Shani (
Sanskrit
Śani शनि) is one of the
Navagraha which are the nine primary celestial
beings in
Hindu astrology, or
Jyotiṣa. 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, as Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the
Sun. Shani 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 elder
brother of
Yama, the Hindu God of death, who in
some scriptures corresponds to the deliverance of justice. It is
said that when Shani 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. He is known as the greatest
teacher. Shani dev is said to be very harmful to those who follow
the path of betrayal, backstabbing and unjust revenge. 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 crow.
In Hindu scriptures
The story of Shani Bhagavan's life is described in
Shri Shani
Mahatmyam ॥श्रीशनिमहात्म्यं॥ written several
centuries ago. The story of
Shani Mahatyam describes how
devotion is required to please him and receive his
kripa
(blessings).
Shri Shani Mahatyam begins with descriptions
of the importance of the other planets and their strengths.
These are
told by the scholars serving king Vikramaditya's court from the city of
Ujjain.
Shani Bhagavan is described as having a dark complexion, a
beautiful face, his caste is
teli (Oil vendors), and he
prays
Kal-bhairav. After listening to the birth story of
Shani, Vikramaditya laughed and ridiculed him. Shani heard the
remarks of Vikramaditya and placed a curse on him. The story goes
on to describe Vikramaditya's difficulties as a result of offending
Shani. He loses his kingdom, he is charged with stealing, his hands
and legs are cut-off by a neighbouring king. Eventually,
Vikramaditya prays to Shani, who is satisfied with Vikramaditya's
devotion and brings him back to his former glory. The last part of
the story describes various experiences faced by various gods,
demons and sages, including
Brihaspati (the Guru of gods) and
Shiva et al. Shani Mahatyam stresses
values such as perseverance in difficult times, complete devotion
(bhakti) and faith in the values one believes in, and never to lose
confidence in life in spite of difficulties.
According to the
Brahma Vaivarta
Purana, when the navagraha came to look upon
Ganesha shortly after his birth, he lost his human
head under Shani's gaze.
Shaniswara 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 Bhagavan 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, Lord Shani requested
Lord
Hanuman to release him, promising in
return, that if a person prayed to Lord
Hanuman, he (Shani) would moderate or eliminate the
malefic effects of his influence on that person; following this,
Lord
Hanuman released Shani.
Shaniswara and King Dasaratha
Dasaratha Maharaja was the only person who called Lord Shaniswara
for duel as he was to cross his country bringing drought and
poverty.Lord Shaniswarar extolled Dasaratha's virtues and replied
him that "i cant skip my duties but im pleased on your
courage.Great sage Rishyasingar can help you.Wherever rishyasingar
is, wherever he lives that country will have no drought and
dryness".King Dasaratha after receiving the blessings from Lord
Shaniswarar, wisely resolved the difficult situation by making
Rishyasingar as his son-in-law.'Santha' is known to be daughter of
Dasaratha was married to Rishyasingar so that he is present in
Ayodhya.
Ways to please Shani Bhagavan
According to legend, Shani is a 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 Shani.
- Suryaputhro Deerghadeho Vishaalaakshah Shivapriyah |
- Mandachaarah Prasannathmaa peedam harathu me Shanih ||
- सूर्य पुत्रो दीर्घ देहो विशालाक्षः शिवप्रियः।
- मन्दचारः प्रसन्नात्मा पीडां हरतु मे शनिः ॥
The Shaneeswara Mantra In Tamil:
- Sangadangal Theerpai Shani Bagavane
- Mangalam Ponga Manam Vaitharul Vai
- Sacharavindri Saaga neriyil
- Icchagam Vaazha Innarul Thaa Thaa
According to the Vedic astrology, in order to get protection
against the bad effects of Saturn's transit, the following are the
possible remedies during the important transits of Saturn - Kanta
Sani (When Saturn transits through the eighth house from the natal
moon sign), Sade-sati (when Saturn transits through the twelfth,
first and second houses from the natal moon sign) -
- Worship Mother Goddess Kali during Dark Moon
- Worship Vishnu in the form of Lord Krishna and keep chanting
'Om Namo Narayanaya', 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare..'
- Pray to Sree Hanumanji in His Supreme Cosmic Form, which is the
Form in which He shook Shani Bhagavan off of His back and the Form
in which He received divine blessings and instructions from Surya,
the sun God.
