Shani Chalisa Meaning — Line by Line
शनि चालीसा
Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi
Meaning — Line by Line
Every verse of Shani Chalisa with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.
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- Doha 1. Jaya ganesha girija suvana, mamgala karana kripala
- Doha 2. Jaya jaya shri shanideva prabhu , sunahu vinaya maharaja
- Chaupai 1. Jayati jayati shanideva dayala
- Chaupai 2. Chari bhuja, tanu shyama virajai
- Chaupai 3. Parama vishala manohara bhala
- Chaupai 4. Kundala shravana chamachama chamake
- Chaupai 5. Kara mem gada trishula kuthara
- Chaupai 6. Pimgala, krishno, chhaya, nandana
- Chaupai 7. Sauri, manda shani dasha nama
- Chaupai 8. Japara prabhu prasanna havaim jahim
- Chaupai 9. Parvatahu trina hoi niharata
- Chaupai 10. Raja milata vana ramahim dinhayo
- Chaupai 11. Vanahum mem mriga kapata dikhai
- Chaupai 12. Lashanahim shakti vikala karidara
- Chaupai 13. Ravana ki gati-mati baurai
- Chaupai 14. Diyo kita kari kamchana lamka
- Chaupai 15. Nripa vikrama para tuhi pagu dhara
- Chaupai 16. Hara naulakha lagyo chori
- Chaupai 17. Bhari dasha nikrishta dikhayo
- Chaupai 18. Vinaya raga dipaka mahan kinhayom
- Chaupai 19. Harishchandra nripa nari bikani
- Chaupai 20. Taise nala para dasha sirani
- Chaupai 21. Shri shamkarahim gahyo jaba jai
- Chaupai 22. Tanika vikalokata hi kari risa
- Chaupai 23. Pandava para bhai dasha tumhari
- Chaupai 24. Kaurava ke bhi gati mati marayo
- Chaupai 25. Ravi kahan mukha mahan dhari tatkala
- Chaupai 26. Shesha deva-lakhi vinati lai
- Chaupai 27. Vahana prabhu ke sata sujana
- Chaupai 28. Jambuka siha adi nakha dhari
- Chaupai 29. Gaja vahana lakshmi griha avaim
- Chaupai 30. Gardabha hani karai bahu kaja
- Chaupai 31. Jambuka buddhi nashta kara darai
- Chaupai 32. Jaba avahim svana savari
- Chaupai 33. Taisahi chari charana yaha nama
- Chaupai 34. Lauha charana para jaba prabhu avaim
- Chaupai 35. Samata tamra rajata shubhakari
- Chaupai 36. Jo yaha shani charitra nita gavai
- Chaupai 37. Adbhuta natha dikhavaim lila
- Chaupai 38. Jo pandita suyogya bulavai
- Chaupai 39. Pipala jala shani divasa chadha़avata
- Chaupai 40. Kahata rama sundara prabhu dasa
- Closing Doha. Patha shanishchara deva ko, ki hom ‘bhakta’ taiyara
Jaya ganesha girija suvana, mamgala karana kripala
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल करण कृपाल । दीनन के दुःख दूर करि , कीजै नाथ निहाल ॥
Jaya ganesha girija suvana, mamgala karana kripala Dinana ke duhkha dura kari , kijai natha nihala
MeaningVictory to the son of Girija (Ganesha), the merciful doer of good; remove the sorrows of the lowly, O Lord, and make them blessed.
Jaya jaya shri shanideva prabhu , sunahu vinaya maharaja
जय जय श्री शनिदेव प्रभु , सुनहु विनय महाराज । करहु कृपा हे रवि तनय , राखहु जन की लाज ॥
Jaya jaya shri shanideva prabhu , sunahu vinaya maharaja Karahu kripa he ravi tanaya , rakhahu jana ki laja
MeaningVictory, victory, O Lord Shanidev; hear my prayer, O great king; show grace, O son of the Sun (Ravi), and preserve your devotee's honour.
Jayati jayati shanideva dayala
जयति जयति शनिदेव दयाला । करत सदा भक्तन प्रतिपाला ॥
Jayati jayati shanideva dayala Karata sada bhaktana pratipala
MeaningVictory, victory to the compassionate Shanidev, who ever protects his devotees.
Chari bhuja, tanu shyama virajai
चारि भुजा, तनु श्याम विराजै । माथे रतन मुकुट छवि छाजै ॥
Chari bhuja, tanu shyama virajai Mathe ratana mukuta chhavi chhajai
MeaningFour-armed, his body shining dark; upon his brow a jewelled crown gleams in beauty.
