Navagrahas-Shani Saturn

Share this post

Shani (Saturn)

Planetary Attributes of Shani

Attribute	Details
Name	Shani (Saturn)
Caste	Sudra
Other Names	Kathirmagan, Mandhan, Kari, Kariyavan, Seli, Merkol, Muthumagan, Pangu, Neelan, Mudavan, Noy, Mugan
Color	Black/Dark Blue
Wife	Neeladevi, Jyeshtadevi, Manthakaru
Nature	Dual-natured (Ubhaya Graha)
Element	Sky (Akasha Graha)
Gemstone	Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Flower	Karunguvilai (Blue Water Lily)
Quality	Malefic
Deity	Yama
Prathyathi Devata	Prajapati
Shape	Bow
Region	Saurashtra
Sacrificial Wood	Vanni (Prosopis)
Direction	West
Taste	Astringent
Metal	Iron
Vahana (Mount)	Crow / Eagle (in North Indian texts)
Disease	Vatha (Wind-related ailments)
Grain	Ellu (Sesame)
Nadi	Vatha Nadi (Wind)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Longevity (Ayus)
Zodiac Sign (Own)	Makaram (Capricorn), Kumbam (Aquarius)
Debilitation (Neecha)	Mesha (Aries)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Thulam (Libra)
Moolatrikona	Kumbam (Aquarius)
Body Parts	Thighs, Muscles
Own Nakshatras	Poosam (Pushya), Anusham (Anuradha), Uthirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada)
Gender	Neutral (Kliba)
Direction	West
Mahadasha Period	19 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	2.5 Years
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Kulligai (Gulika)
Friends	Budha, Shukra, Rahu, Ketu
Enemies	Surya, Chandra, Mangal
Neutral	Guru (Jupiter)
Sacred Temple	Thirunallar
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thirukulandai
Avatar of Vishnu	Kurma (Tortoise)
Benefits	Removal of diseases, fear, and incurable debts
Tamil Month of Strength	Not specified
Food Offering	Sesame and Urad Dal Rice
Season	Not specified
Weekday	Saturday
Dates	8, 17, 26
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	B
Symbol	Pa
Social Role	Outcaste/Chandala
Authority	Commander
Element	Air
Representation	Longevity
Lineage/Clan	Other languages
Gotra	Kasiya Begathram
Raga	Neelambari

Origin (Birth) of Shani

The Story of Chaya Devi and Surya

Surya (the Sun God) married Swarchala Devi (also known as Samukna, Sarenu, Rakni, and Prabhasa), the daughter of the celestial architect Tvashta. They had two sons: Vaiwasudhamanu (later known as Manu) and Yama Dharma Raja (the God of Death), and a daughter: Yamunai (the river Yamuna).

Over time, Surya's intense radiance became too much for Swarchala Devi to bear. She decided to leave him and perform penance to gain the strength to be with him. However, she did not have the courage to tell Surya directly. Using her mental power, she created a shadow (Chaya) that looked exactly like her. She named her Chaya Devi and asked her to live with Surya and care for her children in her absence. Swarchala Devi then left to perform her penance.

The Birth of Shani

Chaya Devi lived with Surya and cared for his children with great affection. She also gave birth to three children of her own:

Thapathi (daughter)
Sruthasaras (son)
Sruthakarma (son) - who later came to be known as Shani Bhagavan.

The Conflict Begins

Chaya Devi was loving towards all the children, but she began to show special favoritism towards her own children. Yama Dharma Raja noticed this and was saddened. He complained to his father, Surya, who then confronted Chaya Devi. When questioned, Chaya Devi remained silent, which Surya took as an admission of guilt. In anger, he grabbed her hair to pull her. At that moment, Chaya Devi revealed the truth about her origin and her agreement with Swarchala Devi.

Surya then used his divine vision to find Swarchala Devi and brought her back. He accepted both his wives and lived with them happily. However, the incident with Chaya Devi created a rift among the children.

