Shani Chalisa
- Saturday — at sunrise or about 2 hours before
- Saturday Pradosh — after sunset
- On Shani Jayanti and Shanishchari Amavasya
- Hold black sesame in hand while reciting
English Transliteration
Doha
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripaal.
Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kari, Keejai Naath Nihaal.
Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaj.
Karahu Kripa He Ravi Tanay, Raakhahu Jan Ki Laaj.
Jayati Jayati Shanidev Dayaala.
Karat Sada Bhaktan Pratipaala.
Chaari Bhuja, Tanu Shyam Viraaje.
Maathe Ratan Mukut Chhabi Chhaaje.
Param Vishaal Manohar Bhaala.
Terhi Drishti Bhrikuti Vikraala.
Kundal Shravan Chamacham Chamke.
Hiy Maal Muktan Mani Damke.
Kar Mein Gada Trishool Kuthaara.
Pal Bich Karain Arihin Sanhaara.
Pingal, Krishno, Chhaya Nandan.
Yam, Konasth, Raudra, Dukhbhanjan.
Sauri, Mand, Shani, Dash Naama.
Bhaanu Putra Poojhin Sab Kaama.
Ja Par Prabhu Prasann Hvain Jaaheen.
Rankahun Raav Karain Kshan Maaheen.
Parvatahu Trin Hoi Nihaarat.
Trinahoo Ko Parvat Kari Daarat.
Raaj Milat Ban Raamhin Deenhyo.
Kaikeihu Ki Mati Hari Leenhyo.
Banhoo Mein Mrig Kapat Dikhaai.
Matu Jaanki Gayi Churaai.
Lakhanhin Shakti Vikal Karidaara.
Machiga Dal Mein Haahakaara.
Raavan Ki Gati-Mati Bauraai.
Ramchandra Son Bair Badhaai.
Diyo Keet Kari Kanchan Lanka.
Baji Bajrang Beer Ki Danka.
Nrip Vikram Par Tuhi Pagu Dhaara.
Chitra Mayur Nigali Gai Haara.
Haar Naulakha Laagyo Chori.
Haath Pair Darvaayo Tori.
Bhaari Dasha Nikrisht Dikhaayo.
Telihin Ghar Kolhu Chalvaayo.
Vinay Raag Deepak Mahan Keenhyon.
Tab Prasann Prabhu Hvai Sukh Deenhyon.
Harishchandra Nrip Naari Bikaani.
Aapahun Bhare Dom Ghar Paani.
Taise Nal Par Dasha Siraani.
Bhoonji-Meen Kood Gayi Paani.
Shri Shankarhin Gahyo Jab Jaai.
Paarvati Ko Sati Karaai.
Tanik Vilokat Hi Kari Reesa.
Nabh Udi Gayo Gaurisut Seesa.
Paandav Par Bhai Dasha Tumhaari.
Bachi Draupadi Hoti Ughaari.
Kaurav Ke Bhi Gati Mati Maaryo.
Yuddh Mahaabharat Kari Daaryo.
Ravi Kahan Mukh Mahan Dhari Tatkaala.
Lekar Koodi Paryo Paataala.
Shesh Dev-Lakhi Vinti Laai.
Ravi Ko Mukh Te Diyo Chhudaai.
Vaahan Prabhu Ke Saat Sujaana.
Jag Diggaj Gardabh Mrig Swaana.
Jambuk Singh Aadi Nakh Dhaari.
So Phal Jyotish Kahat Pukaari.
Gaj Vaahan Lakshmi Grih Aavain.
Hay Te Sukh Sampati Upjaavain.
Gardabh Haani Karai Bahu Kaaja.
Singh Siddhkar Raaj Samaaja.
Jambuk Buddhi Nasht Kar Daarai.
Mrig De Kasht Praan Sanhaarai.
Jab Aavhin Prabhu Swaan Savaari.
Chori Aadi Hoy Dar Bhaari.
Taisahi Chaari Charan Yah Naama.
Swarn Lauh Chaandi Aru Taama.
Lauh Charan Par Jab Prabhu Aavain.
Dhan Jan Sampatti Nasht Karaavain.
