Complete Guide to Shani Stotram
Introduction to Shani Stotram
Shani Stotram is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Shani (planet Saturn), the divine judge of karma who governs justice, discipline, and spiritual lessons through life's challenges. As the son of Lord Surya (Sun God) and the most feared yet most transformative of the Navagrahas, Shani Dev's worship through this stotram brings relief from planetary afflictions and karmic hardships.
Spiritual Significance of Shani Stotram
Lord Shani is not a malefic force but the supreme teacher of cosmic justice. His influence through periods like Sade Sati and Shani Dasha represents opportunities for spiritual growth through discipline and perseverance. This stotram appeals to Shani's benevolent nature, seeking his grace to reduce suffering while maintaining the spiritual lessons necessary for the soul's evolution.
Shani Stotram Lyrics
॥ शनैश्चरस्तोत्रम् ॥
॥ विनियोग ॥
श्रीगणेशाय नमः॥
अस्य श्रीशनैश्चरस्तोत्रस्य। दशरथ ऋषिः॥
शनैश्चरो देवता। त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः॥
शनैश्चरप्रीत्यर्थ जपे विनियोगः॥
॥ दशरथ उवाच ॥
कोणोऽन्तको रौद्रयमोऽथ बभ्रुः कृष्णः शनिः पिङ्गलमन्दसौरिः।
नित्यं स्मृतो यो हरते च पीडां तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥1॥
सुरासुराः किंपुरुषोरगेन्द्रा गन्धर्वविद्याधरपन्नगाश्च।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥2॥
नरा नरेन्द्राः पशवो मृगेन्द्रा वन्याश्च ये कीटपतङ्गभृङ्गाः।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥3॥
देशाश्च दुर्गाणि वनानि यत्र सेनानिवेशाः पुरपत्तनानि।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥4॥
तिलैर्यवैर्माषगुडान्नदानैर्लोहेन नीलाम्बरदानतो वा।
प्रीणाति मन्त्रैर्निजवासरे च तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥5॥
प्रयागकूले यमुनातटे च सरस्वतीपुण्यजले गुहायाम्।
यो योगिनां ध्यानगतोऽपि सूक्ष्मस्तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥6॥
अन्यप्रदेशात्स्वगृहं प्रविष्टस्तदीयवारे स नरः सुखी स्यात्।
गृहाद् गतो यो न पुनः प्रयाति तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥7॥
स्रष्टा स्वयंभूर्भुवनत्रयस्य त्राता हरीशो हरते पिनाकी।
एकस्त्रिधा ऋग्यजुःसाममूर्तिस्तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥8॥
शन्यष्टकं यः प्रयतः प्रभाते नित्यं सुपुत्रैः पशुबान्धवैश्च।
पठेत्तु सौख्यं भुवि भोगयुक्तः प्राप्नोति निर्वाणपदं तदन्ते॥9॥
कोणस्थः पिङ्गलो बभ्रुः कृष्णो रौद्रोऽन्तको यमः।
सौरिः शनैश्चरो मन्दः पिप्पलादेन संस्तुतः॥10॥
एतानि दश नामानि प्रातरुत्थाय यः पठेत्।
शनैश्चरकृता पीडा न कदाचिद्भविष्यति॥11॥
॥ इति श्रीब्रह्माण्डपुराणे श्रीशनैश्चरस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shanaishcharastotram ॥
॥ Viniyoga ॥
Shriganeshaya Namah॥
Asya Shrishanaishcharastotrasya। Dasharatha Rishih॥
Shanaishcharo Devata। Trishtup Chhandah॥
Shanaishcharaprityartha Jape Viniyogah॥
॥ Dasharatha Uvacha ॥
Konoantako Raudrayamoatha Babhruh Krishnah Shanih Pingalamandasaurih।
Nityam Smrito Yo Harate Cha Pidam Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥1॥
Surasurah Kimpurushoragendra Gandharvavidyadharapannagashcha।
Pidyanti Sarve Vishamasthitena Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥2॥
Nara Narendrah Pashavo Mrigendra Vanyashcha Ye Kitapatangabhringah।
Pidyanti Sarve Vishamasthitena Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥3॥
Deshashcha Durgani Vanani Yatra Senaniveshah Purapattanani।
Pidyanti Sarve Vishamasthitena Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥4॥
Tilairyavairmashagudannadanairlohena Nilambaradanato Va।
Prinati Mantrairnijavasare Cha Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥5॥
Prayagakule Yamunatate Cha Sarasvatipunyajale Guhayam।
Yo Yoginam Dhyanagatoapi Sukshmastasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥6॥