Shani's Unique Nature

From his childhood, Shani had a unique and fearsome quality. His very gaze could cause terrible consequences. His mother, Chaya Devi, worried about this, kept him close to her and restricted his movements. She did not want him to harm others inadvertently.

Shani's Penance and Position

Shani performed intense penance to Lord Shiva and received the position of a planet. He is the significator of longevity (Ayus) and justice. He is often depicted as lame or slow-moving because of a story involving his father, Surya, and a curse.

Significance of Shani in Astrology

Shani (Saturn) is the most feared planet in Vedic astrology, but he is also the most just and rewarding. He governs:

Longevity and death
Justice and karma
Hard work and discipline
Poverty and wealth
Obstacles and delays
Old age and wisdom
Iron and machinery
Servants and the working class

Shani's Role

Shani is the significator of Ayus (longevity).
He is the lord of Karma (actions and their results).
He is the dispenser of justice, rewarding good deeds and punishing bad ones.
He is the slowest-moving planet, taking 2.5 years to transit each zodiac sign.
He is known as the "Cruel One" but also as the "King of Planets" (Saturn is the only planet with the title "Eeswara" - Shani Eeswaran).

Shani's Aspects

Shani has special aspects on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th houses. His aspect is considered very powerful and often brings delays, obstacles, and hardships.

Shani's Details

Own Signs: Makaram (Capricorn), Kumbam (Aquarius)
Exaltation: Thulam (Libra)
Debilitation: Mesha (Aries)
Own Nakshatras: Poosam (Pushya), Anusham (Anuradha), Uthirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada)

Shani's Relationship with Other Planets

Friends: Budha, Shukra, Rahu, Ketu
Enemies: Surya, Chandra, Mangal
Neutral: Guru (Jupiter)

The Name "Eeswaran"

Shani is the only planet (other than Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva) to have the title "Eeswaran" (Lord). This is because he has the power to grant both hardships and blessings. He is the dispenser of justice, and his blessings are considered as powerful as those of Lord Shiva.

Shani's Transits (Gochara)

The Three Major Transits

Shani is known for three major transits that affect every person's life once every 30 years (approximately):

Ezhara Naatu Shani (7½ Years): This is the most feared transit. It begins when Shani transits the 12th house from the Moon sign, continues through the Moon sign, and ends after transiting the 2nd house from the Moon sign. This period lasts approximately 7½ years.
Maha Shani (8th House Transit): When Shani transits the 8th house from the Moon sign.
Kandaka Shani (4th and 11th House Transit): When Shani transits the 4th or 11th house from the Moon sign.

Shani's General Transit Effects

Favorable: When Shani is in the 3rd, 6th, or 11th houses from the Moon sign.
Unfavorable: When Shani is in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 10th, or 12th houses from the Moon sign.

Shani's Dasha

Mahadasha Period: 19 Years
Transit Period: 2.5 Years

Effects of Shani in Various Ascendants/Rasis

Ascendant/Rasi	Yoga/Effect Provided by Shani
Mesha (Aries)	Yogas through business. High positions.
Rishaba (Taurus)	Rajayoga (royal status) due to being the lord of Dharma and Karma. High positions, titles, business, property, and pleasure.
Mithunam (Gemini)	Ancestral property, respectful positions, political entry. All fortunes and yogas.
Kanni (Virgo)	Ashta Lakshmi Yoga, successful career. Wealth and influence through children and maternal uncle.
Thulam (Libra)	Land and property accumulation. Yogas through mother. Sudden luck and high positions.
Vrischika (Scorpio)	Educational excellence, powerful positions. Accumulation of land and ancestral property.
Dhanus (Sagittarius)	Eloquence and fortune through family property.
Makaram (Capricorn)	Honorable positions. Success as a business magnate.
Kumbam (Aquarius)	All kinds of wealth and property. Titles, positions, and influence.

