Shani Chalisa
शनि चालीसा
Origin & Story
Hindu devotional tradition · Unknown (folk composition from the Chalisa tradition) · Medieval period
The Shani Chalisa draws from multiple Puranic stories about Lord Shani. In Hindu mythology, Shani is the son of Surya (Sun) and Chhaya (Shadow). Even as a child, his gaze was so powerful that it caused his father's chariot to malfunction. The Chalisa references famous episodes: King Vikramaditya's encounter with Shani, where the righteous king endured seven and a half years of suffering before being vindicated; King Harishchandra, whose truthfulness survived Shani's severe test; and Ravana, who imprisoned Shani but suffered the destruction of Lanka as a result.
✦ As told in scripture
The most famous miracle associated with Shani Dev involves King Vikramaditya. When Shani's Sade Sati period began, the just and mighty king was stripped of his kingdom, made a slave, and falsely accused of theft — his hands were cut off. Yet Vikramaditya never abandoned dharma. When the Sade Sati ended, Shani Dev appeared before him, restored everything, and declared that Vikramaditya's steadfast righteousness had pleased him more than any other devotee. The king's hands were restored and his kingdom returned with even greater glory — proving that those who remain truthful through Saturn's tests emerge stronger than before.
Complete Text with Meaning
दोहा: जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करन कृपाल। दीनन के दुख दूर करि, कीजै नाथ निहाल॥
Doha: Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripal Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kari, Keejai Nath Nihal
Meaning:Doha: Glory to Ganesha, son of Parvati, the gracious one who brings auspiciousness. Remove the sorrows of the humble and bless them, O Lord.
जय जय श्री शनिदेव प्रभु, सुनहु विनय महाराज। करहु कृपा हे रवि तनय, राखहु जन की लाज॥
Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaj Karahu Kripa He Ravi Tanay, Rakhahu Jan Ki Laaj
Meaning:Glory, glory to Shri Shanidev! Hear my humble prayer, O great lord. Bestow your grace, O son of the Sun, and protect the honor of your devotees.
चौपाई: जयति जयति शनिदेव दयाला। करत सदा भक्तन प्रतिपाला॥
Chaupai: Jayati Jayati Shanidev Dayala Karat Sada Bhaktan Pratipala
Meaning:Chaupai: Victory, victory to the compassionate Lord Shani, who always protects his devotees.
चारि भुजा तनु श्याम विराजे। माथे रतन मुकुट छवि छाजे॥
Chari Bhuja Tanu Shyam Viraje Mathe Ratan Mukut Chhavi Chhaje
Meaning:With four arms and a dark-complexioned body he shines resplendently. On his forehead a jeweled crown radiates beauty.
परम विशाल मनोहर भाला। नीलमणि की माल विशाला॥
Param Vishal Manohar Bhala Neelmani Ki Maal Vishala
Meaning:He has a supremely grand and enchanting forehead, and wears a magnificent garland of blue sapphires.
कर में गदा त्रिशूल कुठारा। पल पल करत सृष्टि संहारा॥
Kar Mein Gada Trishool Kuthara Pal Pal Karat Srishti Sanhara
Meaning:In his hands he holds a mace, trident, and axe. Every moment he carries out the dissolution of creation.
कर में शोभित वर और त्रिशूल। करत सदा शत्रुन को मूल॥
Kar Mein Shobhit Var Aur Trishool Karat Sada Shatrun Ko Mool
Meaning:In his hands shine the boon-giving gesture and the trident. He constantly uproots his enemies.
पिंगल नयन छवि अति धारी। मयूरासन पर नित्य सवारी॥
Pingal Nayan Chhavi Ati Dhari Mayurasan Par Nitya Savari
Meaning:With tawny eyes of great splendor, he rides eternally upon his mount.
कृष्ण वर्ण अति श्याम शरीरा। सभी को दरसन करत अधीरा॥
Krishna Varna Ati Shyam Shareera Sabhi Ko Darshan Karat Adheera
Meaning:Of dark complexion and deep black body, his divine vision makes everyone anxious.
सूर्य पुत्र छाया से जाए। सिंहासन पर सदा विराजे॥
Surya Putra Chhaya Se Jaye Singhasan Par Sada Viraje
Meaning:Son of Surya, born of Chhaya (Shadow), he sits eternally upon his throne.
कर्म प्रधान सदा तुम कहते। सत्य मार्ग पर सदा तुम रहते॥
Karma Pradhan Sada Tum Kahte Satya Marg Par Sada Tum Rahte
Meaning:You always declare that karma is supreme. You always walk the path of truth.