Anyapradeshatsvagriham Pravishtastadiyavare Sa Narah Sukhi Syat।
Grihad Gato Yo Na Punah Prayati Tasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥7॥
Srashta Svayambhurbhuvanatrayasya Trata Harisho Harate Pinaki।
Ekastridha Rigyajuhsamamurtistasmai Namah Shriravinandanaya॥8॥
Shanyashtakam Yah Prayatah Prabhate Nityam Suputraih Pashubandhavaishcha।
Pathettu Saukhyam Bhuvi Bhogayuktah Prapnoti Nirvanapadam Tadante॥9॥
Konasthah Pingalo Babhruh Krishno Raudroantako Yamah।
Saurih Shanaishcharo Mandah Pippaladena Samstutah॥10॥
Etani Dasha Namani Pratarutthaya Yah Pathet।
Shanaishcharakrita Pida Na Kadachidbhavishyati॥11॥
॥ Iti Shribrahmandapurane Shrishanaishcharastotram Sampurnam ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shani Stotram
1 First Verse
कोणोऽन्तको रौद्रयमोऽथ बभ्रुः
कृष्णः शनिः पिङ्गलमन्दसौरिः।
नित्यं स्मृतो यो हरते च पीडां
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
कृष्णः शनिः पिङ्गलमन्दसौरिः।
नित्यं स्मृतो यो हरते च पीडां
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: कोणः (Konah) = the angular one; अन्तकः (Antakah) = the ender; रौद्रः (Raudrah) = the fierce; यमः (Yamah) = the controller; बभ्रुः (Babhruh) = the tawny; कृष्णः (Krishnah) = the dark; शनिः (Shanih) = the slow; पिङ्गलः (Pingalah) = the tawny-eyed; मन्दः (Mandah) = the slow-moving; सौरिः (Saurih) = the son of the Sun; नित्यम् (Nityam) = always; स्मृतः (Smritah) = remembered; हरते (Harate) = removes; पीडाम् (Pidam) = suffering; रविनन्दनाय (Ravinandanaya) = to the son of the Sun
Translation: (Dasharatha said:) Kona, Antaka (the Ender), Raudra (the Fierce), Yama, Babhru (the Tawny), Krishna (the Dark), Shani, Pingala, Manda, Sauri — when always remembered, He removes suffering. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
2 Second Verse
सुरासुराः किंपुरुषोरगेन्द्रा
गन्धर्वविद्याधरपन्नगाश्च।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
गन्धर्वविद्याधरपन्नगाश्च।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: सुरासुराः (Surasurah) = gods and demons; किंपुरुषोरगेन्द्राः (Kimpurushaoragendrah) = Kimpurushas and serpent kings; गन्धर्वविद्याधरपन्नगाः (Gandharvavidyadharapannagah) = Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, and serpents; पीड्यन्ति (Pidyanti) = are afflicted; सर्वे (Sarve) = all; विषमस्थितेन (Vishamasthitena) = when adversely placed
Translation: Gods, demons, Kimpurushas, serpent kings, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, and serpents — all are afflicted when He (Saturn) is adversely placed. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
3 Third Verse
नरा नरेन्द्राः पशवो मृगेन्द्रा
वन्याश्च ये कीटपतङ्गभृङ्गाः।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
वन्याश्च ये कीटपतङ्गभृङ्गाः।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: नराः (Narah) = humans; नरेन्द्राः (Narendrah) = kings; पशवः (Pashavah) = cattle; मृगेन्द्राः (Mrigendrah) = kings of beasts (lions); वन्याः (Vanyah) = wild creatures; कीटपतङ्गभृङ्गाः (Kitapatangabhringah) = insects, moths, and bees; पीड्यन्ति (Pidyanti) = are afflicted; विषमस्थितेन (Vishamasthitena) = when adversely placed
Translation: Humans, kings, cattle, lions, wild creatures, insects, moths, and bees — all are afflicted when He is adversely placed. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
4 Fourth Verse
देशाश्च दुर्गाणि वनानि यत्र
सेनानिवेशाः पुरपत्तनानि।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
सेनानिवेशाः पुरपत्तनानि।
पीड्यन्ति सर्वे विषमस्थितेन
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: देशाः (Deshah) = countries; दुर्गाणि (Durgani) = forts; वनानि (Vanani) = forests; सेनानिवेशाः (Senaniveshah) = military camps; पुरपत्तनानि (Purapattanani) = cities and towns; पीड्यन्ति (Pidyanti) = are afflicted; विषमस्थितेन (Vishamasthitena) = when adversely placed
