Shani (Shanaishchara) Ashtottara Shatanamavali — Word-by-Word Meaning
शनैश्चर अष्टोत्तर शतनामावली
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
शनैश्चराय नमः
śanaiścarāya namaḥ
Salutations to Shanaishchara, the slow-moving one (Saturn)
शान्ताय नमः
śāntāya namaḥ
to the calm and peaceful one (Shanta)
सर्वाभीष्टप्रदायिने नमः
sarvābhīṣṭapradāyine namaḥ
to the giver of all that is desired (Sarvabhishtapradayin)
शरण्याय नमः
śaraṇyāya namaḥ
to the refuge of those who seek him (Sharanya)
वरेण्याय नमः
vareṇyāya namaḥ
to the most excellent and choice-worthy one (Varenya)
सर्वेशाय नमः
sarveśāya namaḥ
to the lord of all (Sarvesha)
सौम्याय नमः
saumyāya namaḥ
to the gentle and benign one (Saumya)
सुरवन्द्याय नमः
suravandyāya namaḥ
to one worshipped by the gods (Suravandya)
सुरलोकविहारिणे नमः
suralokavihāriṇe namaḥ
to one who moves through the realms of the gods (Suralokavihari)
सुखासनोपविष्टाय नमः
sukhāsanopaviṣṭāya namaḥ
to one seated comfortably and at ease (Sukhasanopavishta)
सुन्दराय नमः
sundarāya namaḥ
to the beautiful one (Sundara)
घनाय नमः
ghanāya namaḥ
to the dense, dark cloud-hued one (Ghana)
घनरूपाय नमः
ghanarūpāya namaḥ
to one whose form is like a dark cloud (Ghanarupa)
घनाभरणधारिणे नमः
ghanābharaṇadhāriṇe namaḥ
to one who wears cloud-dark ornaments (Ghanabharanadharin)
घनसारविलेपाय नमः
ghanasāravilepāya namaḥ
to one anointed with camphor (ghanasara) paste
खद्योताय नमः
khadyotāya namaḥ
to the firefly-radiant one / the shining one (Khadyota)
Complete Translation
The Shani Ashtottara Shatanamavali is the garland of the 108 names of Shanaishchara, the slow-moving planet Saturn, son of Surya and Chhaya and the great dispenser of karmic justice. Though feared as the stern bestower of the fruits of action, the names reveal his true nature as Shanta (the peaceful), Saumya (the gentle), Sharanya (the refuge of the surrendered) and Sarvabhishtaprada (the giver of every desire). Recited with 'Om' and 'namaha', especially on Saturdays, the litany pacifies the afflictions of Shani (Sade-Sati, dhaiyya and the Shani dasha) and turns his gaze into grace.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional (Navagraha / Puranic tradition)
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
Shani, the son of Surya (the Sun) and his shadow-consort Chhaya, is the slowest-moving of the grahas and the appointed judge of the fruits of human action. This garland of his 108 names is recited within the Navagraha worship to propitiate him. By naming him not only as the stern Shanaishchara but as Shanta, Saumya, Sharanya and the giver of all desires, the litany appeals to his hidden compassion, asking that the karma he metes out be tempered with grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shani Ashtottara Shatanamavali?▼
It is the garland of the 108 names of Shani (Shanaishchara), the planet Saturn and the dispenser of the fruits of karma. Each name is chanted with 'Om' before and 'namaha' after, and is offered as an archana, especially on Saturdays, to invoke Shani's grace.
Does chanting Shani's 108 names help during Sade-Sati?▼
Yes. Devotees traditionally recite the Shani Ashtottara during Sade-Sati, Dhaiyya and the Shani Mahadasha to soften their trials, develop the patience and discipline Shani teaches, and turn his stern gaze into grace.
What should I offer while chanting?▼
Common offerings are black sesame seeds (til), blue or black flowers, and a lamp of sesame or mustard oil. One offering is made at the feet of Shani for each of the 108 names.
When is the best time to chant?▼
Saturday, the day ruled by Shani, is the most auspicious, especially in the evening. Shani Jayanti and periods of Shani transit are also highly favourable.
Ready to start chanting?
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