Shani Chalisa Lyrics

 There are various benefits of Shani Chalisa such as protection from suffering, relief from karmic burdens and overall well-being

Shani Chalisa (शनि चालीसा) refers to the devotional hymn, which is written in 40 verses. It is sung in praise of Lord Shani Dev (Shani Bhagwan), who is considered as a representative of the planet Saturn. Shani is known to have various qualities such as the focus on karma, justice, hard work and discipline. Shani Dev is the son of Surya and Chhaya, which has also created other names such as Ravi Tanay and Suryaputra. Let's check out the Shani Chalisa lyrics, its meaning and usefulness.

Shani Chalisa lyrics

There can be variations of Shani Chalisa lyrics. However, if taken broadly, there are two different parts of Shani Chalisa lyrics. The first part is the Doha, which praises Lord Ganesha. This is a standard practice where all religious practices start with a prayer to Lord Ganesha.

Doha (Introductory Couplets)

जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करण कृपाल ।

दीनन के दुःख दूर करि, कीजै नाथ निहाल ॥  जय जय श्री शनिदेव प्रभु, सुनहु विनय महाराज ।

करहु कृपा हे रवि तनय, राखहु जन की लाज ॥

Transliteration:

Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Karan Kripal.

Deenan Ke Dukh Door Kari, Kijai Naath Nihaal.

Jai Jai Shri Shanidev Prabhu, Sunahu Vinay Maharaj.

Karahu Krupa Hey Ravi Tanay, Rakhahu Jan Ki Laaj.

This is sung as a salutation to Lord Ganesha, who is considered as the remover of obstacles. This doha is about praying to Ganesha and seeking the removal of sorrows and the grant of bliss. The doha then calls for victory of Lord Shani Dev and seeks his mercy and protection for the devotees.

Chaupai (Main Verses)जयति जयति शनिदेव दयाला । करत सदा भक्तन प्रतिपाला ॥

Victory to the merciful Shani Dev, who always protects his devotees.

चारि भुजा, तनु श्याम विराजै । माथे रतन मुकुट छवि छाजै ॥

Four-armed, with a dark (Shyam) body that shines; a jewel-studded crown adorns your forehead.

परम विशाल मनोहर भाला । टेढ़ी दृष्टि भृकुटि विकराला ॥

Vast and beautiful forehead; fierce eyes and terrifying eyebrows.

कुण्डल श्रवण चमाचम चमके । हिय माल मुक्तन मणि दमके ॥

Earrings sparkle brightly; a pearl necklace gleams on your chest.

कर में गदा त्रिशूल कुठारा । पल बिच करैं अरिहिं संहारा ॥

You hold a mace, trident, and axe, destroying enemies instantly.

पिंगल, कृष्णो, छाया नन्दन । यम, कोणस्थ, रौद्र, दुखभंजन ॥

Names like Pingal, Krishna, son of Chhaya, Yama, Konastha, Raudra — destroyer of sorrows.

सौरी, मन्द, शनी, दश नामा । भानु पुत्र पूजहिं सब कामा ॥

Sauri, Manda, Shani — ten names; worship of Surya's son fulfills all desires.

जा पर प्रभु प्रसन्न ह्वैं जाहीं । रंकहुँ राव करैं क्षण माहीं ॥

Whoever pleases you can be turned from pauper to king in a moment (and vice versa).

पर्वतहू तृण होई निहारत । तृणहू को पर्वत करि डारत ॥

You can make mountains seem like straw or turn straw into mountains.

राज मिलत बन रामहिं दीन्हयो । कैकेइहुँ की मति हरि लीन्हयो ॥

You granted Rama exile in the forest and influenced Kaikeyi's mind.

As is evident from above, there are references to Ramayana, Mahabharata and King Harishchandra's trials. The chaupai also describes Shani's vehicles such as elephant, horse, deer, etc. Shani's feet are also described in various forms such as iron, copper, silver and gold. These symbolize the various outcomes. Remedies like offerings to Peepal tree are also mentioned.

In the end, the concluding Doha of Shani Chalisa is as below.

पाठ शनिश्चर देव को, की हों भक्त तैयार ।

करत पाठ चालीस दिन, हो भवसागर पार ॥

This means that devotees who recite the Shani Chalisa for 40 days and focus on their work will be able to overcome the ocean of worldly existence.

How to recite Shani Chalisa lyrics

Devotion is one of the important aspects for reciting Shani Chalisa. You can recite the Shani Chalisa in front of a Shani idol or image. On Saturdays, many people recite the Shani Chalisa for 108 times. However, 7 to 11 times is also done widely. The Shani Chalisa can be combined with mantras like Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah for more impact.

Significance of Shani Chalisa lyrics

The primary purpose of Shani Dev is to bless people with the fruits of their actions (karma). Depending on the type of karma, the outcomes can be challenges, delays or rewards. There are various concepts associated with Shani Dev such as Shani Dasha and Sade Sati (7.5-year period).

With Shani Chalisa recital, devotees can reduce the bad effect of Shani Dosha. They can seek protection from suffering, hardships and obstacles. Shani Chalisa can help gain discipline, justice, success through hard work and relief from karmic burdens. Devotees can seek confidence, spiritual growth and well-being.