|| Shani Stava Rajam ||
The Shani Stava Rajam, found in the Bhavishya Purana, is hailed as the supreme hymn for Lord Shani. According to Vedic tradition, the great Sage Narada describes how King Yudhishthira (the eldest of the Pandavas) attained peace and regained his kingdom by reciting these sacred names. It is called the "King" (Rajam) because it encompasses the full spectrum of Saturn's energy—from the stern judge to the compassionate protector.
The Sacred Hymn (Transliteration)
Shrii Ganeshaaya Namah || Naarada Uvaacha ||
Dhyaatvaa ganapatim raajaa dharmaraajo yudhishthirah |
Dhiirah shanaishcharasy-emam chakaara stavam-uttamama || 1 ||
The Protective Shield (Kavacham Section):
Shiro me bhaaskarih paatu bhaalam chhaayaasuto-vatu |
Kotaraaksho drishau paatu shikhikanthanibhah shrutii || 2 ||
Ghraanam me bhiishanah paatu mukham balimukho-vatu |
Skandhau samvartakah paatu bhujau me bhayado-vatu || 3 ||
Saurirme hridayam paatu naabhim shanaishcharo-vatu |
Graharaajah katim paatu sarvato ravinandanah || 4 ||
Paadau mandagatih paatu krishnah paatv-akhilam vapuh |
Rakshaam-etaam pathen-nityam saurer-naama-balair-yutaam || 5 ||
The 108 Names & Attributes:
Sukhii putrii chiraayushcha sa bhaven-naatra samshayah |
Saurih shanaishcharah krishno niilotpala-nibhah shanih || 6 ||
Shushka-daro vishaalaaksho dur-niriikshyo vibhiishanah |
Shikhikantha-nibho niilash-chhaayaa-hridaya-nandanah || 7 ||
(The hymn continues with descriptions of his fierce form, his slow gait, and his role as the Lord of Time...)
Phalashruti: The Benefits of Recitation
The Shani Stava Rajam is unique because it promises relief not just from Saturn, but from the afflictions of all other planets as well. The key benefits include:
- Planetary Peace: It nullifies the severe distress (Peeda) caused by Sade Sati, Ashtama Shani, or Saturn in debilitation.
- Longevity & Health: Grants long life (Chiraayu), removes deep-seated diseases, and dispels the fear of untimely death.
- Wealth & Success: As the "Rajya-dayaka" (giver of kingdoms), Shani bestows professional stability, wealth, and status.
- Protection from Bondage: The stotra mentions that even those in literal or metaphorical "bondage" (debts, legal issues, mental blocks) find liberation through this prayer.
- Family Growth: Bestows the blessing of children (Putri) and overall family harmony.