Parama vishala manohara bhala
परम विशाल मनोहर भाला । टेढ़ी दृष्टि भृकुटि विकराला ॥
Parama vishala manohara bhala Tedha़i drishti bhrikuti vikarala
MeaningHis forehead vast and enchanting; his gaze oblique, his eyebrows fierce.
Kundala shravana chamachama chamake
कुण्डल श्रवन चमाचम चमके । हिये माल मुक्तन मणि दमकै ॥
Kundala shravana chamachama chamake Hiye mala muktana mani damakai
MeaningEarrings glitter brightly at his ears; on his chest a garland of pearls and gems shines.
Kara mem gada trishula kuthara
कर में गदा त्रिशूल कुठारा । पल बिच करैं अरिहिं संहारा ॥
Kara mem gada trishula kuthara Pala bicha karaim arihim samhara
MeaningIn his hands a mace, a trident and an axe; in an instant he destroys his foes.
Pimgala, krishno, chhaya, nandana
पिंगल, कृष्णो, छाया, नन्दन । यम, कोणस्थ, रौद्र, दुःख भंजन ॥
Pimgala, krishno, chhaya, nandana Yama, konastha, raudra, duhkha bhamjana
MeaningPingala, Krishna (the dark), Chhaya-nandana (son of Chhaya); Yama, Konastha, Raudra, the destroyer of sorrow —
Sauri, manda shani dasha nama
सौरी, मन्द शनी दश नामा । भानु पुत्र पूजहिं सब कामा ॥
Sauri, manda shani dasha nama Bhanu putra pujahim saba kama
Meaning— Sauri, Manda, Shani: his ten names. The son of Bhanu (the Sun), worshipped, fulfils every desire.
Japara prabhu prasanna havaim jahim
जापर प्रभु प्रसन्न हवैं जाहीं । रंकहुं राव करैं क्षण माहीं ॥
Japara prabhu prasanna havaim jahim Ramkahum rava karaim kshana mahim
MeaningUpon whomever the Lord becomes pleased, he makes a pauper a king in a moment.
Parvatahu trina hoi niharata
पर्वतहू तृण होइ निहारत । तृणहू को पर्वत करि डारत ॥
Parvatahu trina hoi niharata Trinahu ko parvata kari darata
MeaningHe makes even a mountain appear as a blade of grass, and turns a blade of grass into a mountain.
Raja milata vana ramahim dinhayo
राज मिलत वन रामहिं दीन्हयो । कैकेइहुँ की मति हरि लीन्हयो ॥
Raja milata vana ramahim dinhayo Kaikeihun ki mati hari linhayo
MeaningAt the very moment of his coronation he sent Rama to the forest, having stolen away Kaikeyi's reason.
Vanahum mem mriga kapata dikhai
वनहुं में मृग कपट दिखाई । मातु जानकी गई चुराई ॥
Vanahum mem mriga kapata dikhai Matu janaki gai churai
MeaningIn the forest he showed the illusory (golden) deer, by which Mother Janaki (Sita) was carried away.
Lashanahim shakti vikala karidara
लषणहिं शक्ति विकल करिडारा । मचिगा दल में हाहाकारा ॥
Lashanahim shakti vikala karidara Machiga dala mem hahakara
MeaningHe left Lakshmana stricken by the Shakti weapon; a great cry of woe arose in the army.
Ravana ki gati-mati baurai
रावण की गति-मति बौराई । रामचन्द्र सों बैर बढ़ाई ॥
Ravana ki gati-mati baurai Ramachandra som baira badha़ai
MeaningHe deranged Ravana's mind and reason, increasing his enmity with Ramachandra.
Diyo kita kari kamchana lamka
दियो कीट करि कंचन लंका । बजि बजरंग बीर की डंका ॥
Diyo kita kari kamchana lamka Baji bajaramga bira ki damka
MeaningHe had golden Lanka consumed (turned to ashes); the drum of the hero Bajrang (Hanuman) resounded.
Nripa vikrama para tuhi pagu dhara
नृप विक्रम पर तुहि पगु धारा । चित्र मयूर निगलि गै हारा ॥
Nripa vikrama para tuhi pagu dhara Chitra mayura nigali gai hara
MeaningHe set his foot upon King Vikramaditya; the painted peacock (seemed to) swallow the necklace.
