Shani Dev Aarti — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्री शनिदेव आरती
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
शनिदेव
Shanidev
Lord Saturn — the planetary deity of karma, discipline and justice
सूरज के पुत्र
Suraj ke Putra
Son of the Sun (Surya); Shani is the son of Surya and Chhaya
छाया
Chhaya
Chhaya (the shadow), Shani's mother
भक्तन हितकारी
Bhaktan Hitkari
Benefactor and well-wisher of devotees
लोहा तिल तेल उड़द
Loha Til Tel Urad
Iron, sesame, oil and black gram — items dear to Shani, offered in his worship
Complete Translation
Victory, victory to Shri Shanidev, the benefactor of his devotees; the son of the Sun-god (Surya) and of mother Chhaya.
Dark of body and crooked (sidelong, penetrating) of gaze, bearing four arms; clad in blue, O Lord, you ride upon your mount.
A jewelled crown gleams upon your head and lights up your brow; a garland of pearls graces your neck — wondrous to behold!
Sweets, delicacies, paan and betel-nut are offered to you; iron, sesame, oil, black gram (urad) and the buffalo are dear to you.
Gods, demons, sages, saints and men and women all remember you; the devotee fixes his meditation upon you — we are in your refuge.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Hindi devotional aarti
Author: Traditional
Period: Devotional era
Shani (Saturn) is the son of Surya, the Sun-god, and Chhaya. As the great judge among the Navagrahas, he weighs every soul's karma and dispenses its just fruits — which is why his gaze is feared during Sade Sati. Yet to his devotees Shani is 'bhaktan hitkari,' the benefactor: those who worship him with honesty and humility on Saturdays find his justice turning to grace. This aarti is sung to close that Saturday worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shani Dev Aarti?▼
The Shani Dev Aarti 'Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Bhaktan Hitkari' is the traditional Hindi aarti of Lord Shani (Saturn), the son of Surya and Chhaya. It is sung at the close of Shani worship, especially on Saturdays and during Sade Sati, to seek his grace and protection.
When should the Shani Aarti be sung?▼
Saturday (Shanivar) evening is the most auspicious time, as are Shani Jayanti and Shani Amavasya. It is sung after lighting a lamp of mustard or sesame oil and reciting the Shani Chalisa.
What is offered to Shani Dev during the aarti?▼
As the aarti itself says, black sesame (til), mustard/sesame oil, iron, urad (black gram), blue or black flowers, and sweets like modak are offered. Lighting a til-oil lamp is the central offering.
Does the Shani Aarti help during Sade Sati?▼
Devotees believe regular worship of Shani — including the Chalisa, stotra and aarti on Saturdays — softens the difficulties of Sade Sati and Dhaiya, granting patience, justice and relief from Saturn's harsher effects.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →