Shri Shanaishchara Sahasranamavali: 1000 Names of Shani, Meaning & Benefits
Shri Shanaishchara Sahasranamavali - Sanskrit Text (Excerpt)
The complete Shanaishchara (Shani) Sahasranamavali consists of 1,010 names of Lord Shani arranged alphabetically and each preceded by "Om" and followed by "namah." Because of its great length, the verified opening 108 names and the closing names are reproduced below; the namavali is chanted in full from a printed text or recited by a priest during Shani worship.
॥ श्रीशनैश्चरसहस्रनामावळिः ॥
ॐ अमिताभाषिणे नमः ।
ॐ अघहराय नमः ।
ॐ अशेषदुरितापहाय नमः ।
ॐ अघोररूपाय नमः ।
ॐ अतिदीर्घकायाय नमः ।
ॐ अशेषभयानकाय नमः ।
ॐ अनन्ताय नमः ।
ॐ अन्नदात्रे नमः ।
ॐ अश्वत्थमूलजपप्रियाय नमः ।
ॐ अतिसम्पत्प्रदाय नमः ॥ १० ॥
ॐ अमोघाय नमः ।
ॐ अन्यस्तुत्याप्रकोपिताय नमः ।
ॐ अपराजिताय नमः ।
ॐ अद्वितीयाय नमः ।
ॐ अतितेजसे नमः ।
ॐ अभयप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ अष्टमस्थाय नमः ।
ॐ अञ्जननिभाय नमः ।
ॐ अखिलात्मने नमः ।
ॐ अर्कनन्दनाय नमः ॥ २० ॥
ॐ अतिदारुणाय नमः ।
ॐ अक्षोभ्याय नमः ।
ॐ अप्सरोभिः प्रपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ अभीष्टफलदाय नमः ।
ॐ अरिष्टमथनाय नमः ।
ॐ अमरपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ अनुग्राह्याय नमः ।
ॐ अप्रमेयपराक्रमविभीषणाय नमः ।
ॐ असाध्ययोगाय नमः ।
ॐ अखिलदोषघ्नाय नमः ॥ ३० ॥
ॐ अपराकृताय नमः ।
ॐ अप्रमेयाय नमः ।
ॐ अतिसुखदाय नमः ।
ॐ अमराधिपपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ अवलोकात्सर्वनाशाय नमः ।
ॐ अश्वत्थामद्विरायुधाय नमः ।
ॐ अपराधसहिष्णवे नमः ।
ॐ अश्वत्थामसुपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ अनन्तपुण्यफलदाय नमः ।
ॐ अतृप्ताय नमः ॥ ४० ॥
ॐ अतिबलाय नमः ।
ॐ अवलोकात्सर्ववन्द्याय नमः ।
ॐ अक्षीणकरुणानिधये नमः ।
ॐ अविद्यामूलनाशाय नमः ।
ॐ अक्षय्यफलदायकाय नमः ।
ॐ आनन्दपरिपूर्णाय नमः ।
ॐ आयुष्कारकाय नमः ।
ॐ आश्रितेष्टार्थवरदाय नमः ।
ॐ आधिव्याधिहराय नमः ।
ॐ आनन्दमयाय नमः ॥ ५० ॥
ॐ आनन्दकराय नमः ।
ॐ आयुधधारकाय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मचक्राधिकारिणे नमः ।
ॐ आत्मस्तुत्यपरायणाय नमः ।
ॐ आयुष्कराय नमः ।
ॐ आनुपूर्व्याय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मायत्तजगत्त्रयाय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मनामजपप्रीताय नमः ।
ॐ आत्माधिकफलप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ आदित्यसंभवाय नमः ॥ ६० ॥
ॐ आर्तिभञ्जनाय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मरक्षकाय नमः ।
ॐ आपद्बान्धवाय नमः ।
ॐ आनन्दरूपाय नमः ।
ॐ आयुःप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ आकर्णपूर्णचापाय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मोद्दिष्टद्विजप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ आनुकूल्याय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मरूपप्रतिमादानसुप्रियाय नमः ।
ॐ आत्मारामाय नमः ॥ ७० ॥
ॐ आदिदेवाय नमः ।
ॐ आपन्नार्तिविनाशनाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्दिरार्चितपादाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्द्रभोगफलप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्द्रदेवस्वरूपाय नमः ।
ॐ इष्टेष्टवरदायकाय नमः ।
ॐ इष्टापूर्तिप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्दुमतीष्टवरदायकाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्दिरारमणप्रीताय नमः ।
ॐ इन्द्रवंशनृपार्चिताय नमः ॥ ८० ॥
ॐ इहामुत्रेष्टफलदाय नमः ।
ॐ इन्दिरारमणार्चिताय नमः ।
ॐ ईद्रियाय नमः ।
ॐ ईश्वरप्रीताय नमः ।
ॐ ईषणात्रयवर्जिताय नमः ।
ॐ उमास्वरूपाय नमः ।
ॐ उद्बोध्याय नमः ।
ॐ उशनाय नमः ।
ॐ उत्सवप्रियाय नमः ।
ॐ उमादेव्यर्चनप्रीताय नमः ॥ ९० ॥
ॐ उच्चस्थोच्चफलप्रदाय नमः ।
ॐ उरुप्रकाशाय नमः ।
ॐ उच्चस्थयोगदाय नमः ।
ॐ उरुपराक्रमाय नमः ।
ॐ ऊर्ध्वलोकादिसञ्चारिणे नमः ।