A common mantra for drawing the support of Shani Bhagavan is: Om
Sham Shanaiscaryaye Namah. The following is another mantra for
propitiating Shani: Aum praang preeng proung sah Shanaye namah
Neelaanjan samaabhaasam raviputram yamaagrajam,
Chaayaa-maartandam-sambhootam, Tam namaami Shanaishcharam.
Some devotees chant 'Om Sham Shanaiscaryaye Namah' 108 times daily.
Also, if reading vedic textures are practised, then it is suggested
to recite Saturn's sloka from Navagraha Suka starting 'Shanno...'
- Perform thilabhishekam on sanitrayodasi, sanijayanthi (pushya
masam bahula astami) and saniamavasya days.
- Donate black till to Brahmin (1kg900grams)
- Feeding to black cow(kapila govu) till, joggry mix.
- Fasting on Saturdays (only liquids) 6 a.m to 6 p.m (sravana
masam must)
- Feeding to crows(mornings)
- Feeding to physically disabled people.
- Navagraha pradakshinas(19 rounds)/walking, jogging.
- Visit famous sanitemples (once in 2/1/2years) Mandapalli,
Sanisingnapur, Tirunallar, Narsingole, Venkathala and Veerannapalem
(parchur mandalam, prakasam district).
- Light two lamps in front of your main door after sunset every
day with til oil.
- Recite dasaradha maharaja krutha sani sthothram.
- Jyestadevi, saneeshwara swamyvarla kalyanam (sravana
purnimaday).
- Sanijapam 19000, with moolamantram, punarcharana, havanan,
danam.
- Sanaichara vratham, homam on Saturdays in sravana masam.
- Sanaichara dheeksha: sravana sudda vidiya to sravana bahula
sashti.
- Chanting 'rama nama', Hanuman chalisa, Durga sthuthi.
- Prayers and devotion to Hanuman, Sri Durga Devi, Vinayaka.
- Offer Curd rice, ('Thothiyanam'in tamil) curd rice mixed with
cumin seeds to god and feeding them to crows.
- Feeding to orphan child
- Feeding to long hair cat (tuna)
In astrology
According to
Vedic astrology, Shani
Bhagavan is one of the nine
Navagraha or
planets. Shani is considered to be the strongest malefic and a
stern teacher who represents patience, effort, endeavour, and
endurance; and who brings restrictions and misfortunes. However, a
favourably-placed Shani on the horoscope of a person stands for a
strong career, healthy life and everything positive for that
person. In fact, a well-placed Shani in one's horoscope is
something every astrology-believing
Hindu
hopes for, as no other 'graha' can bestow what a favourable Shani
can. Shani placed "unfavourably", on the other hand, denotes
troubles in all of the above. Shani is much feared by those Hindus
who believe in astrology, as the "malefic" effects of his being
unfavourably placed can be quite severe. However, it is to be
remembered that any pleasure or pain that befalls a person during
Shani's influence is not arbitrary; rather, it is the result of the
person's own
karma, now being manifested in
the "presence" of Shani. Thus an "unfavourably-placed" Shani brings
about the harsh results of one's bad
karma,
and vice-versa.
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 Bhagavan spends on an average
about two and half years in each
rashi or
moonsign. This movement of Shani through the moonsigns carries
great importance in
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 years × 3) is called
Saadesaati
or "Elanata Shani", and is typically a period of great difficulty.
When it occurs for a person foregoing Shani Maha Dasha the malefic
effects of the planet are highly pronounced. It is said that Shani
can reduce even a king to a pauper during such period.
Shani rules the signs Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius), is
exalted in Tula (Libra) and is debilitated in Mesha (Aries).
Mercury, Venus, Rahu, Ketu are considered friendly towards Shani or
Saturn, while the Sun, Moon and Mars are enemies. Guru or Jupiter
maintains neutral relations with Shani. Shani is the lord of three
nakshatras or lunar mansions:
Pushya,
Anuradha and
Uttara Bhadrapada.
Shani Bhagavan 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,
black lentils or udad, his flower is the violet and he is linked to
all black animals and all trees that are considered useless and
ugly.
Shani rules over masses. Without the planet's blessings in one's
horoscope, a mass following is difficult to come by. It is said
that an exalted Saturn in the ascendant (or Lagna) of one's
horoscope awards one with such leadership position entailing fame
from and recognition among masses. More over, such people are said
to have high commitment and perseverance for the task at hand. On
the other hand, a debilitated Saturn in one's horoscope makes one's
'Karma' weak and such individual with debilitated Saturn is said to
have poor commitment and perseverance towards duties and hence
suffers in the process of completing one's karmic obligations.
