Shani Dev is the deity who is invoked by the regular chanting of Shani Mantra. He is the God of Justice who punishes or rewards people as per their karmas. He is worshipped by thousands of devotees all over the country and is also known as Ara, Koda or Kona.
According to Hindu mythology, Shani Dev is the son of Lord Surya and Chayya. He was guided by Lord Shiva who bestowed upon him the responsibility to bring justice to the world. It is believed that Shani Dev is an impartial judge and nobody can escape his judgment. Even Lord Shiva was punished for his misdeeds by this God of Justice.
As per astrology, Shani is a planet also known as Saturn and is considered to be a malefic planet. The name ‘Shani’ has been derived from the Sanskrit term “Sanaischara” which means “a slow mover.” The planet Saturn moves very slowly and therefore, it takes around 2.5 years to move from one zodiac sign to another.
The moment it enters the zodiac prior to yours, its ill effects or positive impacts are observed in your horoscope chart. And with this starts the Shani Saade Saati - a period of 7.5 years - in which the Saturn moves from three zodiacs - the one that comes before yours, the one that comes after yours and your own zodiac sign.
It is said that nobody can get away from the negative influence of Shani Dev. Therefore, it is very important to seek the blessings of this deity by chanting the Shani Mantra regularly and appease him.
Chanting Shani Mantra
Shani Dev is just like a strict teacher who makes us learn the most important lessons of life but the hard way. He makes us aware of our ‘karma’ and teaches us the virtues of righteousness and morality.
The wrath of Shani Dev is just to make us realize the wrongs that we have done in the past. He always gives us what we deserve and never punishes without reason. Therefore, there is no way of escaping him, but chanting the Shani Mantra can help us deal with the negative consequences of our past actions.
Chanting the Shani Mantra on a regular basis can reduce the negative impact of the planet Saturn in your horoscope chart. It can also help you bring an end to all your financial troubles and health issues.
How to Chant Shani Mantra
You must follow certain rules while reciting the Shani mantra in order to seek his blessings. First of all, it is very important that you take a bath and make a mindset for the recital of the Shani mantra.
The Shani mantra can be recited in the morning as well as evening hours of the day. It is preferable to begin the chanting on a Saturday and then continue it on a daily basis for 108 times in a day. Wearing dark blue or black clothes may also prove beneficial as these colors appease Shani Dev.
You can choose a silent place and meditate to attract positivity before chanting the Shani Mantra. Make a mental picture of the majestic form of Shani Dev and then start the recital with complete faith and unmatchable devotion. You may also chant the Shani mantra while traveling or at your workplace.
Chanting the mantra before an idol of Lord Hanuman may also please Shani Dev. This is because Shani Dev revers Lord Hanuman and has immense faith towards him. While chanting the Shani Mantra may prove beneficial it is not enough to seek the blessings of the God of Justice. You must also become an honest, hard-working and responsible individual.
Shani Mantra in English
“Nilaanjana Samaabhasam, Ravi Putram Yamagrajam,
Chaaya Martanda Samhubhutam, Tama Namami Shaneshcharam.”
Shani Mantra in Sanskrit
“नीलांजनसमाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्।
छायामार्तण्ड सम्भूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम्।”
Meaning of Shani Mantra
This is the Mahamantra that is recited to please Shani Dev. It literally translates as - “The one who glows like a blue cloud, the son of the Sun (Ravi), the elder brother of Yama; he is capable enough to shadow the radiance of Sun. I bow down to that majestic Saturn (Shani Dev), the one who controls the universe and seek his blessings.”
Benefit of Shani Mantra
There are many benefits of chanting the Shani mantra as mentioned below:
By chanting the Shani Mantra, you can reduce the harmful effects of the Shani Saade Saati period.
If you feel depressed and anxious, then this mantra can help in boosting up your morale and enhance your self-confidence.
It can help you gain the virtuous attributes of diligence, patience, and impartiality.
Reciting the Shani Mantra can help the chanter in getting rid of all his troubles and get blessed by Shani Dev.
Other important Shani Mantras
Shani Beej Mantra
In Sanskrit - “ॐ प्राँ प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः ॥”
In English - “Om praam preem praum sah shanayishraya namah.”
Meaning - “I meditate upon Shani Dev to take away all my sorrows and bestow upon me calmness and contentment.”
Shani Gayatri Mantra
In Sanskrit - “ॐ काकध्वजाय विद्महे
खड्गहस्ताय धीमहि
तन्नो मन्दः प्रचोदयात”
In English - “Om kaakadhwajaaya vidmahae
khadga hastaaya dheemahi
tanno mandah prachodayaat”
Meaning - “I pray to the one whose flag has a crow in it, the one who carries a sword in his hand - to bless me with strength, courage, and intelligence and enlighten my soul to help me attain higher intellect.”