ॐ ऊर्ध्वलोकादिनायकाय नमः ।
ॐ ऊर्जस्विने नमः ।
ॐ ऊनपादाय नमः ।
ॐ ऋकाराक्षरपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ ऋषिप्रोक्तपुराणज्ञाय नमः ॥ १०० ॥
ॐ ऋषिभिः परिपूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ ऋग्वेदवन्द्याय नमः ।
ॐ ऋग्रूपिणे नमः ।
ॐ ऋजुमार्गप्रवर्तकाय नमः ।
ॐ लुळितोद्धारकाय नमः ।
ॐ लूतभवपाशप्रभञ्जनाय नमः ।
ॐ लूकाररूपकाय नमः ।
ॐ लब्धधर्ममार्गप्रवर्तकाय नमः ॥
… (the namavali continues through names 109 to 999, garlanding Lord Shani with epithets across every letter of the Sanskrit alphabet) …
ॐ हनूमदर्चितपदाय नमः ।
ॐ हलधृत्पूजिताय नमः ।
ॐ क्षेमदाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षेमकृते नमः ॥ १००० ॥
ॐ क्षेम्याय नमः ।
ॐ क्षेत्रज्ञाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षामवर्जिताय नमः ।
ॐ क्षुद्रघ्नाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षान्तिदाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षेमाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षितिभूषाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षमाश्रयाय नमः ।
ॐ क्षमाधराय नमः ।
ॐ क्षयद्वाराय नमः ॥ १०१० ॥
॥ इति श्रीशनैश्चरसहस्रनामावळिः सम्पूर्णा ॥
Transliteration (Roman/IAST)
The namavali is recited as a continuous string of salutations, each in the pattern "oṃ <name in dative case> namaḥ." A few representative names from the opening:
oṃ amitābhāṣiṇe namaḥ | oṃ aghaharāya namaḥ | oṃ aśeṣaduritāpahāya namaḥ | oṃ aghorarūpāya namaḥ | oṃ atidīrghakāyāya namaḥ | oṃ aśeṣabhayānakāya namaḥ | oṃ anantāya namaḥ | oṃ annadātre namaḥ | oṃ aśvatthamūlajapapriyāya namaḥ | oṃ atisampatpradāya namaḥ || (10) …
oṃ arkanandanāya namaḥ (the son of the Sun-god) … oṃ aṣṭamasthāya namaḥ (he who abides in the eighth house) … oṃ kṣayadvārāya namaḥ || (1010)
Meaning
A sahasranamavali is a "garland of a thousand names." Each name is a compact meditation on one quality of Lord Shani (Saturn). The opening names already reveal his dual nature: "Amitabhashin" (of measureless speech), "Aghahara" (remover of sin), "Asheshaduritapaha" (destroyer of all evils), "Aghorarupa" (of fearsome form), "Ashesha-bhayanaka" (terrible to all) - yet also "Annadatri" (giver of food), "Atisampatprada" (bestower of great wealth), "Abhayaprada" (giver of fearlessness) and "Apad-bandhava" (friend in calamity). Distinctly astrological names appear throughout - "Arkanandana" (son of Surya), "Ashtamastha" (dweller of the eighth house), "Uchchastha-uchchaphalaprada" (who in exaltation bestows lofty results) - confirming that this is the planetary deity Saturn himself. The thousand names together portray Shani as the stern but just lord of karma who punishes wrongdoing, rewards discipline and patience, and ultimately liberates the devotee who surrenders to him.
About this Stotra
The Shanaishchara Sahasranamavali is a thousand-name litany dedicated to Shani, the slow-moving planet Saturn, regarded in the Puranas as the son of Surya (the Sun) and Chhaya. It belongs to the family of sahasranama texts in which a deity is worshipped through a thousand epithets, used here as a namavali - a form designed for archana, where the devotee offers a flower or akshata at the utterance of each name. Among the navagraha (nine planets), Shani is the most feared, presiding over karma, longevity, labour, discipline and the consequences of one's deeds. This namavali is one of the principal liturgical texts recited to propitiate him, especially during the seven-and-a-half-year transit known as Sade Sati and the smaller Dhaiya.