Hara naulakha lagyo chori
हार नौलखा लाग्यो चोरी । हाथ पैर डरवायो तोरी ॥
Hara naulakha lagyo chori Hatha paira daravayo tori
MeaningA nine-lakh necklace was charged against him as theft; your hand brought terror to his hands and feet.
Bhari dasha nikrishta dikhayo
भारी दशा निकृष्ट दिखायो । तेलहिं घर कोल्हू चलवायो ॥
Bhari dasha nikrishta dikhayo Telahim ghara kolhu chalavayo
MeaningHe showed a grievous, abject state — having him driven to turn the oil-press in an oilman's house.
Vinaya raga dipaka mahan kinhayom
विनय राग दीपक महँ कीन्हयों । तब प्रसन्न प्रभु ह्वै सुख दीन्हयों ॥
Vinaya raga dipaka mahan kinhayom Taba prasanna prabhu hvai sukha dinhayom
MeaningWhen Vikram offered his prayer in the Deepak raga, the Lord, made pleased, granted him happiness.
Harishchandra nripa nari bikani
हरिश्चन्द्र नृप नारि बिकानी । आपहुं भरे डोम घर पानी ॥
Harishchandra nripa nari bikani Apahum bhare doma ghara pani
MeaningKing Harishchandra's wife was sold, and he himself carried water in a Dom's house.
Taise nala para dasha sirani
तैसे नल पर दशा सिरानी । भूंजी-मीन कूद गई पानी ॥
Taise nala para dasha sirani Bhumji-mina kuda gai pani
MeaningLikewise this state passed over King Nala; the fried fish leapt back alive into the water.
Shri shamkarahim gahyo jaba jai
श्री शंकरहिं गह्यो जब जाई । पारवती को सती कराई ॥
Shri shamkarahim gahyo jaba jai Paravati ko sati karai
MeaningWhen it seized Lord Shankara, it brought such grief that Parvati was reduced to a Sati's distress.
Tanika vikalokata hi kari risa
तनिक विकलोकत ही करि रीसा । नभ उड़ि गतो गौरिसुत सीसा ॥
Tanika vikalokata hi kari risa Nabha uda़i gato gaurisuta sisa
MeaningAt his slightest angry glance, the head of Gauri's son (Ganesha) flew off into the sky.
Pandava para bhai dasha tumhari
पाण्डव पर भै दशा तुम्हारी । बची द्रोपदी होति उधारी ॥
Pandava para bhai dasha tumhari Bachi dropadi hoti udhari
MeaningThis state of yours befell the Pandavas too; Draupadi was barely saved from disgrace.
Kaurava ke bhi gati mati marayo
कौरव के भी गति मति मारयो । युद्ध महाभारत करि डारयो ॥
Kaurava ke bhi gati mati marayo Yuddha mahabharata kari darayo
MeaningHe destroyed the reason of the Kauravas as well, bringing about the great war of the Mahabharata.
Ravi kahan mukha mahan dhari tatkala
रवि कहँ मुख महँ धरि तत्काला । लेकर कूदि परयो पाताला ॥
Ravi kahan mukha mahan dhari tatkala Lekara kudi parayo patala
MeaningPlacing the Sun (Ravi) in his mouth at once, he leapt down into the netherworld (Patala).
Shesha deva-lakhi vinati lai
शेष देव-लखि विनती लाई । रवि को मुख ते दियो छुड़ाई ॥
Shesha deva-lakhi vinati lai Ravi ko mukha te diyo chhuda़ai
MeaningShesha and the gods brought their entreaty, and had the Sun released from his mouth.
Vahana prabhu ke sata sujana
वाहन प्रभु के सात सुजाना । जग दिग्गज गर्दभ मृग स्वाना ॥
Vahana prabhu ke sata sujana Jaga diggaja gardabha mriga svana
MeaningThe Lord's vehicles are seven and wise: the elephant, the donkey, the deer, the dog —
Jambuka siha adi nakha dhari
जम्बुक सिह आदि नख धारी । सो फल ज्योतिष कहत पुकारी ॥
Jambuka siha adi nakha dhari So phala jyotisha kahata pukari
Meaning— the jackal, the lion and others he rides; astrology proclaims aloud the fruit of each.
Gaja vahana lakshmi griha avaim
गज वाहन लक्ष्मी गृह आवैं । हय ते सुख सम्पत्ति उपजावै ॥
Gaja vahana lakshmi griha avaim Haya te sukha sampatti upajavai
MeaningOn the elephant, Lakshmi (wealth) comes to the home; on the horse, happiness and prosperity arise.