सत्य शील स्वभाव तुम्हारा। कठिन दण्ड पर अति प्यारा॥
Satya Sheel Swabhav Tumhara Kathin Dand Par Ati Pyara
Meaning:Truth and righteousness are your nature. You are strict in punishment yet deeply loving.
राजा हो या हो भिखारी। कर्म फल सबको दो विचारी॥
Raja Ho Ya Ho Bhikhari Karma Phal Sabko Do Vichari
Meaning:Whether one is a king or a beggar, you give the fruits of karma to all without discrimination.
दानी हो तो बक्शो राजा। करो गरीबन की रखवाला॥
Dani Ho To Baksho Raja Karo Gariban Ki Rakhwala
Meaning:If one is generous, you bless them like a king. You are the protector of the poor.
जो जन तुमको सदा ध्यावे। सो फल भोगे सुख पावे॥
Jo Jan Tumko Sada Dhyave So Phal Bhoge Sukh Pave
Meaning:Whoever always meditates upon you enjoys the fruits of good karma and attains happiness.
त्राहि त्राहि शनिदेव दयाला। भक्त जनन के सदा कृपाला॥
Trahi Trahi Shanidev Dayala Bhakt Janan Ke Sada Kripala
Meaning:Save me, save me, O compassionate Shanidev! You are always gracious to your devotees.
चंद्र पर कृपा कीन्ह तुम जब से। हुए मंद उनका प्रभाव तब से॥
Chandra Par Kripa Keen Tum Jab Se Hue Mand Unka Prabhav Tab Se
Meaning:When you showed grace to the Moon, its harsh influence became mild from that time.
प्रभु विक्रम पर कोप किया जब। छुड़ा तेल प्रसन्न भए तब॥
Prabhu Vikram Par Kop Kiya Jab Chhuda Tel Prasann Bhaye Tab
Meaning:When you were wrathful toward King Vikramaditya, he was freed when he offered oil, and you were pleased.
नृप हरिचन्द्र पर पड़ी जो भारी। सत्यता ने दी सब बलिहारी॥
Nrip Harichandra Par Padi Jo Bhari Satyata Ne Di Sab Balihari
Meaning:When severe affliction fell upon King Harishchandra, his truthfulness redeemed everything.
पाण्डवन पर भी पड़ी जो भारी। उनकी सत्यता रही बलिहारी॥
Pandavan Par Bhi Padi Jo Bhari Unki Satyata Rahi Balihari
Meaning:When severe affliction fell upon the Pandavas too, their truthfulness proved their salvation.
पारस बने लंकेश जब भारी। छोड़ी लंका सकल हित कारी॥
Paras Bane Lankesh Jab Bhari Chhodi Lanka Sakal Hit Kari
Meaning:When the Lord of Lanka (Ravana) tried to control you, you left Lanka and destroyed his welfare.
सूर्य सुत पद नित मैं ध्याऊँ। कथा शनि देव की नित गाऊँ॥
Surya Sut Pad Nit Main Dhyaun Katha Shani Dev Ki Nit Gaun
Meaning:I meditate daily at the feet of the Son of Surya. I sing the story of Lord Shani every day.
दोहा: पाठ शनि चालीसा का, भक्ति नित सों होय। ताको दुख कबहुँ न व्यापे, प्रभु भक्तन सुख होय॥
Doha: Path Shani Chalisa Ka, Bhakti Nit Son Hoy Tako Dukh Kabahun Na Vyape, Prabhu Bhaktan Sukh Hoy
Meaning:Doha: Whoever recites this Shani Chalisa with daily devotion — sorrow shall never afflict them, and the Lord shall grant his devotees happiness.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Shani Chalisa
Reduces the malefic effects of Sade Sati (7.5 year Saturn transit)
Appeases Shani Dev and converts his harsh influence into blessings
Protects against sudden losses, accidents, and misfortune
Brings justice and fair outcomes in legal matters and disputes
Removes fear and anxiety associated with Saturn's astrological position
Promotes discipline, patience, and spiritual growth through karma awareness
Especially beneficial during Shani Mahadasha, Antardasha, and transit periods
How to Chant Shani Chalisa
Light a mustard oil lamp before a Shani Dev image or idol. Offer black sesame seeds, black urad dal, or mustard oil. Recite the Shani Chalisa with sincerity and humility. Wearing dark blue or black clothing on Saturday is considered auspicious. After recitation, donate food or oil to the needy — Shani Dev is especially pleased by charity and service to the poor.