandalwood powder) to Lord Vishnu on this day can get rid of Kalachakra and liberation from sorrows. On Vaisakha Padyami day, Sri Simhachala Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy is offered chandan. Old chandan is removed and new chandan layer is applied on Narasimha swamy’s presiding idol.

In 2009, Chandanotsavam in Simhachala Sri Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy temple and Parasara Jayanti fall on April 26, Sunday.

Vaisakha Shudda Tadiya – Akshay Tritiya, Parashuram Jayanti and Balaram Jayanti:
Vaisakha Shudda Tadiya or Tritiya is considered as the most auspicious day. Ganga Snan or Punya Snan in any holy river, Yagnas and homas will cleanse every sin of the performer. This day is also celebrated as Lord Parashuram Jayanti and Lord Balaram Jayanti.

In 2009, Akshay Tritiya, Parashuram Jayanti and Balaram jayanti are celebrated on April 27, Monday.

Vaisakha Shudda Chavithi – Nagula Chavithi:
Vaisakha Shudda Chavithi is celebrated as Nagula Chavithi. In 2009, Nagula Chavithi falls on April 28, Tuesday.

Vaisakha Shudda Panchami – AadiShankara Jayanti or Jagadguru Shankaracharya Jayanthi:
Vaisakha Shudda Panchami is celebrated as Aadi Shanara Jayanti. Shankaracharya was the great Hindu philosopher and coordinator between Hinduism and other religions. In 2009, Aadi Shankara Jayanthi falls on April 29, Wednesday.

Vaisakha Shukla Sashti – Thyagaraya Jayanti:
Thyagaraya Jayanti is celebrated on Vaisakha shukla Sashti. Thyagaraya was one of the famous Vaggeyakara (devotional poet) of South India. In 2009, Thyagaraya Jayanti falls on April 30, Thursday.