Gardabha hani karai bahu kaja
गर्दभ हानि करै बहु काजा । सिह सिद्ध्कर राज समाजा ॥
Gardabha hani karai bahu kaja Siha siddhkara raja samaja
MeaningThe donkey causes much harm to one's work; the lion brings accomplishment and royal estate.
Jambuka buddhi nashta kara darai
जम्बुक बुद्धि नष्ट कर डारै । मृग दे कष्ट प्राण संहारै ॥
Jambuka buddhi nashta kara darai Mriga de kashta prana samharai
MeaningThe jackal destroys the intellect; the deer brings suffering and takes away life.
Jaba avahim svana savari
जब आवहिं स्वान सवारी । चोरी आदि होय डर भारी ॥
Jaba avahim svana savari Chori adi hoya dara bhari
MeaningWhen he comes riding upon the dog, theft and the like occur, and great fear.
Taisahi chari charana yaha nama
तैसहि चारि चरण यह नामा । स्वर्ण लौह चाँदी अरु तामा ॥
Taisahi chari charana yaha nama Svarna lauha chandi aru tama
MeaningLikewise his four 'feet' (phases) bear names: gold, iron, silver and copper.
Lauha charana para jaba prabhu avaim
लौह चरण पर जब प्रभु आवैं । धन जन सम्पत्ति नष्ट करावैं ॥
Lauha charana para jaba prabhu avaim Dhana jana sampatti nashta karavaim
MeaningWhen the Lord comes upon the iron foot, he causes the ruin of wealth, people and prosperity.
Samata tamra rajata shubhakari
समता ताम्र रजत शुभकारी । स्वर्ण सर्वसुख मंगल भारी ॥
Samata tamra rajata shubhakari Svarna sarvasukha mamgala bhari
MeaningThe copper and silver are moderate and auspicious; the golden foot brings all happiness and great blessing.
Jo yaha shani charitra nita gavai
जो यह शनि चरित्र नित गावै । कबहुं न दशा निकृष्ट सतावै ॥
Jo yaha shani charitra nita gavai Kabahum na dasha nikrishta satavai
MeaningWhoever ever sings this story of Shani — the base period (dasha) never torments them.
Adbhuta natha dikhavaim lila
अद्भुत नाथ दिखावैं लीला । करैं शत्रु के नशि बलि ढीला ॥
Adbhuta natha dikhavaim lila Karaim shatru ke nashi bali dhila
MeaningThe Lord shows wondrous play; he weakens and undoes the strength of the enemy.
Jo pandita suyogya bulavai
जो पण्डित सुयोग्य बुलवाई । विधिवत शनि ग्रह शांति कराई ॥
Jo pandita suyogya bulavai Vidhivata shani graha shamti karai
MeaningWhoever calls a learned, worthy pandit and has the Shani-graha peace rite duly performed,
Pipala jala shani divasa chadha़avata
पीपल जल शनि दिवस चढ़ावत । दीप दान दै बहु सुख पावत ॥
Pipala jala shani divasa chadha़avata Dipa dana dai bahu sukha pavata
Meaning— offers water to the peepal on Saturday and gives the gift of a lamp, gains abundant happiness.
Kahata rama sundara prabhu dasa
कहत राम सुन्दर प्रभु दासा । शनि सुमिरत सुख होत प्रकाशा ॥
Kahata rama sundara prabhu dasa Shani sumirata sukha hota prakasha
MeaningSays Ram (the poet), the Lord's humble servant: by remembering Shani, happiness dawns.
Patha shanishchara deva ko, ki hom ‘bhakta’ taiyara
पाठ शनिश्चर देव को, की हों ‘भक्त’ तैयार । करत पाठ चालीस दिन, हो भवसागर पार ॥
Patha shanishchara deva ko, ki hom ‘bhakta’ taiyara Karata patha chalisa dina, ho bhavasagara para
MeaningReciting this hymn of Lord Shanishchara, the devotee who is ready and recites it for forty days crosses the ocean of existence.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Hindi devotional hymn
Author: Traditional (signed 'Ram')
Period: Devotional era
The Shani Chalisa is a forty-verse Hindi hymn to Shanidev, the son of Surya and lord of the planet Saturn — the great dispenser of karmic justice. Recalling how Shani's gaze humbled even Rama, Ravana, Vikramaditya, Harishchandra and the Pandavas, yet rewarded the devoted, it is recited above all during Sade Sati and Shani Dasha to win the planet's grace and protection.
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