There are numerous Hindu gods and goddesses; each possesses unique powers. One of the popular Hindu gods, Lord Shani, is believed to ward off the evil eye and remove obstacles.
He is well-known As Sani, Shani Dev, Ravinandana, Saneeswara, Saura, Pangu, Mandu, Kruradris, Asita and Saptarshi, Sani Bhagwan, Kruralochana, Asita, and Chayyaputra. These names are associated with his personality or with legends related to him.
Shani Dev signifies spiritual asceticism, penance, discipline, and conscientious work. Shani is the basis for Shanivara (Saturday)– one of the seven days in the Hindu calendar.
Shani’s Appearance
Lord Shani is portrayed as dark-complexioned, wearing dark blue or black clothing. He is mostly depicted riding a crow or vulture and a chariot dragged by eight horses. Shani Deva carries a lot of weapons; among these, he has a bow, two arrows, a sword, a trident, and an ax like Lord Parshuram.
Qualities of Shani Dev
Shani has the ability to overall gross and inert forms. He has authority over all the gross components of the body, including the roles of the nerves, muscles, cells, nails, hair, skin, teeth, and bones. Shani also has complete authority over death.
Lord Shani can craft situations where we lack motivation, inspiration, and vision. He has no cleverness or deceit. He exhibits complete seriousness and gravity in every circumstance, with no humor.
Birth of Shani Dev
It is said that the goddess Lord Surya (Surya Dev) was first married to Saranyu (Sanjana, Sanjna). She is the consort of the Sun with three children (Shraddhadeva Manu, Yama, and the Yamuna). Because of the unbearable heat and brightness of the Sun, Sanjna left him and went away for penance, leaving her Shadow/Chhaya behind. Her father instructed her to return to her husband, but she denied it.
While Sanjna went through severe penance, Chhaya gave birth to Shani On Jyestha Krishna Paksha Amavasya Tithi. He is also called Chhayaputra. Chhaya (Suvarna) bore three kids to the Sun: Savarni Manu, Shani, and Tapti.
When Shani was in her womb, she was lost in serving her husband. Due to The Sun’s heat, the baby in the worm turned black. Therefore Shani was black at birth. He is the elder brother of Yama (the god of death and justice); therefore, he plays the character of Yama and can take an end to life.
Saturn also represents detachment which gives great spiritual value. No saint can take birth without a well-placed and powerful Saturn in Kundli or Birth Chart.
Abandonment of Lord Shani
After looking at his son, who is not even looking like his father, Lord Sun refuses to accept him as his son. So he abandoned both Shani and Chaya. They both faced disregard and disgrace and suffered through great pain of abandonment.
Tapasya of Lord Shiva
Lord Shani struggled and sacrificed his babyhood and youth to seek power and sight adequate to his father. He did strict austerity to gratify Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gets impressed by his devotion and intention. Finally, Lord Shiva granted a boon to him that he can only have the right and authority to severe penalties and compensations. Thus Shani is also known as the god of justice.
Lame Shani
One day, Shani was hungry and went to his mother to ask for food. His mother, Chhaya, told him to wait as she wanted to make an offering to the Gods first. Shani insisted on being served even before the Gods, kicking her in anger. Due to his immorality, Shani’s one leg became inactive, and he turned lame.
Wife Curses Shani
Shani had two wives, Neelima and Damini. Neelima or Neela is the first consort of Shani who balances and increases the power of Shani. She has the power of the fifth head of Brahma.
Damini was the daughter of Gandharva as well as the princess. Her dance can attract anyone in the whole universe. Once Shani was performing his Shiva Pooja and ignored Damini, she cursed him always to have his eyes turned downwards and for his sight to bring trouble.
Shani in Vedic Astrology
Shani is also known as Saturn in Vedic astrology. Saturn is one of the nine planetary deities called the Navagraha. It is the seventh among them. Saturn is a very slow-moving planet. It takes about 30 years to travel through all 12 zodiac signs. It is said that planet Saturn is a judge of our past deeds. (Effects of Saturn in 12 Houses)
Saturn is a Natural Benefactor of Jobs and Services, Metals, Industries, Age, Poverty, Hardships, Diseases, all kinds of obstacles, and selfishness. Saturn states our fortune, health, and popularity as the manifestation of inert matter. In Vedic astrology, anyone born under Shani’s influence is feared to possess bad luck. Shani Dev is often worshiped to prevent misfortune, adversity, and evil and alleviate negative hurdles. However, Shani is often misinterpreted.
Shani Mantras
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं शनैश्चराय नमः ||
Om Aing Hring Shring Shanaishchray Namah ||
Shani Beej Mantra
ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः॥
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah: Shanishchray Namah॥
Shani Gayatri Mantra
ॐ भग-भवाय विदमहे मृत्यु-रूपाय धीमहि तन्नो शनिः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Bhagabhavaya Vidmahaim Mrityu-rupaya Dheemahi tanno Shanih Prachodyat॥
ॐ काकध्वजाय विद्महे खड्गहस्ताय धीमहि तन्नो मन्दः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Kaakadhwajaaya Vidmahae Khadga Hastaaya Dheemahi Tanno Mandah Prachodayat॥
ॐ सूर्यपुत्राय विद्महे मृत्युरूपाय धीमहि तन्न: सौरि: प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Suryaputraay Vidhmhe Mrityurupaay Dheemahi Tann: Soureeh Prachodyat॥
ॐ शनैश्चराय विदमहे छायापुत्राय धीमहि | तन्नो मंद: प्रचोदयात् ||
Shani Gayatri Mantra Aum Shaneshchraaye Vidmahe Chhayaputraay Dheemahi Tanno Mandah Prachodyat॥
Shani Ekashari Mantra
ऊँ शं शनैश्चाराय नमः।
Om Sham Shaneicharaya Namah।