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शनि चालीसा Meaning — Line by Line

शनि चालीसा

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of शनि चालीसा with its Hindi meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

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  1. Doha 1. Jaya ganesha girija suvana, mamgala karana kripala
  2. Doha 2. Jaya jaya shri shanideva prabhu , sunahu vinaya maharaja
  3. Chaupai 1. Jayati jayati shanideva dayala
  4. Chaupai 2. Chari bhuja, tanu shyama virajai
  5. Chaupai 3. Parama vishala manohara bhala
  6. Chaupai 4. Kundala shravana chamachama chamake
  7. Chaupai 5. Kara mem gada trishula kuthara
  8. Chaupai 6. Pimgala, krishno, chhaya, nandana
  9. Chaupai 7. Sauri, manda shani dasha nama
  10. Chaupai 8. Japara prabhu prasanna havaim jahim
  11. Chaupai 9. Parvatahu trina hoi niharata
  12. Chaupai 10. Raja milata vana ramahim dinhayo
  13. Chaupai 11. Vanahum mem mriga kapata dikhai
  14. Chaupai 12. Lashanahim shakti vikala karidara
  15. Chaupai 13. Ravana ki gati-mati baurai
  16. Chaupai 14. Diyo kita kari kamchana lamka
  17. Chaupai 15. Nripa vikrama para tuhi pagu dhara
  18. Chaupai 16. Hara naulakha lagyo chori
  19. Chaupai 17. Bhari dasha nikrishta dikhayo
  20. Chaupai 18. Vinaya raga dipaka mahan kinhayom
  21. Chaupai 19. Harishchandra nripa nari bikani
  22. Chaupai 20. Taise nala para dasha sirani
  23. Chaupai 21. Shri shamkarahim gahyo jaba jai
  24. Chaupai 22. Tanika vikalokata hi kari risa
  25. Chaupai 23. Pandava para bhai dasha tumhari
  26. Chaupai 24. Kaurava ke bhi gati mati marayo
  27. Chaupai 25. Ravi kahan mukha mahan dhari tatkala
  28. Chaupai 26. Shesha deva-lakhi vinati lai
  29. Chaupai 27. Vahana prabhu ke sata sujana
  30. Chaupai 28. Jambuka siha adi nakha dhari
  31. Chaupai 29. Gaja vahana lakshmi griha avaim
  32. Chaupai 30. Gardabha hani karai bahu kaja
  33. Chaupai 31. Jambuka buddhi nashta kara darai
  34. Chaupai 32. Jaba avahim svana savari
  35. Chaupai 33. Taisahi chari charana yaha nama
  36. Chaupai 34. Lauha charana para jaba prabhu avaim
  37. Chaupai 35. Samata tamra rajata shubhakari
  38. Chaupai 36. Jo yaha shani charitra nita gavai
  39. Chaupai 37. Adbhuta natha dikhavaim lila
  40. Chaupai 38. Jo pandita suyogya bulavai
  41. Chaupai 39. Pipala jala shani divasa chadha़avata
  42. Chaupai 40. Kahata rama sundara prabhu dasa
  43. Closing Doha. Patha shanishchara deva ko, ki hom ‘bhakta’ taiyara
Doha 1#

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.

Doha 2#

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.

Chaupai 1#

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.

Chaupai 2#

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.

Chaupai 3#

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.

Chaupai 4#

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.

Chaupai 5#

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.

Chaupai 6#

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 —

Chaupai 7#

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.

Chaupai 8#

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.

Chaupai 9#

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.

Chaupai 10#

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.

Chaupai 11#

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.

Chaupai 12#

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.

Chaupai 13#

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.

Chaupai 14#

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.

Chaupai 15#

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.

Chaupai 16#

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.

Chaupai 17#

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.

Chaupai 18#

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.

Chaupai 19#

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.

Chaupai 20#

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.

Chaupai 21#

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.

Chaupai 22#

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.

Chaupai 23#

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.

Chaupai 24#

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.

Chaupai 25#

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).

Chaupai 26#

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.

Chaupai 27#

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 —

Chaupai 28#

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.

Chaupai 29#

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.

Chaupai 30#

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.

Chaupai 31#

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.

Chaupai 32#

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.

Chaupai 33#

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.

Chaupai 34#

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.

Chaupai 35#

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.

Chaupai 36#

Jo yaha shani charitra nita gavai

जो यह शनि चरित्र नित गावै कबहुं 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.

Chaupai 37#

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.

Chaupai 38#

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,

Chaupai 39#

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.

Chaupai 40#

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.

Closing Doha#

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

शनिदेव
Shanidev
Lord Shani, the deity of the planet Saturn
भानु पुत्र
Bhanu Putra
Son of the Sun (Surya)
साढ़े साती
Sade Sati
Shani's 7.5-year transit period
पिंगल
Pingala
One of Shani's ten names
दशा
Dasha
Planetary period / phase of influence
गदा त्रिशूल कुठार
Gada Trishul Kuthar
Mace, trident and axe — Shani's weapons
शनि शांति
Shani Shanti
The pacification rite for Saturn
पीपल जल
Pipal Jal
Offering water to the peepal tree on Saturday

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shani Chalisa and who should chant it?
The Shani Chalisa is a 40-verse Hindi hymn to Lord Shani (Saturn). It is chanted by anyone undergoing Sade Sati, Dhaiya or a difficult Shani period, and by all who seek Saturn's grace, discipline and protection from delays and hardship.
On which day should the Shani Chalisa be recited?
Saturday (Shanivar) is Lord Shani's day. It is traditionally recited every Saturday, and especially for forty consecutive days during Sade Sati or a Shani Dasha.
What are the remedies mentioned with the Shani Chalisa?
Common remedies include lighting a mustard-oil lamp before Shani, offering black sesame, mustard oil and blue flowers, offering water to the peepal tree on Saturday, and feeding or helping the poor and labourers.
How does the Shani Chalisa help during Sade Sati?
It is believed to soften Shani's testing influence, granting patience and protection so the difficult period passes with less hardship. Shani rewards honesty, humility and hard work — qualities the Chalisa cultivates.

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