Hence 'Moksha' is difficult to come by without Shaniswara's
blessings in one's horoscope.
Lord Shaniswara is also known as Needhiman(Judge). He only troubles
the person during his dasa for the wrong doings. Even in Shani
Dosha, if a person is Righteous & Devoted he is sure to come
out of this period without any ill effects.
Lord Shaniswara is more known for his Blessings than his ill
effects. No other graha is comparable with Lord Shani in terms of
blessings. He showers with his blessings at the end of his
dasha.
Shrines for Lord Shani
"Thirunallar Shree Saneeshwarar Koil" 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. Tirunallar is close to Pondicherry, and is of paramount
importance to Shaneeswaran. Millions of devotees visit this place
to protect themselves from the effects of the transit of
Saturn.
The Lord here is so powerful that when a person who is suffering
from shani dasa comes here takes bath in the NALA THEERTHA and with
their clothes wet goes and has darshan of Sri Shaneeshwara, the ill
effects which he is suffering through shani dasa is sure to vanish
or at least abate to some extent.
The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his
afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn,
after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the
Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is
believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and
afflictions.
Shani Devaalayam in Deonar:
There is a Shani Temple in Deonar, in
Mumbai. The temple is situated east of the Shivaji
statue at the junction of Chembur, Deonar, Govandi on (Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore) Eastern Express Highway. The Presiding
Deity of this
Temple is Lord
Shaneeswara: a beautiful, mighty, and imposing
seven-foot-tall black statue.
sri saneeswralayam, veeranna palem, prakasam (dist), Andhra Pradesh.
Many devotees who have
Shani Dosham, or people who are
passing through
Shani Mahar Dasa
throng the temple, for doing
Tailabhishekam (Tailam means
oil in
Sanskrit,
Telugu and
Malayalam).
Nuvvula Nune (Nuvvulu means Sesame; Nune means oil in
Telugu) and
Ellenne (Ellu means
sesame; enne means oil in
Kannada) is poured
with utmost devotion on the head in a manner such that the oil
covers the entire idol while flowing down. The pooja done with this
oil is believed to please Shaneeswara.
Shaneeswara
descends:
Every Saturday approximately at 10:30 in the morning, as soon as
the priest gives Arati, Lord Shaneeswara is said to descend upon
the main priest (who is fondly referred to as
Swami). All of a sudden, the 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 are also fully fitted
with upward facing, sharp long iron nails. When Lord Shaneeswara
descends on Swami, he sits on this chair throughout the day, most
of the time with his eyes closed. On some Saturdays he may sit upon
the chair for a continuous stretch of between 12 and 13 hours
without ever indicating any pain or discomfort.
Thereafter the devotees 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 problems, agony, or distress or
whatever they say. Then he explains the reason/cause of their
agony/problem/distress. It could be
'Prarabdham', consequences of their past karmas
(deeds) which are carried over to present
janma, which means "life" in Sanskrit, Telugu, kannada
and Malayalam. Or as Swami explains, their problems could be the
result of actions/deeds of his or her present birth itself. In some
cases it could be handy work of Vamachara
Tantra by their enemies
and ill-wishers. There are other types of cases where it is
believed that
Aatmas (spirits) of the deceased
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 and offers them
Prakshalana, or
"cleansing" Praayaschitam
Sanskrit and Telugu, or
"repentance" through procedures such as yagna, pooja, dana,
abstinence, etc. Thousands have claimed 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. sanctum 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 Swami.
Shani Shingnapur – 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 Shepherd 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 shepherd that he is "Shaneeswara". He also told that
the Unique looking Black Stone is His swayambhu form. The shepherd
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 shephered to do daily pooja and 'tailabhishekam' every
Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole hamlet will have
no fear of dacoits or burglars 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 Lord
Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops
etc situated within one kilometer radius of this Lord Shani temple,
have neither doors and locks.
No thievery or burglary ever occurred here in
this hamlet called Shani Shingnapur. 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
Shingnapur is visited
daily by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shaneswara's
favour. The place is busiest on Saturdays. Shani
Trayodasi is considered to be a favorite day for
the lord. Similarly Saturday falling on '
Amavasya'(new moon day in Sanskrit, Telugu,
Kannada, Malayalam) is considered to be a favorites day for the
Lord Shaneeswara. Thousands of devotees seeking his blessings
throng this temple in thousands.
