Shani (Saturn)
శని
Current Transit
Meena
Uttara Bhadrapada · 341.85°
Shani (Saturn) is the most feared yet most just of the Navagrahas — the karaka of karma, discipline, longevity, and the results of past actions. Though Shani's influence is often challenging, it is ultimately a teacher that builds character, resilience, and lasting achievement.
Planetary Associations
Day
Saturday
Dasha
19 years
Exalted
Tula (Libra)
Debilated
Mesha (Aries)
Metal
Iron, Lead
Gemstone
Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Deity
Shiva / Yama
Direction
West
Element
Air (Vayu)
Color
Dark Blue, Black, Indigo
Body Part
Bones, Teeth, Knees, Joints, Nervous System
Beej Mantra
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraaya Namah
Shani in Vedic Mythology
Shani is the son of Surya (Sun) and Chhaya (Shadow), and his very birth is shrouded in cosmic tension — Surya was blinded temporarily when his gaze met the infant Shani. He is depicted as dark blue or black, riding a crow or a black buffalo, carrying a sword, arrows, and two daggers. Despite the enmity between father and son, Shani is praised as the most impartial of all the grahas — rewarding good karma and exacting justice without exception. His 7.5-year transit (Sade Sati) across the Moon sign is one of the most discussed events in Vedic astrology.
Shani Keywords
Rashis Ruled by Shani
Shani — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sade Sati?
Sade Sati is a 7.5-year period when Shani transits through three consecutive rashis — the sign before your janma rashi, your janma rashi itself, and the sign after it (2.5 years each). It is associated with challenges, burdens, and life restructuring, but also deep growth, maturity, and karmic resolution.
Which rashis does Shani rule?
Shani rules Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius). It is exalted in Tula (Libra) and debilitated in Mesha (Aries). Shani in its own or exalted sign gives exceptional discipline, endurance, and the ability to build lasting structures over time.
How long is the Shani Mahadasha?
The Shani Mahadasha lasts 19 years. This period demands hard work, patience, and perseverance. While it can bring burdens and delays, those who work diligently and ethically during this period often achieve enduring success and lasting legacy.
What are the remedies for a malefic Shani?
Shani remedies include visiting Shani temples (especially on Saturdays), offering sesame oil (til ka tel) to a Shani idol, wearing a Blue Sapphire (only after careful consultation), donating black items (black sesame, iron, black cloth) on Saturdays, and practising service to the elderly and underprivileged.