🕉 Shani Chalisa

📿 Shani Chalisa

Chalisa

LanguageAwadhi/Braj

Verses2 dohas + 40 chaupais + doha

Recitation timeabout 8–10 minutes

Special daysSaturday, Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti

DirectionWest

Along with itWater to the peepal, mustard-oil lamp

The Shani Chalisa contains Shani Dev's ten names, his form and the stories of his dasha — Ram's exile, King Vikramaditya, Harishchandra, Nala and the Pandavas. Its message is that Shani is the judge of karma: whoever he favours, he turns from pauper to king; and with humility, service and good deeds even his hard dasha is pacified. The chalisa also describes the results of his vehicles and of his «paya» (foot).

📖 Full text — with meaning

Tap «Roman (English) script» to see the original Devanagari text.

॥ दोहा ॥ जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करण कृपाल। दीनन के दुख दूर करि, कीजै नाथ निहाल॥ जय जय श्री शनिदेव प्रभु, सुनहु विनय महाराज। करहु कृपा हे रवि तनय, राखहु जन की लाज॥

|| Doha || Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripal | Dinan Ke Dukh Dur Kari, Kijai Nath Nihal || Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaj | Karhu Kripa He Ravi Tanay, Rakhahu Jan Ki Laj ||

Victory to Ganesha, son of Girija, the gracious bringer of auspiciousness; remove the sorrows of the humble and bless them. Victory to Lord Shri Shani Dev; hear my prayer, great king — O son of the Sun, be gracious and protect the honour of your devotee.

जयति जयति शनिदेव दयाला। करत सदा भक्तन प्रतिपाला॥

Jayati Jayati Shanidev Dayala | Karat Sada Bhaktan Pratipala ||

Victory to compassionate Shani Dev, who always protects his devotees.

चारि भुजा, तनु श्याम विराजै। माथे रतन मुकुट छबि छाजै॥

Chari Bhuja, Tanu Shyam Virajai | Mathe Ratan Mukut Chhabi Chhajai ||

You have four arms and a dark body, and a jewelled crown shines on your head.

परम विशाल मनोहर भाला। टेढ़ी दृष्टि भृकुटि विकराला॥

Param Vishal Manohar Bhala | Tedhi Drishti Bhrikuti Vikarala ||

Your forehead is very broad and beautiful; your sidelong glance and brows are fearsome.

कुण्डल श्रवण चमाचम चमके। हिय माल मुक्तन मणि दमके॥

Kundal Shravan Chamacham Chamke | Hiy Mal Muktan Mani Damke ||

Earrings sparkle in your ears and a necklace of pearls and gems gleams on your chest.

कर में गदा त्रिशूल कुठारा। पल बिच करैं अरिहिं संहारा॥

Kar Men Gada Trishul Kuthara | Pal Bich Karain Arihin Sanhara ||

In your hands are the mace, trident and axe; you destroy enemies in a moment.

पिंगल, कृष्णो, छाया नन्दन। यम, कोणस्थ, रौद्र, दुखभंजन॥

Pingal, Krishno, Chhaya Nandan | Yam, Konastha, Raudra, Dukhabhanjan ||

Pingala, Krishna, son of Chhaya, Yama, Konastha, Raudra, Dukhbhanjan —

सौरी, मन्द, शनी, दश नामा। भानु पुत्र पूजहिं सब कामा॥

Sauri, Manda, Shani, Dash Nama | Bhanu Putra Pujahin Sab Kama ||

Sauri, Manda and Shani — these are your ten names; O son of the Sun, all worship them to accomplish their work.

जा पर प्रभु प्रसन्न ह्वैं जाहीं। रंकहुँ राव करैं क्षण माहीं॥

Ja Par Prabhu Prasanna Hvain Jahin | Rankhun Rav Karain Kshan Mahin ||

Whoever the Lord is pleased with, he turns from pauper to king in a moment.

पर्वतहू तृण होई निहारत। तृणहू को पर्वत करि डारत॥

Parvathu Trin Hoi Niharat | Trinahu Ko Parvat Kari Darat ||

At your glance a mountain becomes a straw, and a straw you make into a mountain.

राज मिलत बन रामहिं दीन्हयो। कैकेइहुँ की मति हरि लीन्हयो॥

Raj Milat Ban Ramahin Dinhayo | Kaikeihun Ki Mati Hari Linhayo ||

(In your dasha) Ram got exile just as he was to get the kingdom — you even turned Kaikeyi's mind.

