om shani namaha

Sanskrit Śhani शनि, Kannada Śhani ಶನಿ ದೇವರು,Shani/Sani' (Tamil: சனி, Sani), is one of the Navagraha which are the nine primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology, or Jyotiṣa. Shani is embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday; the word Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday in most Indian languages.

SHANI DEV.

The word Shani(शनि) comes Shanaye Kramati Sa: (शनये क्रमति सः) , the one who moves slowly, as Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun. Shani is also known as Shanaishchar (शनैश्चर), Shanaishchara, Shani Bhagavan, Shaneesvara, Saneesvara, Shaneesvaran, Shani Deva.

Shani is a Deva and son of Surya (the Hindu Sun God) and his wife Chhaya (Shadow goddess) and hence also known as Chayyaputra. He is the elder brother of Yama, the Hindu God of death, who in some scriptures corresponds to the deliverance of justice. Interestingly, Surya's two sons Shani and Yama judge. Shani gives us the results of one's deeds through one's life through appropriate punishments and rewards; Yama grants the results of one's deeds after death.[1]

It is said that when Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. He is known as the greatest teacher. Shani dev is said to be very harmful to those who follow the path of Evil, betrayal, backstabbing and unjust revenge. He is known in Hindu scriptures as the greatest trouble giver as well as the greatest well wisher. He is depicted dark in colour, clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and variously mounted on a Vulture. Vulture is Shani's Vahana. As protector of property, Shani is able to repress the thieving tendencies of these birds.

Shanaishchara and Hanuman

The worship of Lord Hanuman is a panacea for the harsh effects of the 'unfavourable' presence of Lord Shani. In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani from the clutches of Ravana and in gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that anyone who prayed to Him (Hanuman), especially on Saturdays, would be rescued from the "malefic" effects of Saturn, or at the very least, the effects would be softened.

Shanaishchara and Emperor Dasharatha


Emperor Dasaratha was the only person who called Lord Shanaishchara for duel as he was to cross his country bringing drought and poverty. Lord Shanaishchara extolled Dasaratha's virtues and replied to him that "I can't skip my duties but I'm pleased with your courage. Great sage Rishyasringa can help you. Wherever Rishyasringa lives, that country will have no drought and dryness". Dasaratha after receiving the blessings from Lord Shanaishchara, wisely resolved the difficult situation by making Rishyasringa as his son-in-law. 'Santha', known to be daughter of Dasaratha, was married to Rishyasringa so that he is always present in Ayodhya.

Ways to please Shani

Shani Deva statue.

According to legend, Shani is a devotee of Lord Shiva. As mentioned in the "Navagraha Pidahara Sthothram" of "Brahmanda Purana", anybody who chants the following sthothra is relieved from all the ill effects of Shani.

Nilanjan Samabhasam Raviputra Yamagrajam
ChhayaMartend Sambhutam, Tam Namami Shanaishcharam

or
Suryaputhro Deerghadeho Vishaalaakshah Shivapriyah
Mandachaarah Prasannathmaa peedam harathu me Shanih

The Shanaishchara Mantra In Tamil:

Sangadangal Theerpai Shani Bagavane

Mangalam Ponga Manam Vaitharul Vai

Sacharavindri Saaga neriyil

Icchagam Vaazha Innarul Thaa Thaa

Complete Mantra

Om Nilanjan Samabhasam Raviputra Yamagrajam

Chhaya Martend Sambhutam, Tam Namami Shanaishwaram

Om Shanaishwaray namaha

Suryaputhro Deerghadeho Vishaalaakshah Shivapriyah

Mandachaarah Prasannathmaa peedam harathu me Shanih

Konastha Pingalo Brabhu Krusho Roudro Dantako yamah

Sourih Shanaishwaro Mandah Pippalodat sanstutah

Etani Dash Namani Pratah Rutthay ya pathetah

Shanaishwar Kruta Pida Na Kadachit Bhavishyati

According to the Vedic astrology, in order to get protection against the bad effects of Saturn's transit, the following are the possible remedies during the important transits of Saturn - Kanta Sani (When Saturn transits through the eighth house from the natal moon sign), Sade-sati (when Saturn transits through the twelfth, first and second houses from the natal moon sign) -

  • Worship Mother Goddess Kali during Dark Moon
  • Worship Vishnu in the form of Lord Krishna and keep chanting 'Om Namo Narayanaya', 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare' 'Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare'
  • Pray to Sree Hanumanji in His Supreme Cosmic Form, which is the Form in which He shook Shani Bhagavan off of His back and the form in which He received divine blessings and instructions from Surya, the Sun God.