General Rules:

Shani should not be debilitated, nor placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.
Shani should not be associated with the lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

Effects of Shani in Different Houses (Bhavas)

Shani's House	Effects
1st House (Lagna)	Dull intellect. Poverty. Problems through spouse. Conflicts with friends. Unpleasant relationships with younger siblings. Better later life. Mature behavior from young age. Possible marital problems.
2nd House	Lack of unity in family. Family conflicts. Mother's health declines. Lack of children. Good longevity. Can cause Kalathra Dosha. Constant tension at home. May separate from spouse.
3rd House	Good courage. Lack of siblings (or they may be enemies). Putra Bhagyam delayed. Conflicts with neighbors. Less interest in music. Accidents during travel.
4th House	Mother's health declines. Loss of property. Stomach pain. Body stiffness. Heavy vehicles are good. Can do business in old vehicles. May live in an old house.
5th House	Severe Putra Dosha (issues with children). Loss of income. Mental restlessness. May be a political party member. Emotional. May need to visit Rameswaram for remedies. May perform rituals for children.
6th House	No enemies. Good employees. No issues from employees. Unpleasant relationship with maternal uncle. Minor conflicts with spouse. Successful in impressive endeavors. Good income. Possible foot injury.
7th House	Premature aging. Excessive hair in private parts. Delayed marriage. Constant conflicts with spouse. Early marriage may lead to a second spouse. Physical disability. Poverty. Worried face. May cheat others. Associates may be short. Mother's health declines.
8th House	May have to do menial work. Constant illness. Long life but suffers a lot. May die after prolonged illness. If lord of the Lagna, frequent loss of energy. Hardships in all aspects. May be in death-related businesses. Lack of children or delayed childbirth.
9th House	Good income. Constant conflicts with father. Good employees. Love marriage for some. Conflicts with elder siblings. Possible fights with friends.
10th House	Successful business. Great wealth. Respected in society. Leadership roles in large organizations. High expenditure. Opportunities to visit sacred places. Interest in spirituality. Prefers traditional things. Conflicts with wife.
11th House	Regular income. Success in business. Involvement in trade. Premature greying. Good longevity. Mental worries despite good income. Income through inheritance for some.
12th House	Business decline. High expenses. Medical expenses. Conflicts with younger siblings. Father's health declines. Unpleasant relationship with father. May invite elder's curse. If well-placed, reduces negativity. May have to spend on auspicious occasions.

Worship and Remedies for Shani

Temples for Shani

Thirunallar: This is the primary temple for Shani remedies.
Perungulam: One of the Nava Thirupathis (nine sacred Vishnu temples), this is also a Shani Sthalam.

Shani Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Shani Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Sanaihcharaya Vidhmahe Kuri Puthraya Dheemahi Thanno Mandaha Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Mam Reem Um Shanaiswara Devaya Nama"

Rituals

Observe a fast on Saturdays.
Light a sesame oil lamp (Ellu Vilakku) in front of Shani.
Feed crows before eating in the morning.
Offer black-colored items (such as black clothes, sesame, or iron).
Donate items like sesame, urad dal, black cloth, or iron.

Special Remedies

Feeding Crows: Crows are the vehicle of Shani. Feeding them before eating is highly meritorious.
Donating Sesame: Offer sesame to Brahmins or the poor.
Visiting Thirunallar: This is the most powerful remedy for Shani Dosha.

The Story of Shani's Lame Leg

The Story of Ravana and Indrajit

There is a famous story about why Shani is depicted as lame or slow-moving.

Ravana (the demon king of Lanka) wanted his son Indrajit (Meghanada) to be born with all the planets in the 11th house of his horoscope. The 11th house represents gains, success, and victory. Ravana imprisoned all the nine planets and forced them to be in the 11th house at the time of Indrajit's birth.

When the Devas learned of this, they were worried. If the demon child was born with all planets in the 11th house, he would be invincible and cause great harm to the universe. Sage Narada approached Shani and asked him to help. Shani, being the lord of justice, agreed.

At the moment of Indrajit's birth, Shani placed his left foot in the 12th house of the horoscope (the house of loss) while keeping his body in the 11th house. When Ravana saw the horoscope and discovered that Shani was in the 12th house, he became furious. He ordered that Shani's leg be cut off. This is why Shani is often depicted as lame or with one leg shorter than the other.