Samta Taamr Rajat Shubhkaari.
Swarn Sarv Sarv Sukh Mangal Bhaari.
Jo Yah Shani Charitra Nit Gaavai.
Kabahu Na Dasha Nikrisht Sataavai.
Adbhut Naath Dikhaavain Leela.
Karain Shatru Ke Nashi Bali Dheela.
Jo Pandit Suyogya Bulvaai.
Vidhivat Shani Grah Shaanti Karaai.
Peepal Jal Shani Divas Chadhaavat.
Deep Daan Dai Bahu Sukh Paavat.
Kahat Ram Sundar Prabhu Daasa.
Shani Sumirat Sukh Hot Prakaasha.
Doha
Paath Shanishchar Dev Ko, Ki Hon Bhakt Taiyaar.
Karat Paath Chaalis Din, Ho Bhavsaagar Paar.Verse-by-Verse Meaning
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Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripaal. Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kari, Keejai Naath Nihaal.
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This is the traditional invocation to Lord Ganesha before Shanidev's praise begins — victory to you, O son of Girija (Parvati), the compassionate bestower of auspiciousness; remove the sorrows of the humble and afflicted, O lord, and grant us joy and grace.
Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaj. Karahu Kripa He Ravi Tanay, Raakhahu Jan Ki Laaj.
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Victory, victory to you, Lord Shanidev! Hear my humble prayer, O great lord. O son of the Sun (Ravi Tanay), bestow your grace upon me and safeguard the honor and dignity of your devotee.
Jayati Jayati Shanidev Dayaala. Karat Sada Bhaktan Pratipaala.
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Victory, victory to the compassionate Shanidev, who forever nurtures and protects his devotees.
Chaari Bhuja, Tanu Shyam Viraaje. Maathe Ratan Mukut Chhabi Chhaaje.
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Four-armed, his form is adorned with a dark, deep-hued complexion; upon his forehead a jewel-studded crown radiates splendid beauty.
Param Vishaal Manohar Bhaala. Terhi Drishti Bhrikuti Vikraala.
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His forehead is vast and enchanting, yet his sidelong glance and fiercely knitted brows inspire both awe and reverence — Shani's gaze has always been regarded as profoundly powerful.
Kundal Shravan Chamacham Chamke. Hiy Maal Muktan Mani Damke.
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Earrings shimmer brilliantly in his ears, and a garland of pearls and gems gleams radiantly upon his chest.
Kar Mein Gada Trishool Kuthaara. Pal Bich Karain Arihin Sanhaara.
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In his hands he bears a mace, a trident, and an axe, with which he can vanquish unrighteous foes in a mere instant.
Pingal, Krishno, Chhaya Nandan. Yam, Konasth, Raudra, Dukhbhanjan.
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Pingal, Krishna, Chhaya Nandan (son of Chhaya, wife of the Sun), Yam, Konasth, Raudra, and Dukhbhanjan (destroyer of sorrows) — these are among his sacred names.
Sauri, Mand, Shani, Dash Naama. Bhaanu Putra Poojhin Sab Kaama.
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Sauri, Mand, and Shani complete the count of his ten names; worshipping the son of Bhanu (the Sun) fulfills all righteous desires.
Ja Par Prabhu Prasann Hvain Jaaheen. Rankahun Raav Karain Kshan Maaheen.
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Whoever wins the lord's favor, upon that devotee he can bestow a king's fortune out of poverty in but a single moment.
Parvatahu Trin Hoi Nihaarat. Trinahoo Ko Parvat Kari Daarat.
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By his glance alone, a mountain may appear as trivial as a blade of grass, and a blade of grass may be magnified into a mountain — a sign of his boundless power to humble the mighty and exalt the humble.
Raaj Milat Ban Raamhin Deenhyo. Kaikeihu Ki Mati Hari Leenhyo.
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Just as the kingdom was about to pass to Shri Ram, Shani's influence clouded Queen Kaikeyi's judgment, sending Ram to the forest instead — showing that even the noblest of incarnations were not beyond Shani's dasha.
Banhoo Mein Mrig Kapat Dikhaai. Matu Jaanki Gayi Churaai.