बनहूँ में मृग कपट दिखाई। मातु जानकी गई चुराई॥

Banhun Men Mrig Kapat Dikhai | Matu Janaki Gai Churai ||

In the forest the deceitful deer appeared and Mother Janaki was abducted.

लखनहिं शक्ति विकल करिडारा। मचिगा दल में हाहाकारा॥

Lakhanhin Shakti Vikal Karidara | Machiga Dal Men Hahakara ||

Lakshmana was struck senseless by the Shakti weapon, and there was an uproar in (Ram's) army.

रावण की गतिमति बौराई। रामचन्द्र सों बैर बढ़ाई॥

Ravan Ki Gatimati Baurai | Ramachandra Son Bair Badhai ||

Ravana's mind went astray and he increased his enmity with Ramachandra.

दियो कीट करि कंचन लंका। बजि बजरंग बीर की डंका॥

Diyo Kit Kari Kanchan Lanka | Baji Bajrang Bir Ki Danka ||

You turned golden Lanka to dust, and the drum of brave Bajrangi (Hanuman) sounded.

नृप विक्रम पर तुहि पगु धारा। चित्र मयूर निगलि गै हारा॥

Nrip Vikram Par Tuhi Pagu Dhara | Chitra Mayur Nigali Gai Hara ||

When your dasha came upon King Vikramaditya, the painted peacock (on the wall) swallowed the necklace.

हार नौलखा लाग्यो चोरी। हाथ पैर डरवायो तोरी॥

Har Naulakha Lagyo Chori | Hath Pair Darvayo Tori ||

He was accused of stealing the nine-lakh necklace, and his hands and feet were cut off.

भारी दशा निकृष्ट दिखायो। तेलिहिं घर कोल्हू चलवायो॥

Bhari Dasha Nikrishta Dikhayo | Telihin Ghar Kolhu Chalvayo ||

You showed him a heavy, wretched dasha — he was made to turn an oil-press at an oilman's house.

विनय राग दीपक महं कीन्हयों। तब प्रसन्न प्रभु ह्वै सुख दीन्हयों॥

Vinay Rag Dipak Mahan Kinhayon | Tab Prasanna Prabhu Hvai Sukh Dinhayon ||

When he prayed to you in the Deepak raga, you were pleased and gave him happiness.

हरिश्चन्द्र नृप नारि बिकानी। आपहुं भरे डोम घर पानी॥

Harishchandra Nrip Nari Bikani | Apahun Bhare Dom Ghar Pani ||

King Harishchandra's wife was sold, and he himself carried water at a Dom's house.

तैसे नल पर दशा सिरानी। भूंजी-मीन कूद गई पानी॥

Taise Nal Par Dasha Sirani | Bhunji-Min Kud Gai Pani ||

So too the dasha fell upon King Nala — even the roasted fish jumped back into the water.

श्री शंकरहिं गह्यो जब जाई। पारवती को सती कराई॥

Shri Shankarhin Gahyo Jab Jai | Paravti Ko Sati Karai ||

When (your influence) came upon Shankara, Parvati had to become Sati.

तनिक विलोकत ही करि रीसा। नभ उड़ि गयो गौरिसुत सीसा॥

Tanik Vilokat Hi Kari Risa | Nabh Udi Gayo Gaurisut Sisa ||

With just an angry glance from you, the head of Gauri's son (Ganesha) flew off into the sky.

पाण्डव पर भै दशा तुम्हारी। बची द्रौपदी होति उघारी॥

Pandav Par Bhai Dasha Tumhari | Bachi Draupadi Hoti Ughari ||

When your dasha fell on the Pandavas, Draupadi was barely saved from being disrobed.

कौरव के भी गति मति मारयो। युद्ध महाभारत करि डारयो॥

Kaurav Ke Bhi Gati Mati Marayo | Yuddha Mahabharat Kari Darayo ||

You took away the wisdom of the Kauravas too and brought about the Mahabharata war.

रवि कहँ मुख महँ धरि तत्काला। लेकर कूदि परयो पाताला॥

Ravi Kahan Mukh Mahan Dhari Tatkala | Lekar Kudi Paryo Patala ||

(As per the story) you took the Sun into your mouth and leapt into the netherworld.

