Shani (Sanskrit: शनि, IAST: Śani), also known as Shanaishchara (Sanskrit: शनैश्चर, IAST: Śanaiścara), is the divine personification of the planet Saturn in Hinduism. He is counted among the Navagraha, the nine heavenly objects recognised in Hindu astrology, and is venerated as a male deity in the Puranas.
In iconography, Shani is typically depicted with a dark complexion, carrying a sword or a danda (sceptre), and seated on a buffalo, and sometimes on a crow. These attributes reflect his stern character and his role as a dispenser of consequences in accordance with one's actions.
Within Hindu tradition, Shani is regarded as the god of karma, justice, time and retribution. He is believed to deliver results based on a person's thoughts, speech and deeds. He is also considered the controller of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership, authority, humility, integrity, and the wisdom that arises from experience. In addition, he signifies spiritual asceticism, penance, discipline and conscientious work.
Shani is associated with two consorts in the tradition: Neela, the personification of the gemstone sapphire, and Manda, described as a gandharva princess.
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Shani.