The Story of Yama and Shani

Another story says that Shani once spoke harshly to his elder brother, Yama (the God of Death). In anger, Yama kicked Shani's leg, injuring it. This is why Shani is lame.

The Story of Shani and His Wife

Shani was married to Chitraleka, but he was so devoted to his penance and meditation that he neglected her. Chitraleka became frustrated and cursed him, saying, "You do not understand the pain of a woman. I curse you to be lame and slow-moving." This is another explanation for Shani's slow gait.

The Story of Shani's Curse

Shani's Penance and Neglect

Shani was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva and spent most of his time in penance. He had no interest in worldly matters, including his wife. His wife felt neglected and cursed him to be lame and slow-moving. Lord Shiva modified the curse, saying that Shani would be slow-moving but just.

The Story of Shiva and Shani

Once, Shani went to arrest Lord Shiva himself, as he is the dispenser of justice and time. Shiva, not wanting to face Shani, hid inside a cave and covered the entrance with a stone. He meditated there for 7½ minutes. When he came out, Shani was waiting for him. Shani said, "My job is done. I kept you hidden for 7½ minutes." Shiva was impressed and blessed Shani with the title "Eeswaran" (Lord). From that day, Shani is known as Shaneeswaran.

Thirunallar Temple (The Shani Temple)

Location: Thirunallar is located in the Karaikal district of Puducherry (near the Tamil Nadu border). It is about 30 km from Kumbakonam.

Significance

This temple is the primary shrine for Shani (Saturn).
The main deity here is Lord Shiva as Dharbaranyeswara, with the goddess Pranambigai.
Shani has a separate shrine in this temple.

The Story of King Nala

King Nala of the Nishadha kingdom was cursed by Shani to suffer for many years.
He lost his kingdom, his wife, his children, and even his clothes.
He wandered in the forest, suffering great hardships.
Finally, he came to Thirunallar and worshipped Lord Dharbaranyeswara.
Shani left him, and Nala regained everything.
Shani then worshipped Lord Shiva and was blessed to reside here.

The Temple Specialties

Swayambhu Linga: The main deity is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga with a blade of grass (Dharba) growing on it.
Nandi is Not Facing the Lord: In this temple, Nandi and the Balipitha (sacrificial altar) are not directly facing the Lord. They are slightly to the side. This is a unique feature.
Rudra Pada: There is a Rudra Padam (footstep of Lord Rudra) under the Vanni tree.

The Deities

Lord Shiva: Dharbaranyeswaran, Thirunallaru Easwarar
Goddess: Pranambigai, Bhogamartha Poonmoolayal
Shani: Has a separate shrine.

The Sacred Tanks

Nala Theertham: Bathing here is said to remove Shani Dosha.
Brahma Theertham: Bathing here removes past karmic sins.
Vaani Theertham: Bathing here is said to give poetic skills.
Ganga Theertham: A well in the Nala Vinayaka temple.

The Sacred Trees

Sthala Vriksham: Dharba (a type of grass)

Temple Festivals

Maha Sivaratri
Margazhi Thiruvathirai
Aippasi Annabhishekam

The Legend of Idangan and Kaikkan

Idangan was a milkman who supplied milk to the temple.
Kaikkan, a wicked man, intercepted the milk and threatened Idangan.
The king learned of this and was furious.
Lord Shiva, to protect Idangan and punish Kaikkan, hurled his weapon.
The weapon narrowly missed the Balipitha (which is why it is placed to the side) and struck Kaikkan's head.
Lord Shiva appeared and blessed Idangan.

The Vanni Tree and the Crow

The sacred tree in the temple is the Vanni tree (Prosopis).
Crows are the vehicle of Shani, and they are often seen here.

The 7½ Minutes Story

The temple is associated with the story of Shiva hiding from Shani for 7½ minutes.
The cave where Shiva hid is still pointed out in the temple.

The Temple's Unique Feature

Shani is depicted facing east, with his left leg folded.
This is a unique iconography seen only in this temple.