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In the forest, the deceptive golden deer (Maricha in disguise) appeared, and in that moment Mother Janaki (Sita) was abducted — another episode attributed to the working of Shani's dasha.
Lakhanhin Shakti Vikal Karidaara. Machiga Dal Mein Haahakaara.
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Lakshmana was struck senseless by the shakti weapon, and a great cry of anguish rose through the army.
Raavan Ki Gati-Mati Bauraai. Ramchandra Son Bair Badhaai.
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Ravana's judgment and reasoning grew deranged under Shani's sway, leading him to deepen his enmity with Shri Ramchandra.
Diyo Keet Kari Kanchan Lanka. Baji Bajrang Beer Ki Danka.
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The golden city of Lanka was reduced to ashes, and the victorious drum of the mighty Bajrang Bali (Hanuman) resounded.
Nrip Vikram Par Tuhi Pagu Dhaara. Chitra Mayur Nigali Gai Haara.
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O Shanidev, you set your influence even upon King Vikramaditya — a painted or artificial peacock swallowed his precious necklace, a famous legend associated with the king.
Haar Naulakha Laagyo Chori. Haath Pair Darvaayo Tori.
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His necklace worth nine lakhs was stolen, and out of the ensuing terror his hands and feet were even broken — such were the hardships endured in that difficult dasha.
Bhaari Dasha Nikrisht Dikhaayo. Telihin Ghar Kolhu Chalvaayo.
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He was shown a heavy and degrading period, so severe that he was made to work an oil-press at an oil-presser's house.
Vinay Raag Deepak Mahan Keenhyon. Tab Prasann Prabhu Hvai Sukh Deenhyon.
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When he sang a humble prayer set to Raag Deepak, the lord became pleased and granted him happiness in return.
Harishchandra Nrip Naari Bikaani. Aapahun Bhare Dom Ghar Paani.
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The truthful King Harishchandra's queen had to be sold into servitude, and the king himself was made to carry water at the home of a Dom (outcaste) — a trial imposed during Shani's dasha even upon the most truthful of kings.
Taise Nal Par Dasha Siraani. Bhoonji-Meen Kood Gayi Paani.
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Likewise, King Nala endured his dasha, and its end was marked by the miraculous sign of even roasted fish leaping back into the water.
Shri Shankarhin Gahyo Jab Jaai. Paarvati Ko Sati Karaai.
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When Shani's influence even took hold of Lord Shankar (Shiva), it led, in consequence, to Mother Parvati (then in her form as Sati) giving up her body — referring to the episode of Daksha's yajna.
Tanik Vilokat Hi Kari Reesa. Nabh Udi Gayo Gaurisut Seesa.
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With but a single wrathful glance, the head of Gauri's son (Ganesha) flew off into the sky — the well-known account of how Lord Ganesha came to receive an elephant's head.
Paandav Par Bhai Dasha Tumhaari. Bachi Draupadi Hoti Ughaari.
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O Shanidev, your dasha also fell upon the Pandavas, during which Draupadi narrowly escaped being disrobed, saved at the last moment.
Kaurav Ke Bhi Gati Mati Maaryo. Yuddh Mahaabharat Kari Daaryo.
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The Kauravas too had their good judgment and fortune destroyed by your influence, which in turn led to the terrible war of the Mahabharata.
Ravi Kahan Mukh Mahan Dhari Tatkaala. Lekar Koodi Paryo Paataala.
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In one account, you instantly seized Ravi (the Sun, your own father) within your mouth and leapt down with him into Patala, the netherworld — revealing Shanidev's astonishing and formidable power.
Shesh Dev-Lakhi Vinti Laai. Ravi Ko Mukh Te Diyo Chhudaai.
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Seeing this, Lord Sheshnag came forward with an earnest plea, and upon his entreaty Ravi was released from your mouth.
Vaahan Prabhu Ke Saat Sujaana. Jag Diggaj Gardabh Mrig Swaana.
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The lord has seven well-known and wise mounts, chief among them the elephant, the donkey, the deer, and the dog.
Jambuk Singh Aadi Nakh Dhaari. So Phal Jyotish Kahat Pukaari.