Translation: Countries, forts, forests, military encampments, cities, and towns — all are afflicted when He is adversely placed. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
5 Fifth Verse
तिलैर्यवैर्माषगुडान्नदानैर्
लोहेन नीलाम्बरदानतो वा।
प्रीणाति मन्त्रैर्निजवासरे च
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
लोहेन नीलाम्बरदानतो वा।
प्रीणाति मन्त्रैर्निजवासरे च
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: तिलैः (Tilaih) = with sesame seeds; यवैः (Yavaih) = with barley; माषगुडान्नदानैः (Mashagudannadanaih) = with offerings of black gram, jaggery, and food; लोहेन (Lohena) = with iron; नीलाम्बरदानतः (Nilambaradanatah) = by donating blue/dark clothes; प्रीणाति (Prinati) = is pleased; मन्त्रैः (Mantraih) = with mantras; निजवासरे (Nijavasare) = on His own day (Saturday)
Translation: He is pleased with offerings of sesame seeds, barley, black gram, jaggery, food, iron, and blue garments, and with mantras on His day (Saturday). Salutations to the son of the Sun!
6 Sixth Verse
प्रयागकूले यमुनातटे च
सरस्वतीपुण्यजले गुहायाम्।
यो योगिनां ध्यानगतोऽपि सूक्ष्मः
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
सरस्वतीपुण्यजले गुहायाम्।
यो योगिनां ध्यानगतोऽपि सूक्ष्मः
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: प्रयागकूले (Prayagakule) = on the banks of Prayaga; यमुनातटे (Yamunatate) = on the banks of Yamuna; सरस्वतीपुण्यजले (Sarasvatipunyajale) = in the sacred waters of Saraswati; गुहायाम् (Guhayam) = in the cave; योगिनाम् (Yoginam) = of the yogis; ध्यानगतः (Dhyanagatah) = present in meditation; सूक्ष्मः (Sukshmah) = the subtle one
Translation: On the banks of Prayaga, Yamuna, in the sacred waters of Saraswati, in caves — He who is present as the subtle one in the meditation of yogis. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
7 Seventh Verse
अन्यप्रदेशात् स्वगृहं प्रविष्टः
तदीयवारे स नरः सुखी स्यात्।
गृहाद् गतो यो न पुनः प्रयाति
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
तदीयवारे स नरः सुखी स्यात्।
गृहाद् गतो यो न पुनः प्रयाति
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: अन्यप्रदेशात् (Anyapradeshat) = from another place; स्वगृहम् (Svagruham) = to one's own house; प्रविष्टः (Pravishtah) = having entered; तदीयवारे (Tadiyavare) = on His day (Saturday); सुखी (Sukhi) = happy; स्यात् (Syat) = may be; गृहात् (Grihaat) = from the house; गतः (Gatah) = gone; न पुनः (Na punah) = never again; प्रयाति (Prayati) = goes
Translation: One who enters their own house (favorably placed) on His day becomes happy. But one from whose house He departs never returns to prosperity. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
8 Eighth Verse
स्रष्टा स्वयंभूर्भुवनत्रयस्य
त्राता हरीशो हरते पिनाकी।
एकस्त्रिधा ऋग्यजुःसाममूर्तिः
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
त्राता हरीशो हरते पिनाकी।
एकस्त्रिधा ऋग्यजुःसाममूर्तिः
तस्मै नमः श्रीरविनन्दनाय॥
Word Meanings: स्रष्टा (Srashta) = the creator; स्वयंभूः (Svayambhuh) = the self-born (Brahma); भुवनत्रयस्य (Bhuvanatrayasya) = of the three worlds; त्राता (Trata) = the protector; हरीशः (Harishah) = Hari (Vishnu); हरते (Harate) = destroys; पिनाकी (Pinaki) = the wielder of Pinaka (Shiva); एकः (Ekah) = one; त्रिधा (Tridha) = threefold; ऋग्यजुःसाममूर्तिः (Rigyajuhsamamurtih) = in the form of Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas
Translation: The self-born Creator (Brahma), the protector Hari (Vishnu), the destroyer Pinaki (Shiva) — He is one yet threefold, in the form of the three Vedas. Salutations to the son of the Sun!