Significance & Spiritual Benefits
Reciting or hearing the thousand names of Shani is held to soften the harsh effects of an afflicted Saturn and to convert his testing energy into discipline, endurance and eventual reward. Because so many of the names emphasise protection - "Abhayaprada," "Aristhamathana" (destroyer of misfortune), "Apannarti-vinashana" (ender of the suffering of the distressed) - the namavali is chanted for relief from chronic troubles, delays, ill-health, debt and obstacles that are traditionally attributed to Saturn. On a spiritual level it cultivates the very virtues Shani embodies: humility, patience, steadiness, truthfulness and detachment, turning the planet from a feared adversary into a stern teacher who burns away karmic debt.
Astrological Relevance
Shani is the karaka (significator) of longevity, discipline, hard work, sorrow, servants, the masses, iron, oil and old age, and he governs Capricorn and Aquarius. He is exalted in Libra and debilitated in Aries. This namavali is the classic remedial recitation for those undergoing Sade Sati (Saturn's transit over the natal Moon and the signs flanking it), the Dhaiya (the four-and-eighth-house transit), a Saturn mahadasha or antardasha, or a natally afflicted, retrograde or ill-placed Saturn. It is recited together with the offering of sesame oil, black sesame, black cloth and iron, and the feeding of the poor and crows, all of which are traditional Saturn remedies. Devotees also pair it with the Shani Beej mantra and the Dashratha-krita Shani Stotra.
How to Chant (Vidhi)
Bathe and sit facing west, ideally before an image of Shani or under a Peepal (Ashwattha) tree, on a black or dark-blue seat. Light a sesame-oil lamp with a black wick and offer black sesame, blue flowers (such as the Shami or aparajita), and mustard oil. Recite the namavali with concentration, offering a flower or black sesame at each name when performing formal archana; otherwise it may be recited or listened to continuously. Maintain a sattvic, truthful conduct during the period of worship. Conclude by lighting the lamp before Shani, bowing, and praying for patience and relief. Feeding crows, dogs and the poor afterwards greatly enhances the remedy.
Best Day & Time
Saturday is the day of Shani and is the most auspicious for this recitation, especially during the evening (Shani's hora) or at dusk when the sesame-oil lamp is lit. Amavasya (new moon) falling on a Saturday (Shani Amavasya) and the period of Sade Sati are considered particularly powerful. Many devotees also begin the practice during Shani Jayanti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the full text shown only in part here?
The Shani Sahasranamavali contains 1,010 names and is extremely long. To keep this page readable we reproduce the verified opening 108 names and the closing names; the litany should be chanted in full from a complete printed text or under the guidance of a priest during formal Shani archana.
Who should recite the Shani Sahasranamavali?
It is especially recommended for those passing through Sade Sati, Dhaiya, or a Saturn dasha, and for anyone facing persistent obstacles, delays, ill-health or hardship that astrology associates with an afflicted Saturn. With sincere conduct it benefits all devotees by cultivating patience and discipline.
Is Shani a malefic to be feared?
Shani is stern but supremely just; he is the lord of karma who returns the fruit of our own deeds. The very names of this namavali describe him as "giver of fearlessness," "friend in calamity" and "remover of all evils." Worshipped with humility and truthful living, he becomes a protector and teacher rather than a tormentor.
Shani's thousand names as a path from fear to understanding
Of all the Navagrahas, Shani - Saturn - is the most misunderstood and the most feared, yet in the bhakti and Jyotish traditions he is also among the most just. The Shanaishchara Sahasranamavali reflects this full picture: its thousand epithets paint Saturn not merely as a source of hardship but as the graha of karma, discipline, endurance, truth, and ultimately liberation. To move through these names attentively is to shift one's relationship to difficulty itself - from a sense of punishment to an understanding of refinement. Many devotees report that sustained engagement with the namavali during challenging Saturn periods gradually replaces dread with a kind of resolute equanimity.
In the Jyotish tradition, the Shanaishchara Sahasranamavali is the recommended text during Sade Sati (the seven-and-a-half-year transit of Saturn over the natal Moon), during Dhaiya, and throughout a Saturn mahadasha or antardasha. It is traditionally recited on Saturdays, ideally in the evening, with a lamp lit before Shani's image. Devotees believe that offering this recitation with patience and without bargaining - accepting whatever Saturn's lessons bring - is itself the correct attitude that Saturn rewards: in the Jyotish understanding, Shani blesses those who approach him with humility and sustained effort rather than those who seek merely to appease him in a moment of panic.