Shani Dev Chalisa: Full Lyrics, Meaning & When to Recite

Original text

॥ दोहा ॥ श्री शनिश्चर देवजी, सुनहु श्रवण मम् टेर। कोटि विघ्ननाशक प्रभो, करो न मम् हित बेर॥ ॥ सोरठा ॥ तव स्तुति हे नाथ, जोरि जुगल कर करत हौं। करिये मोहि सनाथ, विघ्नहरन हे रवि सुव्रन॥ ॥ चौपाई ॥ शनिदेव मैं सुमिरौं तोही। विद्या बुद्धि ज्ञान दो मोही॥1॥ तुम्हरो नाम अनेक बखानौं। क्षुद्रबुद्धि मैं जो कुछ जानौं॥2॥ अन्तक, कोण, रौद्रय मनाऊँ। कृष्ण बभ्रु शनि सबहिं सुनाऊँ॥3॥ पिंगल मन्दसौरि सुख दाता। हित अनहित सब जग के ज्ञाता॥4॥ नित जपै जो नाम तुम्हारा। करहु व्याधि दुःख से निस्तारा॥5॥ राशि विषमवस असुरन सुरनर। पन्नग शेष सहित विद्याधर॥6॥ राजा रंक रहहिं जो नीको। पशु पक्षी वनचर सबही को॥7॥ कानन किला शिविर सेनाकर। नाश करत सब ग्राम्य नगर भर॥8॥ डालत विघ्न सबहि के सुख में। व्याकुल होहिं पड़े सब दुःख में॥9॥ नाथ विनय तुमसे यह मेरी। करिये मोपर दया घनेरी॥10॥ मम हित विषम राशि महँवासा। करिय न नाथ यही मम आसा॥11॥ जो गुड़ उड़द दे बार शनीचर। तिल जव लोह अन्न धन बस्तर॥12॥ दान दिये से होंय सुखारी। सोइ शनि सुन यह विनय हमारी॥13॥ नाथ दया तुम मोपर कीजै। कोटिक विघ्न क्षणिक महँ छीजै॥14॥ वंदत नाथ जुगल कर जोरी। सुनहु दया कर विनती मोरी॥15॥ कबहुँक तीरथ राज प्रयागा। सरयू तोर सहित अनुरागा॥16॥ कबहुँ सरस्वती शुद्ध नार महँ। या कहुँ गिरी खोह कंदर महँ॥17॥ ध्यान धरत हैं जो जोगी जनि। ताहि ध्यान महँ सूक्ष्म होहि शनि॥18॥ है अगम्य क्या करूँ बड़ाई। करत प्रणाम चरण शिर नाई॥19॥ जो विदेश से बार शनीचर। मुड़कर आवेगा निज घर पर॥20॥ रहैं सुखी शनि देव दुहाई। रक्षा रवि सुत रखैं बनाई॥21॥ जो विदेश जावैं शनिवारा। गृह आवैं नहिं सहै दुखारा॥22॥ संकट देय शनीचर ताही। जेते दुखी होई मन माही॥23॥ सोई रवि नन्दन कर जोरी। वन्दन करत मूढ़ मति थोरी॥24॥ ब्रह्मा जगत बनावन हारा। विष्णु सबहिं नित देत अहारा॥25॥ हैं त्रिशूलधारी त्रिपुरारी। विभू देव मूरति एक वारी॥26॥ इकहोइ धारण करत शनि नित। वंदत सोई शनि को दमनचित॥27॥ जो नर पाठ करै मन चित से। सो नर छूटै व्यथा अमित से॥28॥ हौं सुपुत्र धन सन्तति बाढ़े। कलि काल कर जोड़े ठाढ़े॥29॥ पशु कुटुम्ब बांधन आदि से। भरो भवन रहिहैं नित सबसे॥30॥ नाना भाँति भोग सुख सारा। अन्त समय तजकर संसारा॥31॥ पावै मुक्ति अमर पद भाई। जो नित शनि सम ध्यान लगाई॥32॥ पढ़ै प्रात जो नाम शनि दस। रहैं शनिश्चर नित उसके बस॥33॥ पीड़ा शनि की कबहुँ न होई। नित उठ ध्यान धरै जो कोई॥34॥ जो यह पाठ करैं चालीसा। होय सुख साखी जगदीशा॥35॥ चालिस दिन नित पढ़े सबेरे। पातक नाशै शनी घनेरे॥36॥ रवि नन्दन की अस प्रभुताई। जगत मोहतम नाशै भाई॥37॥ याको पाठ करै जो कोई। सुख सम्पति की कमी न होई॥38॥ निशिदिन ध्यान धरै मनमाहीं। आधिव्याधि ढिंग आवै नाहीं॥39॥ ॥ दोहा ॥ पाठ शनिश्चर देव को, कीहौं 'विमल' तैयार। करत पाठ चालीस दिन, हो भवसागर पार॥ जो स्तुति दशरथ जी कियो, सम्मुख शनि निहार। सरस सुभाषा में वही, ललिता लिखें सुधार॥