शेष देव-लखि विनती लाई। रवि को मुख ते दियो छुड़ाई॥

Shesh Dev-Lakhi Vinati Lai | Ravi Ko Mukh Te Diyo Chhudai ||

When the gods led by Shesha pleaded, you released the Sun from your mouth.

वाहन प्रभु के सात सुजाना। जग दिग्गज गर्दभ मृग स्वाना॥

Vahan Prabhu Ke Sat Sujana | Jag Diggaj Gardabh Mrig Svana ||

The Lord has seven fine vehicles — elephant, donkey, deer, dog,

जम्बुक सिंह आदि नख धारी। सो फल ज्योतिष कहत पुकारी॥

Jambuk Sinh Adi Nakh Dhari | So Phal Jyotish Kahat Pukari ||

jackal, lion and other clawed creatures; astrology proclaims their results.

गज वाहन लक्ष्मी गृह आवैं। हय ते सुख सम्पत्ति उपजावैं॥

Gaj Vahan Lakshmi Grih Avain | Hay Te Sukh Sampatti Upajavain ||

If he comes on an elephant, Lakshmi comes to the house; on a horse, happiness and wealth arise.

गर्दभ हानि करै बहु काजा। सिंह सिद्धकर राज समाजा॥

Gardabh Hani Karai Bahu Kaja | Sinh Siddhakar Raj Samaja ||

On a donkey, many tasks are spoiled; on a lion, success comes in royal circles.

जम्बुक बुद्धि नष्ट कर डारै। मृग दे कष्ट प्राण संहारै॥

Jambuk Buddhi Nashta Kar Darai | Mrig De Kashta Pran Sanharai ||

On a jackal, the intellect is ruined; on a deer, suffering and danger to life.

जब आवहिं प्रभु स्वान सवारी। चोरी आदि होय डर भारी॥

Jab Avahin Prabhu Svan Savari | Chori Adi Hoy Dar Bhari ||

When the Lord rides a dog, there is great fear of theft and the like.

तैसहि चारि चरण यह नामा। स्वर्ण लौह चाँदी अरु तामा॥

Taisahi Chari Charan Yah Nama | Svarna Lauh Chandi Aru Tama ||

Likewise four «feet» (paya) are named — gold, iron, silver and copper.

लौह चरण पर जब प्रभु आवैं। धन जन सम्पत्ति नष्ट करावैं॥

Lauh Charan Par Jab Prabhu Avain | Dhan Jan Sampatti Nashta Karavain ||

When the Lord comes on the iron foot, he causes loss of wealth, people and property.

समता ताम्र रजत शुभकारी। स्वर्ण सर्व सुख मंगल भारी॥

Samta Tamra Rajat Shubhakari | Svarna Sarva Sukh Mangal Bhari ||

Copper and silver are equally auspicious; gold brings all happiness and great good fortune.

जो यह शनि चरित्र नित गावै। कबहुं न दशा निकृष्ट सतावै॥

Jo Yah Shani Charitra Nit Gavai | Kabhun Na Dasha Nikrishta Satavai ||

Whoever sings this story of Shani daily is never troubled by a bad dasha.

अद्भुत नाथ दिखावैं लीला। करैं शत्रु के नशि बलि ढीला॥

Adbhut Nath Dikhavain Lila | Karain Shatru Ke Nashi Bali Dhila ||

The Lord shows wondrous leelas and weakens the strength of enemies.

जो पण्डित सुयोग्य बुलवाई। विधिवत शनि ग्रह शांति कराई॥

Jo Pandit Suyogya Bulavai | Vidhivat Shani Grah Shanti Karai ||

Whoever invites a qualified pandit and has Shani graha-shanti done properly,

पीपल जल शनि दिवस चढ़ावत। दीप दान दै बहु सुख पावत॥

Pipal Jal Shani Divas Chadhavat | Dip Dan Dai Bahu Sukh Pavat ||

and offers water to the peepal on Saturday and donates lamps — he gains much happiness.

कहत राम सुन्दर प्रभु दासा। शनि सुमिरत सुख होत प्रकासा॥

Kahat Ram Sundar Prabhu Dasa | Shani Sumirat Sukh Hot Prakasa ||

The Lord's servant «Ramsundar» says — remembering Shani brings the light of happiness.

