Shani Chalisa in English – Lyrics, Meaning and Explanation

Chalisa Meaning

Victory to compassionate Shanidev, who continually watches over and protects his devotees.

His dark form shines with four arms, and a jeweled crown glitters upon his head.

His broad forehead is majestic, while his sidelong gaze and arched brows appear formidable.

Earrings sparkle at his ears, and garlands of pearls and gems shine upon his chest.

He holds a mace, trident, and axe, with the power to end hostile forces in an instant.

The hymn invokes his names Pingala, Krishna, Chhaya-nandana, Yama, Konastha, Raudra, and remover of sorrow.

It adds Sauri, Manda, and Shani to complete ten names; the son of the Sun is worshipped for worthy aims.

When the Lord is pleased with someone, he can raise even a person in poverty to royal standing in a moment.

His gaze can make a mountain seem like grass or turn a blade of grass into a mountain-sized obstacle.

His influence is linked with Rama losing his kingdom for forest exile and with the change in Kaikeyi’s judgment.

In the forest the deceptive deer appeared, and Mother Janaki was then carried away.

Lakshmana was struck down by the powerful weapon, spreading anguish throughout the army.

Ravana’s judgment became confused, leading him to deepen his hostility toward Ramachandra.

Lanka was reduced to a small thing before destiny, and the heroic Bajrang Bali’s triumph resounded.

When Shani’s difficult period came upon King Vikramaditya, a painted peacock appeared to swallow a precious necklace.

The nine-lakh necklace was blamed on him as stolen, and his hands and feet were brutally broken.

His severe trial continued until he had to labor at an oil-presser’s house, turning the mill.

He humbly sang Raga Deepak; Shanidev was then pleased and restored happiness to him.

King Harishchandra lost his wife and even had to carry water in the house of a cremation-ground attendant.

King Nala likewise endured a harsh period, losing even the fish he had cooked when they leapt back into the water.

When Shani’s influence touched Shiva, the story led Parvati to undergo the ordeal associated with Sati.

A single angry glance sent the head of Gauri’s son flying into the sky.

The Pandavas also passed through his difficult period, while Draupadi was narrowly protected from public dishonor.

The Kauravas’ judgment was ruined as well, leading to the terrifying war of the Mahabharata.

Shani once placed the Sun in his mouth and leapt down toward the netherworld.

Shesha and the gods offered a humble appeal, after which the Sun was released from his mouth.

The hymn names seven vehicles associated with Shani: elephant, horse, donkey, deer, dog, jackal, and lion.

Traditional astrology interprets the result according to which of these vehicles appears.

Arrival on an elephant is associated with Lakshmi entering the home, while the horse signifies happiness and prosperity.

The donkey foretells harm to undertakings, whereas the lion signifies accomplishment and royal standing.

The jackal is linked with loss of judgment, and the deer with severe suffering or danger to life.

When the Lord arrives riding a dog, fear of theft and similar troubles is said to increase.

His four kinds of feet or phases are named gold, iron, silver, and copper.

When the iron phase arrives, wealth, loved ones, and property may face loss.

Copper and silver are described as favorable, while gold carries abundant happiness and auspiciousness.

One who daily sings this account of Shani is assured that a harsh planetary period will not continually torment him.

The wondrous Lord reveals his divine play and weakens the power of enemies.

The hymn advises inviting a capable learned priest to perform the traditional rite for Shani’s peace correctly.

Offering water to a peepal tree on Saturday and giving a lamp are described as practices that bring comfort.

Ram Sundar, the Lord’s servant, says that remembering Shani brings happiness and the light of understanding.