Shani Dev's Ten Sacred Names

koṇasthaḥ piṅgalo babhruḥ kṛṣṇarodāntako yamaḥ |
sauriḥ śanaiścaraḥ mandaḥ pippalādena saṃstutaḥ |
etāni daśa nāmāni prātarutthāya yaḥ paṭhet |
śanaiścarakṛtāpīḍā na kadācit bhaviṣyati ||

He who chants the ten names of Shani Dev—Koṇastha, Piṅgala, Babhru, Krishna, Rodantaka, Yama, Sauri, Śanaiścara, Manda, and the one praised by Sage Pippalāda—every morning will never suffer from the afflictions caused by Shani.

🕉️ Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• कोणस्थः (Koṇasthaḥ): Refers to Shani Dev positioned in a fixed direction, symbolizing stability.

• पिंगलः (Piṅgalaḥ): Denotes his reddish-brown complexion.

• बभ्रुः (Babhruḥ): Indicates his tawny or golden hue, reflecting his fiery and transformative energy.

• कृष्णः (Krishnaḥ): Symbolizes his dark complexion, representing depth and seriousness.

• रोदन्तकः (Rodantakaḥ): One who ends misery or suffering.

• यमः (Yamaḥ): The one who upholds dharma and dispenses justice, akin to the god of death.

• सौरिः (Sauriḥ): Denotes his lineage as the son of Surya (the Sun).

• शनैश्चरः (Śanaiścaraḥ): The slow-moving one, referring to his gradual transit through the zodiac.

• मंदः (Mandaḥ): The gentle or mild one, highlighting his deliberate and profound influence.

• पिप्पलादेन संस्तुतः (Pippalādena Saṃstutaḥ): The one praised by Sage Pippalāda, who composed prayers to appease Shani Dev.

The shlok praises Shani Dev’s attributes and assures that those who recite his ten sacred names early in the morning will remain free from the afflictions caused by his planetary influence, such as challenges during Sade Sati or Shani Dasha. The names encapsulate Shani's role as a teacher, disciplinarian, and guardian of karma.

⌚ When to chant this shlok?

• Morning Ritual: As suggested in the shlok, recite these names right after waking up to set a protective and positive tone for the day.

• On Saturdays: Offer prayers to Lord Shani while chanting this shlok to strengthen its impact.

• During Sade Sati or Shani Dasha periods in your astrological chart for protection and guidance.

🧩 Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

Daily Devotion: Start your day with this shlok, offering prayers to Lord Shani.

Saturday Worship: Light a lamp with sesame oil, offer black sesame seeds, and chant this shlok.

Meditative Practice: Repeat the names while meditating on patience, discipline, and justice.

🙏 Benefits of daily chanting

• Protects against the malefic effects of Shani's planetary influence.

• Strengthens patience, discipline, and resilience during tough times.

• Brings clarity in decision-making and alignment with dharma.

• Reduces mental stress caused by fears of astrological afflictions.

💡 Good to know…

This shlok comes from the ancient sage Pippalada, who is also known for authoring the Prashna Upanishad. The shlok presents Saturn's ten different names, each highlighting a distinct characteristic - from Konastha (one who resides in corners) to Manda (the slow-moving one). What's noteworthy is that these names aren't just poetic descriptions but are rooted in both astronomical observations (Saturn's slow movement) and mythological significance (its position as the outermost visible planet in ancient times).

💭 Take a moment to reflect…

How can you approach your challenges with patience and discipline, trusting that every difficulty is a step toward spiritual growth?

Hari om!

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