|| Shani Peedahara Stotram ||
The Shani Peedahara Stotram, found in the Brahmanda Purana, is a potent spiritual remedy composed by the legendary King Dasharatha. According to the Puranas, when Lord Shani was about to enter the constellation of Rohini (an event known as Rohini Shakata Bhedam), it threatened to cause a 12-year drought. King Dasharatha courageously confronted the planet, and his profound devotion led to the creation of this hymn.
Lord Shani, pleased by the King's bravery and sincerity, granted a boon that whoever recites this stotra will be protected from the severe distress (Peeda) usually associated with Saturn's difficult transits.
Viniyoga (Ritual Preparation)
Asya shrii-shanaishchara-stotrasya | Dasharatha rishih |
Shanaishcharo devataa | Trishtup chhandah ||
Shanaishchara-priityartha jape viniyogah |
Context: For this Shanaishchara Stotra, King Dasharatha is the seer, Trishtup is the meter, and Lord Shanaishchara is the deity. It is recited to earn the favor of Lord Saturn.
The Sacred Verses (English Transliteration & Meaning)
Kononthako raudrayamo-atha babhruh krishnah shanih pingalamandasaurih |
Nityam smrito yo harate cha piidaam tasmai namah shrii-ravinandanaaya || 1 ||
Meaning: Salutations to the son of the Sun (Ravinandana), who—when remembered by His names like Kona, Antaka, Raudra, Yama, Babhru, Krishna, Shani, Pingala, and Manda—destroys all forms of suffering.
Suraasuraah kimpurushoragendraa gandharva-vidyaadhara-pannagaashcha |
Piidiyanti sarve vishamasthitena tasmai namah shrii-ravinandanaaya || 2 ||
Naraa narendraah pashavo mrigendraa vanyaashcha ye kiitapatanga-bhringaa |
Piidiyanti sarve vishamasthitena tasmai namah shrii-ravinandanaaya || 3 ||
Meaning: Gods, demons, celestial beings, humans, kings, and even animals and insects are all affected when Saturn is placed in an unfavorable position. I bow to that powerful son of the Sun who governs this cosmic justice.
Tilair-yavair-maashagudaanna-daanair-lohena niilaambara-daanato vaa |
Priinaati mantrai-rnijavaasare cha tasmai namah shrii-ravinandanaaya || 5 ||
Remedy Insight: He is pleased by those who, on His day (Saturday), offer Sesame seeds (Tila), Barley (Yava), Black Gram (Masha), Jaggery, Iron, or Blue clothes, and chant His sacred mantras.
Phalashruti: The Divine Boon
Shanyashtakam yah prayatah prabhaate nityam suputraih pashubaandhavaishcha |
Pathettu saukhyam bhuvi bhogayuktah praapnoti nirvaanapadam tadante || 9 ||
The Result: One who recites these eight verses dedicated to Shani every morning will be blessed with good children, wealth, and worldly comforts. Ultimately, they shall attain Nirvana (Liberation) after a fulfilled life.
Expert Guidelines for Chanting:
- Consistency: Chanting this daily is excellent, but specifically reciting it on Saturdays provides deep relief from Saturn's transit effects.
- Purity: Maintain cleanliness and light a lamp with Sesame oil before beginning the recitation.
- Ten Names: Verses 10 and 11 highlight ten specific names of Shani. Reciting just these names upon waking up can shield you from the day's obstacles.