Transliteration

Doha: Shri Shanishchar Devji, Sunahu Shravan Mam Ter. Koti Vighnanashak Prabho, Karo Na Mam Hit Ber. Soratha: Tav Stuti He Nath, Jori Jugal Kar Karat Haun. Kariye Mohi Sanath, Vighnaharan He Ravi Suvran. Chaupai: 1. Shanidev Main Sumirau Tohi, Vidya Buddhi Gyan Do Mohi. 2. Tumharo Naam Aneka Bakhanaun, Kshudrabuddhi Main Jo Kuchha Janaun. 3. Antak, Kon, Raudray Manaun, Krishna Babhru Shani Sabahin Sunaun. 4. Pingal Mandasauri Sukh Data, Hit Anahit Sab Jag Ke Gyata. 5. Nit Japai Jo Naam Tumhara, Karahu Vyadhi Dukh Se Nistara. 6. Rashi Vishamvas Asuran Suranar, Pannag Shesh Sahit Vidyadhar. 7. Raja Rank Rahahin Jo Neeko, Pashu Pakshi Vanchar Sabahi Ko. 8. Kanan Kila Shivir Senakar, Nash Karat Sab Gramya Nagar Bhar. 9. Dalat Vighna Sabahi Ke Sukh Mein, Vyakul Hohin Pade Sab Dukh Mein. 10. Nath Vinay Tumse Yah Meri, Kariye Mopar Daya Ghaneri. 11. Mam Hit Visham Rashi Mahanvasa, Kariya Na Nath Yahi Mam Asa. 12. Jo Gud Udad De Baar Shanichar, Til Jav Loh Ann Dhan Bastar. 13. Dan Diye Se Hoin Sukhari, Soi Shani Sun Yah Vinay Hamari. 14. Nath Daya Tum Mopar Kije, Kotik Vighna Kshanik Mahan Chhije. 15. Vandat Nath Jugal Kar Jori, Sunahu Daya Kar Vinati Mori. 16. Kabahunk Teerath Raj Prayaga, Sarayu Tor Sahit Anuraga. 17. Kabahun Saraswati Shuddh Naar Mahan, Ya Kahun Giri Khoh Kandar Mahan. 18. Dhyan Dharat Hain Jo Jogi Jani, Tahi Dhyan Mahan Sookshma Hohi Shani. 19. Hai Agamya Kya Karun Badai, Karat Pranam Charan Shir Nai. 20. Jo Videsh Se Baar Shanichar, Mudkar Avega Nij Ghar Par. 21. Rahain Sukhi Shani Dev Duhai, Raksha Ravi Sut Rakhain Banai. 22. Jo Videsh Javain Shanivara, Grih Avain Nahin Sahai Dukhara. 23. Sankat Dey Shanichar Tahi, Jete Dukhi Hoi Man Mahin. 24. Soi Ravi Nandan Kar Jori, Vandan Karat Moodh Mati Thori. 25. Brahma Jagat Banavan Hara, Vishnu Sabahin Nit Det Ahara. 26. Hain Trishuldhari Tripurari, Vibhu Dev Moorati Ek Vari. 27. Ikahoi Dharan Karat Shani Nit, Vandat Soi Shani Ko Damanchit. 28. Jo Nar Path Karai Man Chit Se, So Nar Chhootai Vyatha Amit Se. 29. Haun Suputra Dhan Santati Badhe, Kali Kal Kar Jode Thadhe. 30. Pashu Kutumb Bandhan Aadi Se, Bharo Bhavan Rahihain Nit Sabse. 31. Nana Bhanti Bhog Sukh Sara, Ant Samay Tajkar Sansara. 32. Pavai Mukti Amar Pad Bhai, Jo Nit Shani Sam Dhyan Lagai. 33. Padhai Prat Jo Naam Shani Das, Rahain Shanishchar Nit Uske Bas. 34. Peeda Shani Ki Kabahun Na Hoi, Nit Uth Dhyan Dharai Jo Koi. 35. Jo Yah Path Karain Chalisa, Hoy Sukh Sakhi Jagdisha. 36. Chalis Din Nit Padhe Sabere, Patak Nashai Shani Ghanere. 37. Ravi Nandan Ki As Prabhutai, Jagat Mohatam Nashai Bhai. 38. Yako Path Karai Jo Koi, Sukh Sampati Ki Kami Na Hoi. 39. Nishidin Dhyan Dharai Manmahin, Adhivyadhi Dhing Avai Nahin. Doha: Path Shanishchar Dev Ko, Kihaun 'Vimal' Taiyar. Karat Path Chalis Din, Ho Bhavsagar Par. Jo Stuti Dashrath Ji Kiyo, Sammukh Shani Nihar. Saras Subhasha Mein Vahi, Lalita Likhen Sudhar.