A common mantra for drawing the support of Shani Bhagavan is: Om Sham Shanaischaryaye Namah. The following is another mantra for propitiating Shanaishchara: Aum praang preeng proung sah Shanaye namah. Another mantra for praying to Shanidev is: Neelaanjan samaabhaasam raviputram yamaagrajam, Chaayaa-maartandam-sambhootam, Tam namaami Shanaishcharam.

Some devotees chant 'Om Sham Shanaischaryaye Namah' 108 times daily. Also, if reading vedic textures are practised then it is suggested to recite Saturn's shloka from Navagraha Sukta: 'Om Shanno Devirabhishtaya Aapo Bhavantu Peetaye Shanyorbhisravantumah Shanaishcharaaya Namah.'

Shanaishchara Mahatmya

The story of Shani Mahatmya is very fascinating, depicting Shani Deva and describing how difficult it is to please Him if one has offended Him through misdeeds or ridiculing His presence. The story of Shani Mahatmya starts when King Vikramaditya of Ujjain asks scholars from his court about the greatness and power of each planet. The scholars describe each planet one by one . When it comes to planet Shani, scholars describe His physical description and the powers that He possesses. They talk about the birth story of Shani, possibly about how Sun God went into eclipse when Shani Deva opened his eyes as a baby for the first time. King Vikramaditya takes it lightly and ridicules Shani Deva. Shani Deva happens to pass by the court on His plane at this time, and hears this; He immediately lands his plane in the court. When King Vikramaditya realizes his mistake, he apologizes to Shani Deva but Shani Deva curses him. Later, scholars advise King Vikramaditya to worship Shani Deva but he refuses.

After about a month Shani Deva starts affecting King Vikramaditya, starting his Seven and a half years’ difficult period (Sadhe Sati). One day Shani Deva comes to King Vikramaditya’s kingdom disguised as a horse trader. He offers an exceptional flying horse to King Vikramaditya for sale, and the king purchases it. The king starts his ride on the flying horse, who takes him far in the sky, away from his kingdom. The horse lands him into a forest and disappears. King Vikramaditya spends the night in that forest and sets off the next morning. He reaches a town called Tamlinda. A trader offers him food and lodging. During his night-stay at that place, the king sees a swan from a wall painting eat up the pearl necklace belonging to the trader’s daughter. Next morning the trader questions the king on the loss of his daughter's pearl necklace and warns him of being presented in the court of Tamlinda's king as a thief. King Vikramaditya tries to explain how the pearl was eaten up by the swan that appeared out of the painting, but no one believes him. On hearing his story, the King of Tamlinda orders his servants to punish King Vikramaditya by cutting both his arms and both legs, and then throwing him out of the town, and warns everyone from supplying him food.

After about a month of suffering from hunger and loss of arms and legs, King Vikramaditya prays to Shani Deva to forgive him. Shani Deva accepts his plea. Possibly on the order of Shani Deva, the King of Tamlinda orders his servants to supply food to King Vikramaditya. King Vikramaditya suffers for another two years like this when one day, a lady from Ujjain visits her in-laws in Tamlinda. On accidentally passing by King Vikramaditya, she immediately recognizes him and takes him to her in-laws' house. Her in-laws get frightened seeing her bring the thief (King Vikramaditya). The lady clarifies that the man was king of Ujjain. The lady’s father-in-law, an oil trader, agrees to accommodate King Vikramaditya in their house after taking King’s permission, on a condition that in return of the shelter, clothes and food given by them, King Vikramaditya will possibly manually operate the oil mill in return. King Vikramaditya continues to suffer hardships for a total of seven years like this. One evening while working on the oil mill, the king sings the Deep Rag. Princess of Tamlinda sees thousands of lights being lightened up in the Kingdom at once by the force of the Deep Rag. She orders her servants to find out who sang the Deep Rag and bring the man to her. The servants identify King Vikramaditya as the singer and take him to the princess. The princess orders him to sing for her daily. King Vikramaditya suffers last six months of his Sadhe Sati (Seven and a half years’ of difficult period) under the curse of Shani Deva in this way.

But King Vikramaditya continues to pray to Shani Deva without losing faith in Him. Eventually, Shani Deva is satisfied by the devotion and faith exhibited by King Vikramaditya. Shani Deva appears before him, and returns to him his lost arms and legs. King Vikramaditya worships Shani Deva and requests Him not to punish humans. Shani Deva explains to him how He has punished even the various Gods, demons and sages including Guru Deva, due to their offences and bad deeds. But Shani Deva explains to the king that He will relieve those humans from His punishment who will read Shani Mahatmya on Saturdays.

