Shani (Sanskrit Śani शनि) is one of the Navagraha which are the nine primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology (that is, Vedic astrology). 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.

The origin of word Shani(शनि) comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: (शनये क्रमति सः) i.e. the one who moves slowly. Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun, thus it moves slowly enough compared to other planets, thus the Sanskrit name शनि.

He is also known as Shanaiscarya (शनैश्वर) 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 cousin of Yama, the Hindu God of death. It is said that when he 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 (horoscope).He is known as the greatest teacher. 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 black vulture or a raven.

This may be the reason why Shri Shani-Maharaj is feared by most. However, Shani is also not one who gets carried away by platitudes like the careless and/or insincere chanting of mantras or the performance of rituals without sincerity and/or faith. He forces people to be disciplined, and to understand that one needs to be humble, focussed, patient, and hardworking to achieve success. Since most Hindus fear Lord Shani, they prefer not to approach him alone directly; rather they turn to God, in His various Forms, for relief.

In Hindu mythology

The great story of Shani's life is described in Shri Shani Mahatyam ॥श्रीशनिमहात्म्य॥ written several centuries ago. The story of Shani Mahatyam depicts the importance of Shri Shani-deva and how devotion is required to please him and get his krupa (blessings) on you. The book starts with describing the importance of various planets and their strengths. These are told by the scholars serving king Vikramaditya's court from the city of Ujjain. The description of Shani comes as: He has a dark complexion, his face is beautiful,his caste is teli (Oil vendors) and he prays Kal-bhairav. After listening to the birth story of Shani, Vikramaditya laughed and ridiculed Shani for what he did. Shani-dev heard the remarks of Vikramaditya and cursed him. The rest of the story is how Vikramaditya faces difficulties and problems worse than the ones he could imagine. He loses his kingdom, he is charged with stealing, his both hands and legs are cut-off by King Chandrasen of Tamlinda town. He is helped by a teli of that town and this oil vendor brings him home. But Vikramaditya still prays Shani-dev without losing his temper or faith in Shani-dev, who eventually is satisfied with Vikramaditya's devotion and brings him back all the lost glory. In fact Shani-dev makes him even better and greater than what he was or had before. The last part of the book describes various experiences faced by various gods, demons and sages, including Brihaspati (the Guru of gods) and Shiva et al. The story essentially stresses values such as perseverance in difficult times, complete devotion (bhakti) and faith in the values one believes in or one follows and never to lose his/her confidence in life in spite of lot of difficulties. The Marathi version of this is possibly written by Shri Tatyaji Mahipati, however, nothing more is known about this.

Shani 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.

Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani is that once Shani climbed on to Hanuman's shoulder, implying that Shani's influence was beginning on Lord Hanuman. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught painfully between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was unbearable, Shani requested Lord Hanuman to release him, promising in return, that if a person prayed to Lord Hanuman, he (Shani) would moderate the malefic effects of his influence on that person if not all together have no malefic influence on the person; following this, Lord Hanuman released Shani.

Ways to please Shani

Also it is said that Shaneeswara Swamy is a very great 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 Shaneeshwara Swamy placed in bad houses.

Suryaputhro Deerghadeho Vishaalaakshah Shivapriyah |

Mandachaarah Prasannathmaa peedam harathu me Shanih ||

सूर्य पुत्रो दीर्घ देहो विशालाक्षः शिवप्रियः।

मन्दचारः प्रसन्नात्मा पीडां हरतु मे शनिः ॥

One who prays to Lord Vishnu is protected from Shani as he is said to be a great devotee of Vishnu. (It is interesting to note that Hanuman Himself was devoted to Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu).

It is also a wide spread belief that one who is an ardent devotee of Lord SriLakshmiNarasimha Swamy or Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) is also always protected by Sri Shani Maharaj.

Except for prayers to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu you can also chant mantras for Shani to relieve the ill effects of Shani.

Mantra for Shani : Aum praang preeng proung sah Shanaye namah Neelaanjan samaabhaasam raviputram yamaagrajam, Chaayaa-maartandam-sambhootam, Tam namaami Shanaishcharam.

You can chant this mantra for at least 7 times a day, because Shani is the 7th planet counted starting from the Sun. However, if you are troubled by Shani it would be better to chant the above mantra for 108 times a day.