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 9)
शन्यष्टकं यः प्रयतः प्रभाते
नित्यं सुपुत्रैः पशुबान्धवैश्च।
पठेत्तु सौख्यं भुवि भोगयुक्तः
प्राप्नोति निर्वाणपदं तदन्ते॥
नित्यं सुपुत्रैः पशुबान्धवैश्च।
पठेत्तु सौख्यं भुवि भोगयुक्तः
प्राप्नोति निर्वाणपदं तदन्ते॥
Word Meanings: शन्यष्टकम् (Shanayashtakam) = the eight verses of Shani; प्रयतः (Prayatah) = with effort/purity; प्रभाते (Prabhate) = in the morning; नित्यम् (Nityam) = daily; सुपुत्रैः (Suputraih) = with good sons; पशुबान्धवैः (Pashubandhavaih) = with cattle and relatives; सौख्यम् (Saukhyam) = happiness; भुवि (Bhuvi) = on earth; भोगयुक्तः (Bhogayuktah) = endowed with enjoyments; निर्वाणपदम् (Nirvanapadam) = the state of liberation
Translation: Whoever recites these eight verses of Shani daily in the morning with purity — they enjoy happiness on earth with good sons, cattle, and kin, endowed with pleasures, and attain the state of liberation in the end.
10 Tenth Verse
कोणस्थः पिङ्गलो बभ्रुः कृष्णो रौद्रोऽन्तको यमः।
सौरिः शनैश्चरो मन्दः पिप्पलादेन संस्तुतः॥
सौरिः शनैश्चरो मन्दः पिप्पलादेन संस्तुतः॥
Word Meanings: कोणस्थः (Konasthah) = dwelling in the corner; पिङ्गलः (Pingalah) = the tawny; बभ्रुः (Babhruh) = the brown; कृष्णः (Krishnah) = the dark; रौद्रः (Raudrah) = the fierce; अन्तकः (Antakah) = the ender; यमः (Yamah) = the controller; सौरिः (Saurih) = son of the Sun; शनैश्चरः (Shanaishcharah) = the slow-mover; मन्दः (Mandah) = the slow; पिप्पलादेन (Pippaladena) = by Pippalada; संस्तुतः (Samstutah) = praised
Translation: Konastha, Pingala, Babhru, Krishna, Raudra, Antaka, Yama, Sauri, Shanaishchara, Manda — these ten names were praised by sage Pippalada.