The story essentially stresses on continuing one's belief in Shani Deva in troubled times, and on repenting fittingly for one's misdeeds to regain Shani Deva's faith and blessings.

In astrology

According to Vedic astrology, Shani Bhagavan is one of the nine Navagraha or planets. Shani is considered to be the strongest malefic and a stern teacher who represents patience, effort, endeavour, and endurance; and who brings restrictions and misfortunes. However, a favourably placed Shani on the horoscope of a person stands for a strong career, healthy life and everything positive for that person. In fact, a well-placed Shani in one's horoscope is something every astrology-believing Hindu hopes for, as no other 'graha' can bestow what a favourable Shani can. Shani placed "unfavourably", on the other hand, denotes troubles in all of the above. Shani is much feared by those Hindus who believe in astrology, as the "malefic" effects of his being unfavourably placed can be quite severe. However, it is to be remembered that any pleasure or pain that befalls a person during Shani's influence is not arbitrary; rather, it is the result of the person's own karma, now being manifested in the "presence" of Shani. Thus an "unfavourably placed" Shani brings about the harsh results of one's bad karma, and vice-versa. The diseases which Lord Shani curses of at the physical level are - decay, constriction, poor blood supply, atrophy among others, and at the mental level - narrow mind, low esteem among others. These diseases need to be cured by Lord Shani's rules and regulations only.

The planet Shani or Saturn revolves around the Sun in about 30 years, which means it passes through all the 12 rashis or moonsigns in 30 years. Thus Shani Bhagavan spends on an average about two and half years in each rashi or moonsign. This movement of Shani through the moonsigns carries great importance in Hindu astrology and horoscope predictions. The effect of Shani starts when it enters the previous rashi/moonsign to one's own birth rashi and stops when it leaves the rashi/moonsign after one's birth rashi. The total period of 7.5 years (2.5 years × 3) is called Saadesaati or "Elanata Shani", and is typically a period of great difficulty. When it occurs for a person foregoing Shani Maha Dasha, the malefic effects of the planet are highly pronounced. It is said that Shani can reduce even a king to a pauper during such period.

Shani rules the signs Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius), is exalted in Tula (Libra) and is debilitated in Mesha (Aries). Mercury, Venus, Rahu, Ketu are considered friendly towards Shani or Saturn, while the Sun, Moon and Mars are enemies. Guru or Jupiter maintains neutral relations with Shani. Shani is the lord of three nakshatras or lunar mansions: Pushya, Anuradha and Uttara Bhadrapada.

Shani Bhagavan has the following associations: his color is black or dark blue, metal is iron and gemstone is Blue Sapphire. His element or tattva is air, direction is west (where the sun sets and darkness begins) and he rules all seasons. The traditional foods for Shani are sesame seeds or black gram, black lentils or udad, his flower is the violet and he is linked to all black animals and all trees that are considered useless and ugly.

Shani rules over masses. Without the planet's blessings in one's horoscope, a mass following is difficult to come by. It is said that an exalted Saturn in the ascendant (or Lagna) of one's horoscope awards one with such leadership position entailing fame from and recognition among masses. More over, such people are said to have high commitment and perseverance for the task at hand. On the other hand, a debilitated Saturn in one's horoscope makes one's 'Karma' weak and such individual with debilitated Saturn is said to have poor commitment and perseverance towards duties and hence suffers in the process of completing one's karmic obligations. Hence 'Moksha' is difficult to come by without Shaniswara's blessings in one's horoscope.

Lord Saneshwara is also known as Needhiman (Judge). He only troubles the person during his dasa for the wrong doings. Even in Shani Dosha, if a person is righteous & devoted, he is sure to come out of this period without any ill effects.

Lord Saneshwara is more known for his Blessings than his ill effects. No other graha is comparable with Lord Shani in terms of blessings. He showers with his blessings at the end of his dasha. His Adi-Devata is Prajapati and Pratyadi-Devata is Yama. Lord Shani tests the person's patience; He tries to correct our immoral acts by creating frustrations, and delays. In the end He makes one conscious enough to understand the mistakes. He removes ignorance from mind by punishment, with the benefits that He matures the soul of the being, turning the person from copper to gold from within i.e. one begins to understand the Truths of life as well as the futility of his actions done out of ignorance. One comes to understand after Lord Shani's harsh periods how little is in control of human beings. It is all Divine acting on human beings through the agents of Gods.

Lord Shani is the greatest purifier. Everything false will perish and only Truth will shine - that is His message.

People born on number 8 are ruled by Lord Shani in numerology. So it is believed that those born on 8, 17, 26 of any month will have hardships in their life. These hardships have a purpose and it is important to identify their purpose in this lifetime.

Remedies of appeasing Lord Shani include taking responsibility of one's wrong actions, self-analysis and hard work. Donation of black cloth on Saturdays and serving poor also helps.

Temples and shrines

Thirunallar Shree Shanaishchara Koil is located near the town Kumbakonam or mayiladuthurai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Lord Shani's shrine in this cluster is located at Tirunallar. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Darbaranyesvara, a Form of Lord Shiva, in which Lord Shani is located in a niche in a wall. At this temple, Lord Shani is considered to be of benevolent nature. Tirunallar is close to Pondicherry, and is of paramount importance to Shanaishcharan. Millions of devotees visit this place to protect themselves from the effects of the transit of Saturn.

The Lord here is so powerful that when a person who is suffering from shani dasa comes here takes bath in the NALA THEERTHA and with their clothes wet goes and has darshan of Sri Shanaishchara, the ill effects which he is suffering through shani dasa is sure to vanish or at least abate to some extent.

The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.

Shani Devaalayam in Deonar

This temple called Shree Saneshwara Temple is situated east of the Shivaji statue at the junction of Chembur, Deonar, Govandi on (Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore) Eastern Express Highway. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shaneeswara: a beautiful, mighty, and imposing seven-foot-tall black statue. sri saneeswralayam, veeranna palem, prakasam (dist), Andhra Pradesh. Many devotees who have Shani Dosham, or people who are passing through Shani Maha Dasa throng the temple, for doing Tailabhishekam (Tailam means oil in Sanskrit, Telugu and Malayalam). Nuvvula Nune (in Telugu, Nuvvulu means Sesame; Nune means oil) and Ellenne (in Kannada, Ellu means sesame; enne means oil) is poured with utmost devotion on the head in a manner such that the oil covers the entire idol while flowing down.

Every Saturday evening, as soon as the priest gives Aarti, Lord Shaneeswara is said to descend upon the main priest. All of a sudden, the whole atmosphere in the temple changes. One can see and feel the charged atmosphere in the temple. There after the priest sits on a chair which has a seat made of very sharp, long iron nails pointing upwards. The foot rest and hand rest are also fully fitted with upward facing, sharp long iron nails. He sits on the chair without any discomfort. Thereafter the devotees sit in silence in front of 'swami.' They are asked to bring and keep a pair of yellow lemons in their hands, waiting for their turn. Swami signals one by one by turn, to come near to him. People place the pair of yellow lemon in front of him. He listens patiently to their problems, agony, or distress or whatever they say. Then he explains the reason/cause of their agony/problem/distress. It could be 'Prarabdham', consequences of their past karmas (deeds) which are carried over to present janma, which means "life" in Sanskrit, Telugu, kannada and Malayalam. Or as Swami explains, their problems could be the result of actions/deeds of his or her present birth itself. In some cases it could be handy work of Vamachara Tantra (black magic) by their enemies and ill-wishers. There are other types of cases where it is believed that Aatmas (spirits) of the deceased have occupied the sufferer's body causing misery and trouble. 'Swami' listens to them all with apt attention with closed eyes and intent silence and offers them Prakshalana, or "cleansing" Praayaschitam Sanskrit and Telugu, or "repentance" through procedures such as yagna, pooja, dana, abstinence, etc. Thousands have claimed that their prayers have been answered by "Shaneeswara" through 'Swami'. In the premises of this Shani temple, navagraha mandapam is also there apart from Hanuman, Jagadeeswara, Saibaba and Mata deities. The Sanctum Sanctorum has a very tall imposing murthy of Lord Shaneeswara along with Jestha Devi. To his left is Hanuman and to his right is Jagadeeswara Swami.

Shani Shingnapur

Another important Shrine for Lord Shani is in Maharashtra, India. Shingnapur is located half-way between Shirdi and Aurangabad. The deity here is "Swayambhu" that is self emerged from earth in form of Black but imposing stone. Though no one knows exact period, it is believed that Swayumbhu shaneeswara was found from time immemorial by shepherds of then local hamlet. It is believed be in existence at least since Kaliyugam.