In astrology

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 spends on an average about 30/12 = 2.5 years i.e. two and half years in each rashi or moonsign. This movement of Shani through the moonsigns has a lot of importance in the 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 x 3) is called Saadesaati or "Shani Maha Dasa", and the person faces lot of difficulties during this period of his life. It is believed that Shri Shani-maharaj makes sure that the person who faces difficulties and goes through this period comes out as a very wise person indeed very well aware of most of the dire experiences of life. This period teaches that person many things important in his life. This is another way to make that person humble and be respectful rather than otherwise.

Shani rules the signs Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius), is exalted in Tula (Libra) and in his fall in Mesha (Aries). Mercury and Venus are considered friendly towards Shani or Saturn, while the Sun, Moon and Mars are enemies. Shani is the lord of three nakshatras or lunar mansions: Pushyami, Anuradha and Uttara Bhadrapada.

Shani 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, his flower is the violet and he is linked to all black animals and all trees that are considered useless and ugly.

Shrines for Lord Shani

Shani Devaalayam in Deonar:There is a Shani Temple in Deonar, in Mumbai. The temple is situated east of shivaji Statute at the junction of Chembur, Deonar, Govandi on (Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore) Eastern Express High way. The Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Shaneeswara. A mighty, 7 feet tall imposing beautiful black statue.

Many devotees who have "shani Dosham" or people who are passing through Shani Mahar Dasa throng the temple, for doing 'Tailabhishekam' (Tailam = oil in Sanskrit, Telugu and Malayalam). Nuvvula Nune(Nuvvulu=Sesame; Nune=oil in Telugu)Ellenne (Ellu=sesame; enne=oil in Kannada) is poured with utmost devotion on the head in a manner that the oil covers entire iodol while flowing down. This pooja done with this oil, is beleived to please Shaneeswara.

Shaneeswara descends:

Every Saturday just at the beginning of Rahukalam that is 10.00 A.M, as soon as the priest gives Harathi, Lord Shaneeswara desends on the main priest (who is fondly called 'Swami'by people) all of a sudden, Whole atmosphere in the Temple changes. One can see and feel the charged atmosphere in the temple. There after 'Swami' sits on a chair which has a seat made of very sharp, long iron nails pointing upwards. The foot rest and hand rest also are fully fitted with upward lokking, sharp long iron nails. When Lord Shaneeswara, desends on Swami, he sits on this chair throughout the day. On some Saturdays for a contineous strech of 12 to 13 hours, without ever indicating any pain or discomfort!!!!.

Thereafter the devoties 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 problem, agony or distress or what ever they say. Then he explains the reason/cause behind their agony/problem/distress. It could be 'Prarabdham',consequences of their past karmas (deeds) which are carried over to present janma (=Life in Sanskrit, Telugu and Malayalam). Or as Swami explains, their problems could be result of actions/deeds of present birth itself. In some cases it could be handy work of Vamachara Tantra (black magic) by their enmies and ill-wishers. There are other types of cases Aatmas (spirits)of decesed have occupied the sufferer's body causing misery and trouble. 'swami' listens to them all with apt attention with closed eyes and in intent silence.(in fact he is found to be closing his eyes during most of the day, when he is seated on the nail chair) and offers them "Prakshalana"(=cleansing in Sanskrit and Telugu)or Praayaschitam(Sanskrit, Telugu, Malayalam) repentence through yagna/pooja/dana/abstinence etc) procedure. Thousands have vouched 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. Santum 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 Swamy.

Shani Singapur: Another important Shrine for Lord Shani is in Shingnapur, 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 shepards 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 shepared that he is "Shaneeswara". He also told that the Unique looking Black Stone is His swayambhu form. The sheppered 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 shepered to do daily pooja and 'tailabhishekam' every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have no fear of dacoits or bulglers 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 Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops etc situated within one kilometre radius of this Lord Shani temple, have neither doors and locks. No thievery or burglary ever occurred here in this hamlet called Shani Singhapur. Some who have tried to steal have died omitting 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 Shingapur is visited daily by thosands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara's favour. The place is busiest on Saturdays. Shani [[trayodasi is considered to be a fourite day for the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on 'Amavasya'(new moon day in Sanskrit, telugu, Kannada, malayalam) is considered to be a fovurite day for the Lord Shaneeswara. Thousands of devotees seeking his blessings throng this temple in thousands.