॥ दोहा ॥ पाठ शनिश्चर देव को, की हों 'भक्त' तैयार। करत पाठ चालीस दिन, हो भवसागर पार॥

|| Doha || Path Shanishchar Dev Ko, Ki Hon 'Bhakta' Taiyar | Karat Path Chalis Din, Ho Bhavsagar Par ||

This recitation of Shanishchar Dev was prepared by «Bhakt»; reciting it for forty days, one crosses the ocean of worldly life.

📿 Japa counter (mala of 108)

Tap the button for each repetition; every 108 counts as one mala (your phone vibrates). The count is saved on this device/browser.

📅 Next auspicious days (from our panchang)

24 Oct (Saturday)
31 Oct (Saturday)
7 Nov (Saturday)
14 Nov (Saturday)
21 Nov (Saturday)
28 Nov (Saturday)

Dates are for Delhi sunrise; see today's panchang for your city.

🪔 How to chant / recite

Time: Saturday evening (after sunset) — Shani worship is traditionally done at dusk.
Method: A mustard-oil lamp and black sesame under a peepal tree or at a Shani temple; recite facing west.
Count: Daily or every Saturday, once; a 40-day sankalpa as per the chalisa.
Along with it: Hanuman Chalisa — considered special in Shani's affliction; one mala of «Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah».

🛕 Puja vidhi (step by step)

🧺 Items needed

Mustard oil (for lamp and offering)
Black sesame, urad
Blue/black flowers
Black/blue cloth
Iron vessel or nail (as per custom)
A peepal tree (for the evening lamp)

🪷 Procedure

Bathe and wear clean clothes; clean the puja place and spread a fresh cloth on the altar (chowki).
Do achamana (sip water three times) and purify hands and mouth; sit on an asana and calm the mind.
Light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil — by tradition the lamp is kept to the deity's right.
Take water, akshata (unbroken rice) and a flower in the right hand and make the sankalpa — your name, gotra, place, date and the purpose of the puja, spoken or in the mind; then let the water fall to the ground.
First remember Shri Ganesha (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).
On Saturday after sunset (or in the morning) face west and meditate on Shani Dev.
Offer mustard oil on the Shani idol/stone; offer black sesame, urad and blue flowers.
Light a mustard-oil lamp under a peepal tree; chant the Shani mantra and recite Shani Chalisa.
Donate: black sesame, mustard oil, urad, black cloth or food to the needy.
Finally perform aarti, offer pushpanjali (flowers) and do parikrama (or turn around in your place).
Ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja, distribute the prasad and take it yourself.

⚠️ Rules & precautions

Do not look straight into the eyes of the Shani idol — by tradition one looks at the feet.
On Saturday, buying iron/oil is avoided; donating them is considered auspicious.
Hanuman worship is considered special in Shani's affliction.
Respecting servants, labourers and the elderly is described as the simplest way to please Shani.

🌟 Benefits (as per tradition)

A prayer for patience and peace during Sade Sati, Dhaiya and difficult Shani dashas.
Inspiration to improve one's karma — Shani signifies justice and hard work.

These are traditional beliefs described in scriptures; results are understood to depend on faith, discipline and one's own actions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When should the Shani Chalisa be recited?

Every Saturday evening; regularly during Sade Sati/Dhaiya; specially on Shani Amavasya and Shani Jayanti.

Should one look directly at Shani's idol?

By tradition one looks at Shani's feet rather than directly into the eyes of the idol.

How do I know whether Sade Sati is running?

From the moon sign of your birth chart — check it free with our Sade Sati calculator.

🪐 Shani (Saturn) Mantra · 📿 Hanuman Chalisa · 🪔 Find your planet/deity from your kundali · 🧙 Ask an astrologer · 🕉 All mantras & aartis · 🇮🇳 हिन्दी में पढ़ें

Note: recite with devotion and correct pronunciation; for special anushthans take guidance from a learned acharya.

Other Mantras and Aarti

📿 Hanuman Chalisa 📿 Shiv Chalisa 📿 Durga Chalisa 📿 Ganesh Chalisa 📿 Lakshmi Chalisa 📿 Krishna Chalisa 📿 Ram Chalisa 🕉 Gayatri Mantra 🕉 Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 🪔 Ganesh Aarti (Jai Ganesh Deva)🪔 Shiv Aarti (Om Jai Shiv Omkara)🪔 Lakshmi Aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata)🪔 Durga Aarti (Jai Ambe Gauri)🪔 Hanuman Aarti (Aarti Kijai Hanuman Lala Ki)🕉 Om Namah Shivaya