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The jackal, the lion, and other claw-bearing creatures are also counted among his mounts; astrology proclaims the distinct result each such mount signifies.
Gaj Vaahan Lakshmi Grih Aavain. Hay Te Sukh Sampati Upjaavain.
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When Shanidev arrives mounted on the elephant, prosperity (Lakshmi) enters the household; when mounted on the horse, he brings forth happiness and wealth.
Gardabh Haani Karai Bahu Kaaja. Singh Siddhkar Raaj Samaaja.
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The donkey-mount brings loss in many undertakings, while the lion-mount grants success in endeavors along with standing in royal and social circles.
Jambuk Buddhi Nasht Kar Daarai. Mrig De Kasht Praan Sanhaarai.
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The jackal-mount destroys one's intellect, while the deer-mount inflicts such distress that it may even endanger life.
Jab Aavhin Prabhu Swaan Savaari. Chori Aadi Hoy Dar Bhaari.
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When the lord arrives riding the dog, there arises great fear of theft and similar misfortunes.
Taisahi Chaari Charan Yah Naama. Swarn Lauh Chaandi Aru Taama.
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Likewise, he has four charans (phases), named gold, iron, silver, and copper.
Lauh Charan Par Jab Prabhu Aavain. Dhan Jan Sampatti Nasht Karaavain.
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When the lord's iron phase comes into effect, it brings about the loss of wealth, kin, and property.
Samta Taamr Rajat Shubhkaari. Swarn Sarv Sarv Sukh Mangal Bhaari.
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The copper and silver phases yield equally auspicious results, while the golden phase bestows happiness and the greatest auspiciousness in every respect.
Jo Yah Shani Charitra Nit Gaavai. Kabahu Na Dasha Nikrisht Sataavai.
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Whoever daily sings this account of Shani's deeds is never troubled by an adverse or degrading dasha.
Adbhut Naath Dikhaavain Leela. Karain Shatru Ke Nashi Bali Dheela.
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The wondrous lord reveals his divine plays and thereby weakens and destroys the strength of one's enemies.
Jo Pandit Suyogya Bulvaai. Vidhivat Shani Grah Shaanti Karaai.
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Whoever summons a suitably learned scholar-priest and, following proper ritual procedure, performs the pacification rite (shanti) for the planet Shani receives its auspicious benefit.
Peepal Jal Shani Divas Chadhaavat. Deep Daan Dai Bahu Sukh Paavat.
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One who offers water to the peepal tree on Shani's day (Saturday) and gives lamps and charitable donations attains great happiness.
Kahat Ram Sundar Prabhu Daasa. Shani Sumirat Sukh Hot Prakaasha.
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Says Ram Sundar, servant of the lord (the composer's signature): remembering Shanidev causes happiness and light (well-being) to manifest.
Paath Shanishchar Dev Ko, Ki Hon Bhakt Taiyaar. Karat Paath Chaalis Din, Ho Bhavsaagar Paar.
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'Bhakt' (the composer's pen-name signature) says: whoever stands ready with devotion to recite this text of Shanishchar Dev, and does so faithfully for forty days, crosses over the ocean of worldly existence (bhavsagar).
Benefits of Recitation
| Concern | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Sade Sati / Dhaiyya | Softens the impact and builds patience |
| Job loss or career block | Supports new openings within the Shani cycle |
| Chronic illness | Eases health obstacles and aids recovery |
| Enemies or disputes | Conflicts gradually settle |
| Debt or financial stress | Supports steady, stable income |
| Delay in marriage | Helps clear obstacles behind late marriage |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Shani Chalisa be recited?
Saturday — at sunrise or about 2 hours before
How many verses are there in a Chalisa?
A chalisa is a devotional hymn of forty (chālīs) chaupai verses, usually framed by opening and closing doha couplets, composed here in praise of Lord Shani.
What are the benefits of reciting the Shani Chalisa?
Reciting the Shani Chalisa with faith is traditionally believed to invoke the grace of Lord Shani, steady the mind, and bring courage and inner peace. It is offered as an act of bhakti (devotion), not as a guarantee of any specific material result.