One of the mantras for Shani raya is 'NILAMJANA SAMABASAM RAVI PUTRAM YAMAGRAJAM | CHAYA MARTHANDA SAMBHUTAM TAM NAMAMI SHANAISWARAM ||

Shree Shaneeshwarar Temples in Mumbai:: There are several Shree Shaneeswara Swamy Temples in Mumbai. i)One mandir is situated next to Nageshwar pasharvanathji jain temple, at Ghatkopar (west) close to Sheryas cinema. ii)There is a Shree Shani Mandir at Katemanevli, Kalyan (East), near Vitthalwadi (Central Rly ) Railway Station. iii)There is a Shree Shani Mandir on the Service Road at Khar East on Western Express Highway just about 500 mts before the Vakola Signal when travelling from Mumbai city to Suburbs. iv)There is a Shree Shani Mandir 15 minutes walkable from National Park at Savarpada,Borivali (East). v)One Shani temple is in Jogeshwari (East) in Meghwadi here devoties can avail the facility of listening to The story of Shani Mahatmya during 12 Noon to 6 PM on Saturday Evenings. vi)There a temple at Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

In several parts of India, there are clusters of nine temples/shrines dedicated to the Navagrahas. One such cluster is located near the town Kumbakonam 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.

Temples iother places: A Shani temple ShaniDham, is at Fatehpur Beri, about 6 km from Chhattarpur temple & 16 km from the Qutub Minar, at Mehrauli, South Delhi, India. It has got the tallest 21 feet high statue of Lord Shani in the world made of Astdhatu and a natural rock of Shani. Many devotees visit every Saturday to please Lord Shani. The main Poojan for Kaalsarp and Sadhesatti and Dhaiya are done here on Shani Amavasaya, the most auspicious day for pleasing Lord Shani.

Another temple is at Kuchanoor, 20 km from Theni, near Madurai. The Lord is seen in swayambhu (self-appeared) form, the name of the town being derived from Kubjan, one of Shani's names (Kubjanoor).

There is a temple in south of India, near Pondicherry called Thirunellaru which is of paramount importance to Shaneeswaran. Millions of devotees visit this place to protect themselves from the effects of the transit of Saturn.

There is a Viswaroopa Sarvamangala Shaneeswara Bhagawan sannidhi inside Devi Nagamuthu Mariamma temple in EB Colony, Adambakkam.

Shani in Jainism

Shani and Lord Munisuvarat (20th jain tirthankar)

Usually Munisuvarat Swamis idol is always found made up of Black colour. Millions of devotees across the world have witnessed miracles of Munisuvarat swami who appeared approx. 10,000 years ago as 20th jain tirthankar.

At Kankali Tila in Mathura a deity of Muni-Suvrat Swami whose insignia is tortoise, was discovered. One of the nude statues in Mohan-Jodaro (Indus Valley ) has the tortoise insignia, which indicates that it must be of Muni-Suvrat Swami. In Vedic history there are descriptions of a Muni in the Puran, connected to the tortoise, which throws light on Muni Suvrat. In the Rigved (23, 27, 32) a sage with tortoise insignia has been mentioned which is none other than Tirthankar Muni-Suvrat Swami. It connection with the tortoise the Puran (40, 27, 41) writes that Vishnu appeared in the form of tortoise in Rishabh race (First Tirthankar).

Shani Pilgrimages

• Lord Shani Temple, Gwalior Kokilavan, Vrindavan.
• Shree Shani Temple Beedh, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Kshetra Nastanpur, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Kshetra Model Tirth Nandur bar, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Kshetra Rameshwar Tirth.
• Shree Shani Tirth Tirunalaru, Tamil Nadu.
• Shree Shani Mandir Tirth, Ujjain.
• Shree Shingnapur, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra, Asola, Fatehpur Beri, Mehrauli, Delhi.
• Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth ShaniDham,
• Shree Shani Temple, Madivala, Bangalore
• Shanaischara Temple Hassan

See also

• Navagraha
• ShaniDham

References

External links

• शनि
• शनिधाम
• Shanidham
• A Conversation with Lord Saturn (a.k.a. Lord Shani or Lord Sani)
• Shani the Saturn (Gandharv Ashram)
• Shani Shinganapur
• Navagraha Peedahara Stotra
• Shanidham
• शनि
• शनिधाम
• http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/lordsani.asp
• http://www.geocities.com/parasu41/Shaneeswara/index.html
• Temple for saneeswaran
• http://www.saigan.com/heritage/gods/sani.htm
• http://www.parashakthitemple.org/html/Saneeswara.html