One of the
mantras for Shani raya
is
NILANJANA SAMABHASAMRAVI PUTRAM
YAMAGRAJAM |
CHAYA MARTHANDA
SAMBHUTAMTAM NAMAMI SHANAISCHARAM
The Tallest Statue of Lord Shani in
the World at Shanidham, twenty-one feet high, made of
Ashtadhatu
Shree Shaneeshwarara Temple, Nerul,
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Shree Shaneeshwarar Temples in Mumbai::There are
several Shree Shaneeswara Swami Temples in Mumbai.
- There is a very nice Shani temple in Dombivli in the area
Shankeshwar Nagar on Manpada Road. Every Saturday devotees gather
together to chant Lord Shani's aarti & stotra at 8 p.m.
- One mandir is situated next to Nageshwar pasharvanathji jain
temple, at Ghatkopar (west) close to Sheryas cinema.
- There is a Shree Shani Mandir at Katemanevli, Kalyan (East),
near Vitthalwadi ( Central Rly ) Railway Station.
- 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.
- There is a Shree Shani Mandir 15 minutes walkable from National
Park at Savarpada, Borivali (East).
- 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.
- There a temple at Sector-11, Nerul(East), 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. Tirunallar is close to Pondicherry, and is of paramount importance to
Shaneeswaran. Millions of devotees visit this place to
protect themselves from the effects of the transit of Saturn.
Temples at other places: A Shani temple ShaniDham, is at Fatehpur Beri, about 6 km
from Chhattarpur temple and 16 km from the Qutub Minar, at
Mehrauli, South Delhi, India. It has 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.
Vada Thirunallar Sri Saneeshwaran Koil - This
temple is located in Venkatachalam Street, West Mambalam, Chennai,
India. In this temple Sri Shani Bhagawan can be seen along with his
wife Sri Neelambikai. The temple also has Sri Vinayagar, Sri Durga
and Sri Panchamukha Hanuman.
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
Viswaroopa Sarvamangala Shaneeswara Bhagawan sannidhi inside Devi
Nagamuthu Mariamma temple in EB Colony, Adambakkam.
Saneeswarar Sannadhi inside Paya Lebar Eeswaran Temple,
Singapore: There is a majestic Saneeswara bhagavan in full
standing form enshrined in a separate sannadhi in the Sivan Temple
in Paya Lebar. (Alight at Aljunied MRT and walk a few mins). Sani
bhagavan is accompanied on both sides by deepa maadams - walls with
small pedestals for hundreds of oil lamps - a blissful sight when
you go there on Saturdays when most devotees offer lamps lit in
Sesame oil. Om Saneeswaraye Namah:
Shani in Jainism
One who prays to Lord Munisuvarat is protected from Shani as he is
a devotee of Lord Munisuvarat Swami, the 20th Jain
Tirthankar).
Shani pilgrimages
- Shree Shani Mahatma temple, Pavagada, Karnataka State
- 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
Shani
Shingnapur,
Maharastra.
- Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra, Asola, Fatehpur Beri, Mehrauli,
Delhi.
- Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth ShaniDham,
- Shree Shani Temple, Madivala, Bangalore
- Shanaischara Temple
Hassan
- Sree Shanimahatma Temple, Pavagada, Tumkur dist, Karnataka
- Sree Shanimahatma Temple, Sayyajirao road, Mysore.
- Sree
Shaneeswara Temple, NandiWaddemanu, Nagarkurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
- Sree Shani Temple, Hathla, Jamnagar District, Gujarat
- sri saneeswaralayam, veerannapalem, parchoor mandal, prakasam
(dist) Andhra Pradesh.
- Sri shaneeswaralayam, Mandapalli village, West-Godavari dist,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Gunjur Village, next to Varthur,
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Kannanmangala Village, next to Belthur,
Near Sri Sathya Sai Ashram, Whitfield, Bangalore, Karnataka,
India
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, on the way to Chikka thirupathi,
Bangalore, Samethahalli,Karnataka, India
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Tirupathi, near Tirupathi bus stand,
Andhra Pradesh, India
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Sri Shaneeswara Temple, Hosur Main Road, Next to Hosa Road,
Basapura Village, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
See also
References
The Greatness of Saturn or Shani Mahatmyam, from Robert
Svoboda.
External links
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