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 11)
एतानि दश नामानि प्रातरुत्थाय यः पठेत्।
शनैश्चरकृता पीडा न कदाचिद्भविष्यति॥
शनैश्चरकृता पीडा न कदाचिद्भविष्यति॥
Word Meanings: एतानि (Etani) = these; दश (Dasha) = ten; नामानि (Namani) = names; प्रातरुत्थाय (Pratarutthaya) = rising in the morning; यः (Yah) = whoever; पठेत् (Pathet) = recites; शनैश्चरकृता (Shanaishcharakrita) = caused by Saturn; पीडा (Pida) = affliction; न कदाचित् (Na kadachit) = never; भविष्यति (Bhavishyati) = will occur
Translation: Whoever rises in the morning and recites these ten names — the affliction caused by Saturn will never befall them.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shani Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Lord Shani
- Inner Peace: Brings tranquility and contentment to the mind
- Positive Energy: Develops an attitude of gratitude and spiritual awareness
- Spiritual Progress: Enhances devotion and deepens spiritual understanding
Material and Worldly Benefits
- Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments from the path of progress
- Success: Enhances success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors
- Protection: Provides divine protection from negative forces and energies
- Family Harmony: Promotes peace and understanding among family members
Health and Well-being
- Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making
- Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional balance
- Physical Vitality: Supports overall health and well-being
- Karmic Purification: Helps dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Shani Stotram: Complete Guide
Preparation for Chanting
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Deity Image: Place an image or idol of Lord Shani before you
- Light a Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp for auspiciousness
- Mental Preparation: Calm the mind with a few minutes of deep breathing
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Lord Shani
- Sankalpa: State your intention (spiritual growth, protection, or specific purpose)
- Recitation: Chant the stotram with clear pronunciation and devotional feeling
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on the deity's form
- Prayer: Offer your heartfelt prayers and express gratitude
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the best results
- Chant with genuine devotion rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Try to understand the meaning of the verses for deeper spiritual impact
- Maintain a vegetarian diet on days of special devotion
- Share the merit of your practice by praying for the welfare of all beings
Best Times to Recite Shani Stotram
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection through the night
Special Occasions
- Festival Days: During festivals associated with Lord Shani
- Ekadashi: Auspicious for spiritual practices and vrat observances
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for meditation and chanting
- Amavasya (New Moon): For removal of negative influences and karmic cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions about Shani Stotram
What is the Shani Stotram?
The Shani Stotram (शनि स्तोत्रम्) is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) — the most feared yet most misunderstood of the nine planets (Navagraha). This stotram invokes Shani Dev's blessings for justice, karmic purification, and the transformation of Saturn's energy from punitive to protective. When properly worshipped, Shani becomes the greatest benefactor, granting discipline, longevity, wisdom, and the ultimate spiritual transformation.
Who is Shani Dev?
Shani Dev is the son of Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya (Shadow), and the brother of Yama (God of Death). He is the divine judge of karma — rewarding the righteous and punishing the sinful. His slow movement (taking 2.5 years per zodiac sign) creates extended periods of karmic testing called Sade Sati (7.5 years) and Dhaiya (2.5 years). Despite his fearsome reputation, Shani is actually the greatest teacher — his challenges force spiritual growth and burn away accumulated negative karma.
When should one recite the Shani Stotram?
The Shani Stotram is most powerful on Saturdays (Shani's day), during Shani Hora (Saturn hour), during Shani Jayanti, on Shani Amavasya, and throughout the Sade Sati period (7.5-year Saturn transit). It is especially recommended when Saturn is transiting difficult houses in one's chart, during Shani Dasha/Antardasha, and on every Saturday evening while lighting a sesame oil lamp. Continuous recitation during Sade Sati is the most effective Saturn remedy.
What are the benefits of reciting the Shani Stotram?
Regular recitation transforms Saturn's energy from punitive to protective. It reduces the severity of Sade Sati, prevents accidents and chronic diseases (Saturn-related), removes obstacles in career, grants discipline and perseverance, ensures justice in legal matters, and accelerates karmic purification. Satisfied Shani becomes the greatest benefactor — granting longevity, property, wealth, spiritual wisdom, and ultimate liberation.
How should one worship Shani Dev?
Shani worship includes: reciting Shani Stotram on Saturdays, lighting a sesame oil lamp, donating black items (black sesame, iron, black cloth, mustard oil) to the needy, feeding crows (Shani's vahana), wearing blue sapphire or iron ring (after consultation with an astrologer), and visiting Shani temples. The most important worship principle is practicing honesty, discipline, and service to the poor — Shani rewards righteous conduct above all ritualistic worship.