Hindu God Shani Bhagwan (Shani Dev)

Shani Bhagwan (also known as Sani, Shani Dev, Sani Maharaj, and Chayyaputra) is one of the most popular deities in the traditional religion of Hinduism. Shani is the harbinger of bad luck and retribution, and practicing Hindus pray to Shani to ward off evil and remove personal obstacles. The name Shani comes from the root Sanaischara, meaning slow mover (in Sanskrit, "Shani" means "the planet Saturn" and "chara" means "movement"); and Shanivara is the Hindu name for Saturday, which is dedicated to Shani Baghwan.

Key Facts: Hindu God Shani Bhagwan (Shani Dev)

• Known for: Hindu god of justice, and one of the most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon
• Also Known As: Sani, Shani Dev, Sani Maharaj, Saura, Kruradris, Kruralochana, Mandu, Pangu, Septarchi, Asita, and Chayyaputra
• Parents: Surya (the sun god) and his servant and surrogate wife Chaya ("Shadow")
• Key Powers: Ward off evil, remove personal obstacles, a harbinger of bad luck and retribution, deliver justice for evil or good karmic debt