KarmaVaani
Smarta tradition
शनिShani
Shanaishchara · Sauri · Manda
The planet Saturn as a god: slow, stern, and the giver of the results of action.
- Abode
- Shani Shingnapur; the sky
- Consort
- Manda and Neela
- Vahana
- Crow
- Colour
- Black or deep blue
- Arms
- 4
Shani is Saturn, the slowest of the navagrahas, the son of Surya and Chhaya. He is feared because his periods, such as the seven-and-a-half year sade sati, bring delays and hardship, but he is a just god who gives each person the results of their own deeds. He is worshipped on Saturdays with sesame oil and black sesame.
Mantra
ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः
Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namaha
Salutations to Shanaishchara, the slow-moving one.
How Shani is shown
A dark figure seated on a crow or a chariot, holding a bow and a sword, eyes lowered.
- Crow
- His messenger; crows are fed in his name.
- Lowered gaze
- His direct look is said to bring misfortune, so he looks down.
- Iron and black sesame
- His metal and his offering.
Stories
Even Hanuman
Shani once tried to ride on Hanuman's shoulders to begin a period of trouble for him. Hanuman grew so large that Shani was crushed against the roof, and he promised never to trouble Hanuman's devotees. That is why both are worshipped on Saturdays.
