The planet Saturn is known as Shani in Vedic Astrology. Shani is one of the navagrahas or 9 planets. Saturn is said to teach one to be more responsible and disciplined. Saturn makes a full round of the zodiacal sign once in 30 years. During the transit when Saturn moves from one sign to the next after every 2-1/2 years. This movement brings about major effects in the life of individual. Every person has to go through at least some phases in life under the influence of Saturn. If the phase is thoughtfully taken as a learning period, it gives ample of life long advantage. It can be for Good or bad depending on the phase of life a person is in. A well placed Saturn gives patience, keen observation and ability to work hard. A bad Saturn, on the other hand, makes a person depressed, an escapist, lazy, quarrelsome, sorrowful, irresponsible creature, with tendencies towards drug abuse, and alcohol. Saturn rules bones, teeth, knees and Ears. All long and lingering diseases like gout, rheumatism, cancer and leprosy come under his portfolio. Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius signs. He is the star lord of pushya, Anuradha and Uttara Bhadra pada stars in Vedic astrology. Saturn is at its peak in Libra and debilitated in Aries. Mercury, Venus, Rahu and Ketu are his friendly signs. Sun, Moon and Mars are considered to be his enemies. Jupiter has a neutral relationship to Saturn. Saturday is the day of Shani and blue and black are his favorite colors. Neelam or Blue Sapphire is the Gemstone representing Planet Saturn.

As a God, Saturn is black in color, short in stature and lame because of injured legs. Shani is the son of Surya and Chhaya, the Shadow Goddess. Manu and Yama are his brothers. Shani's vehicle is a vulture. Shani is the ruler of our destinies and keeps an eye on our deeds and depending on our Karmas we will be rewarded or punished by Shani.

Remedies to please Shani

• Observe fasts on 51 Saturdays and take Khicdi made of rice and black urad daal after the sunset.
• Wearing Blue Sapphire Gemstone
• Wearing 14 Mukhi Rudraksha or 7 Mukhi Rudraksha or a Saturn Mala comprising of 36 seven mukhi beads and one 14 mukhi rudraksha bead.
• Worship Lord Hanuman by chanting his mantras on Saturday and light ghee lamp in front of the idol.
• Donate Sesame seeds, urad daal, iron, oil, black apparel, shoes or blue sapphire.
• Wear Shani Yantra Pendant
• Wear Shani ring (Available at Shani Shinganapur)
• Praying to Lord Shiva and chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
• Chant Shani Beej Mantra 23000 times starting Saturday evening.

"Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaiyshcharaaya Namah"

"Om Sham Shanaiyshcharaaya Namah"

"Om Hlim Sham Shanaye Namah"

"Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah Aum"

Navagraha Shani Mantra

"Neelanjansamaabhaasam Raviputram Yamaagrajam;

Chhaaya maartandsambhootam

Tam Namaamee Shanaiyshcharam".

Meaning : I bow to Shani who is as black as a black collyirum, who is the son of Surya born through Chaya , whose brother is Yama and who moves slowly.

Shani Gayatri Mantra

"Om Sanaischaraya vidhmahe

Sooryaputraya dhimahi

Tanno manda prachodayat"