Who wrote it

The closing dohas of this chalisa credit a poet named "Vimal," who describes basing it on a stotra originally composed by King Dashrath (Ram's father) in praise of Shani — a detail that ties this chalisa to an older Puranic tradition of Dashrath directly appeasing Shani after an inauspicious planetary alignment threatened his kingdom.

What the verses ask for

Unlike hymns built around a mythological narrative, most of this chalisa is a direct, sustained appeal: for wisdom (verse 1), leniency when one's own birth chart places Shani unfavourably (verses 10–11), protection while travelling — especially returning home safely on a Saturday (verses 20–22) — and freedom from the anxiety and hardship Shani's influence is believed to bring. It also lists his many names (Antak, Kona, Pingal, Mandasauri among them) and states plainly what offerings are traditionally given: jaggery, urad dal, sesame, iron and dark cloth.

A god who disciplines, not punishes

Several verses frame Shani not as cruel but as scrupulously fair — troubling the negligent and dishonest while protecting those who act rightly, regardless of whether they're a king or a commoner (verse 7). The chalisa's underlying message is less "appease an angry god" and more "align your conduct, and even a difficult period becomes bearable."

Author, language and form at a glance

Who wrote it: the two closing dohas name two people. The first says "path Shanishchar Dev ko, kinhau 'Vimal' taiyar", "Vimal prepared this recitation of Shanishchar Dev." The second says the hymn is the praise that King Dashrath offered while facing Shani, which "Lalita likhen sudhar", Lalita wrote out and refined "in sweet, good language". So the chalisa presents itself as a Hindi re-telling of the Dashrath stuti, with Vimal and Lalita as its makers. Nothing more is known of either.
Its source: the Dashrath Shani Stotra, in which Dashrath, seeing Shani about to pierce Rohini nakshatra and bring famine to his kingdom, praises him by his names instead of fighting him. See the Dashrath Shani Stotra.
Language: simple Hindi with Awadhi and Braj forms (sumirau, bakhanau, dukhara).
Form: an opening doha, a soratha, thirty-nine chaupais and two closing dohas.

Why read it

Shani is the planet of time, delay, discipline and consequence, and many people turn to him only when afraid of him. The chalisa reframes that fear. It asks first for "vidya buddhi gyan", learning, understanding and knowledge (1). It then asks, almost conversationally, that when one's birth chart places Shani in a hard sign, he not take up residence there to one's harm (11).