Shani Dosha Remedies (Detailed)

Shani Dosha (Afflictions)

Shani Dosha is caused by past karma, such as harming others, acting selfishly, or causing suffering to others. It manifests as:

Delays and obstacles
Hardships and poverty
Health issues
Loss of wealth
Separation from family

General Remedies

Chanting Mantras: Reciting the Shani Gayatri or the Dasaratha Shani Stotram daily.
Observing Fasts: Fasting on Saturdays.
Donating Black Items: Donating black clothes, sesame seeds, or iron to Brahmins or the poor.
Feeding Crows: Offering food to crows before eating.
Visiting Thirunallar: The most powerful remedy.

The Dasaratha Shani Stotram

This stotram (hymn) was composed by King Dasaratha (father of Lord Rama).
He composed it when Shani was about to transit his country, causing potential danger.
He sang this hymn to appease Shani and protect his kingdom.
It is believed that reciting this stotram protects one from Shani's malefic effects.

The Story of Dasaratha

King Dasaratha's ministers warned him about Shani's impending transit.
Dasaratha said, "I will not let my people suffer. I will face Shani myself."
He went to face Shani with his bow and arrow.
Shani asked, "Who are you, and why have you come?"
Dasaratha replied, "I am Dasaratha. I have come to protect my people."
Shani was impressed and blessed him, saying, "I will not harm you or your people."

The Stotram's Verses

The document includes a long hymn praising Shani with various names and asking for his blessings. Key verses include:

"Kaka Dhwajaya Vidmahe, Kanka Hasthaya Dheemahi, Thanno Mandaha Prachodayath"
(We meditate on Shani, who has a crow as his emblem. May he inspire our intellect.)

"Ravichuthaya Vidmahe, Mandakraya Dheemahi, Thanno Sanihi Prachodayath"
(We meditate on the son of Surya. May he inspire our intellect.)

Shani's Favorable and Unfavorable Attributes

What Pleases Shani

Chanting the name "Namasivaya" (the five-syllable mantra).
Performing regular rituals and offerings.
Feeding crows.
Offering black cows (or their milk, ghee, or curd).
Being disciplined and maintaining personal hygiene.
Being truthful and honest.
Performing daily prayers and meditation.
Wearing a Rudraksha mala.

What Attracts Shani's Negative Attention

Wearing unwashed clothes.
Going into the house with wet clothes.
Wearing clothes worn the previous day.
Being unclean or unkempt.
Being in dark places.
Using harsh or abusive language.
Lying, cheating, gambling, or stealing.
Being greedy or covetous.
Being a miser or having negative thoughts about others.

Why Shani Should Not Be Faced Directly

In temples, it is said that one should not stand directly in front of Shani's image and look at him. This is because his gaze is very powerful and can cause harm. Instead, one should stand to the side or look at him from an angle.

The Story of Ravana and Narada

Ravana had imprisoned all the planets under his throne.
He would step on their chests when ascending or descending.
Narada visited Ravana and told him, "Look, all the planets are facing upwards, respecting you. But Shani is facing downwards, defying you."
Ravana ordered Shani to face upwards.
When Ravana stepped on Shani's chest, Shani's piercing gaze fell on Ravana.
This was the beginning of Ravana's decline.

Shani's Number and Gemstone

A person born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th of any month falls under the influence of the number 8, which is ruled by Shani. The recommended gemstone for such individuals is the Blue Sapphire (Neelam).

Summary of Shani's Attributes

Day: Saturday
Color: Black/Dark Blue
Metal: Iron
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire
Grain: Sesame (Ellu)
Vahana: Crow
Direction: West
Element: Sky (Akasha)
Dasha Period: 19 Years
Transit Period: 2.5 Years

Shani's Role in the Grand Scheme

Shani is not a malefic planet in the traditional sense. He is the dispenser of justice. He rewards those who follow the path of Dharma and punishes those who do wrong. His punishments are not arbitrary but are the direct results of one's actions (karma). While his punishments can be severe, they are always just and ultimately lead to spiritual growth. His blessings are immense and can bring lasting wealth, fame, and prosperity.