The story of swayambhu (=Sanskrit self-evolved deity) handed down from generations through word of mouth, goes something like this : When the Shepherd touched stone with a pointed rod the stone began bleeding. The shepherds were astounded soon whole village hamlet gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shaneeswara appeared in the dream of most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is "Shaneeswara". He also told that the Unique looking Black Stone is His swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked Lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani Mahatma said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he preferred to be under open sky. He asked the shephered to do daily pooja and 'tailabhishekam' every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or burglars or thieves.

So, Lord Shaneeswara can be seen even today, in the open yard without any roof above. To this day, there are no doors for any house, shop, temple. It is to be seen to believe that even post office has no door, not to speak of locks. Due to fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops etc. situated within one kilometer radius of this Lord Shani temple, have neither doors and locks. No thievery or burglary ever occurred here in this hamlet called Shani Shingnapur. Some who have tried to steal have died vomiting blood within minutes of their act and before they could cross the boundary. Many others are said have received varied punishments such as long sickness, mental imbalance etc.

This Shani Shingnapur is visited daily by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara's favour. The place is busiest on Saturdays. Shani Trayodasi is considered to be a favorite day for the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on 'Amavasya'(new moon day in Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) is considered to be a favorites day for the Lord Shaneeswara. Thousands of devotees seeking his blessings throng this temple in thousands.

Sri Shani Temple In Titwla

Sri Shani Temple in Titwala is situated near Titwala Ganesh Temple. This is situated near Shri Swamy Samarth Matha.The Prana Pratisthta of this Temple was carried out on 29.05.2011. This Temple is constructed by Sri Prahlad Trayambak Kanhore on his own compound.Once he thought of constructing a Temple of Lord Shani Temple ,bue he had not got any place to built the temple . On one day he got a dream and Lord Shaneshwara Told him to built a temple on your own compound for the well wishers of Lord Shani's devotees. Temple is situated Just 5 minutes walk from Titwala Ganesh Temple.

List of temples and shrines by area

Andhra Pradesh

Delhi

Gujarat

Himachal Pradesh

  • Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Kangra

Karnataka

Madhya Pradesh

  • Sri Shani Mandir Tirth, Ujjain
  • Sri Shani Mandir Juni, Indore
  • Sri Shani temple in Dist. Morena/Bhind, 27 K.M from Gwalior

This temple is said to be constructed by Vikrmaditya. Shani Mandir Juni is one of the oldest temple in the world. Temple is located in old city & it is believed it was appeared few decades ago from a well in Juni.

Maharashtra

Shree Shaneeshwarara Temple, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

  • Mahakali Mandir, Chandrapur
  • Sri Shani Temple,Titwala ( E ),Near Titwala ganapati temple, " Sadguru Sauli" Nivas.
  • Sri Shani Temple,Uttan,Bhayander ( E )
  • Sri Shani Kshetra Model Tirth Nandur Bar
  • Sri Shani Temple, Amalner, Chopada Road, Tal. Amalner, Dist. Jalgaon
  • Sri Shani Kshetra Nastanpur
  • Sri Shani Shingnapur, Nevasa, Ahmednagar district
  • Sri Shani Temple, Juhu, Mumbai
  • Sri Shani Temple, Meghwadi, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai
  • Sri Shani Temple, Near Railway Station Thane (W)
  • Sri Shani Temple, Mandai Bhiwandi
  • Sri Shani Temple, Manpada Road, Shankeshwar Nagar, Dombivli, Mumbai
  • Sri Shani Temple, outside the Santacruz (W) BEST terminal, Mumbai
  • Sri Shani Temple, Tagore Nagar,Vikhroli, Mumbai
  • Sri Shani Temple Beedh
  • Sri Shani Mandir, Panchavati

National Capital Territory of Delhi

The Tallest Statue of Lord Shani in the World at Shanidham, twenty-one feet high, made of Ashtadhatu

Orissa

Puducherry

Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

  • Sri Shani Temple, Sita Ashram Road, Chandausi
  • Sri Shani Temple, Kokilavan, Kosi
  • Sri Shani Temple, 13 km mile[clarification needed] Stone Agra on NH2, Agra Mathura Road, Runkuta, Agra
  • Sri Shani Temple, Dilshad Garden Border, Ghaziabad
  • Sri Shani Temple, Near Gang Nahar Bridge, Merrut road, Modi Nagar, Ghaziabad
  • Sri Shani Temple, Near Gang Towers, Ganga Nagar , Meerut

Uttarakhand

  • Shani Dham, Vikasnagar (Near by Power Canal (an alley leads from Chakrata Road to the temple)), Dehradun

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