It also shows Shani as the great equaliser. King and pauper, animals, birds and forest creatures all come under his influence (7), and his glance can unsettle cities and armies (8). The reader is not asked to bribe a cruel god. They are asked to bow, give honestly and keep their conduct straight, which is the lesson of the Dashrath story behind it.

When to read it

Saturday: Shanivar, in the evening at sunset or in the early morning.
Every morning for forty days: chaupai 36 prescribes it: "chalis din nit padhe sabere, patak nashai Shani ghanere", read every morning for forty days and Shani destroys heavy sins. The closing doha repeats it: reciting for forty days carries one across the ocean of existence.
The ten names in the morning: "whoever reads Shani's ten names at dawn keeps Shanishchar always favourable" (33). The names are listed in chaupais 3–4: Antak, Kona, Raudra, Krishna, Babhru, Pingal, Manda, Sauri and Shani himself.
Hard periods: Sade Sati, Shani Dhaiya, or a Shani mahadasha.
Festivals: Shani Jayanti (Jyeshtha Amavasya), and any Shani Amavasya (an amavasya falling on a Saturday).

How to read it (path vidhi)

Bathe and wear clean clothes. Dark blue or black are traditional on Saturdays.
Sit before an image of Shani Dev, or near a peepal tree in the evening. Many face west, the direction associated with Shani.
Light a lamp of mustard or sesame oil. Some add a few black sesame seeds or an iron nail beside it.
Recite the doha, soratha, chaupais and both closing dohas aloud. If time is short, at least say the ten names (33).
Make the gifts the chalisa itself names (12–13): gud (jaggery), urad, til (sesame), jau (barley), iron, grain, money or clothes, given on Saturday to someone in need.
Many follow it with the Shani Dev aarti, and with the Hanuman Chalisa, since Hanuman's devotees are traditionally spared Shani's harshness.

Benefits the chalisa itself names

Freedom from illness and sorrow: for whoever repeats his names daily (5).
Relief from immeasurable suffering: for whoever reads with mind and heart (28).
Family and prosperity: good sons, wealth and growing descendants, a home full of cattle and kin (29–30).
Joy and liberation: every kind of enjoyment in life, and at the end liberation and the deathless state (31–32).
Shani's affliction never comes: for one who meditates on him each morning (34).
Heavy sins destroyed: by forty mornings of recitation (36).
No shortage of happiness or wealth (38), and ailments of mind and body (adhi-vyadhi) do not come near (39).
Safe travel: chaupais 20–22 speak of going abroad and returning home on a Saturday, and of Shani's protection over the traveller.

Frequently asked questions

Is Shani Dev a malefic god to be feared?

The chalisa doesn't present him that way. It calls him the giver of happiness (4) and shows him as an impartial judge of conduct. The Dashrath story behind it is about winning Shani over through praise and humility, not fear.

Should I read it for forty days?

Yes, if you want to follow the chalisa's own instruction. Chaupai 36 and the closing doha both prescribe forty consecutive mornings.

Can Shani Chalisa be read at home?

Yes. Some families prefer not to keep a Shani idol at home and read before a picture, a lamp, or at a peepal tree or temple instead. The chalisa itself asks only for a sincere reading.

What are the ten names of Shani?

The Dashrath tradition gives them as Kona, Pingala, Babhru, Krishna, Raudra, Antaka, Yama, Sauri, Shanaishchara and Manda. The chalisa lists most of them in chaupais 3–4 and asks that they be said each morning (33).

Why is Hanuman worshipped along with Shani?

A popular tradition holds that Hanuman freed Shani from Ravana's captivity, and Shani promised not to trouble Hanuman's devotees. That is why the Hanuman Chalisa is so often read on Saturdays and during Sade Sati.

What should I donate on Saturday?

The chalisa lists jaggery, urad dal, sesame, barley, iron, grain, money and clothes (12). Give to someone who needs it, not as a token.

Can women read the Shani Chalisa?

Yes. The chalisa makes no distinction among readers. Customs about touching Shani's idol or offering oil at certain temples are local practices, separate from reading the chalisa.

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Shani Dev Chalisa