(Brahmavaivarta Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Puranas, etc)
As per Vedic Astrology, every planet is associated with a deity. Thus, Saturn is associated with Lord Shanidev. It is believed that Lord Shani’s gaze brings bad luck to anyone whoever it may be! No one can be exempted from bad luck if Shani Dristi falls on them! Having this dreadful concept, Lord Shanidev is also considered one of the wisest Graha. He is clothed in black and mounted on a crow or raven to move around holding a sword, arrow, and two daggers. He is the symbol of justice and righteousness! When he was in his mother- Chhaya’s womb, his mother was engrossed in the hard penance of God Shiva without caring for food or water! She prayed so intensely that the prayers influenced the child in her womb! That is why Shani inherited the great powers of his mother's penance from birth and became a great devotee of Lord Mahadev!
Lord Shanidev is one of the most powerful Graha (one of the 9 celestial beings as per Hindu astrology). People consider him a bearer of bad luck and troublesome graha who causes all misfortune and misery. But contrary to this belief, Shani is more easily pleased than any other graha. The only fact is that he is considered a foe because of his strict nature. Shani is the most wisest planet out of all. He is the god of justice and karma. It is also believed that Shanidev is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He rewards a person according to his good or bad deeds. He punishes those who are engaged in wrongdoings and punishes them severely.
There are some interesting stories about Shani Dev in different Puranas. I will just elucidate a few of them!
Lord Shanidev, Hanuman ji, and Ravana——-
There is a beautiful story about the close association of Lord Shanidev and Lord Hanuman Ji. In Ramayana when the demon king Ravana came to know about his would-be son Meghanada, he captured all the nine planets and kept them in the eleventh house so that they would have no bad effect upon his son. He wished Meghanada to be invincible and immortal. Knowing his intentions, the gods were frightened and approached Shani Dev for help. As he tried to help the gods by stretching himself to the twelfth house of the horoscope, Ravana could understand his intention and kept him in a cell where nobody could see him. He tried his best to free himself and cried for help but every attempt was futile!
When Hanuman was searching for Sita Mata in Lanka, he suddenly heard the crying voice of Shanidev and saw him in a cell. Hanuman felt pity for him and released him from the cell. Thus, Lord Shani was very pleased with Hanuman and asked him for a boon. Hanuman was delighted and said, ‘O Shanidev! If you are pleased with me, grant me a boon that your Dristi would not affect me or my devotees!’ Shanidev said, ‘So it be. My Dristi will never affect a true devotee of Hanuman!’ Thenceforth, anyone who worships Hanuman ji on Saturday, is free from difficulties ( Shani Dasha). Every Saturday a huge line is noticed in Hanuman temple. People worship Lord Hanuman to get rid of difficulties.
Shanidev and oil bath——
There are different stories about oil oblation to Shanidev in different Puranas. This is one of them. It was believed that— Once Hanuman ji was deeply involved in worshiping Lord Rama. At that very time, Shanidev was passing through that way. He wished to break his meditation. But Hanuman was not affected by his mischievous act. He tied Shanidev with his tail continuing his worship as before. He was so engrossed in his prayer that he forgot about Shanidev. Having tied for a long time Shanidev got severe pain. After finishing the prayer Hanuman ji saw the pain-stricken Shanidev. He was always very compassionate to others. He felt pity for him and released Shanidev from his tail. Being freed Shanidev requested Hanuman ji to put some mustard oil on his body for relief. Ever since then mustard oil and black til is offered to Lord Shanidev.
Lord Shanidev and his father, Surya Devata——
Shanidev Dev was the son of Lord Surya and Chaya, the goddess of shade. His mother Chaya was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. She was engrossed in penance and worshiped Lord Shiva so intensely in the blazing sun that Shani in her womb became dark in complexion! When God Shani was born, Surya Dev was surprised to see his dark complexion. As he began to insult his mother, he looked at Lord Surya, his father with a cruel gaze. Because of that Lord Surya was burnt black and his chariot stopped moving. Out of worry, Sun prayed to God Shiva to solve his problem. After a while, God Shiva appeared before him and explained everything. Lord Surya realized his mistake and apologized. Thus, he regained his lost radiance and the power of the horses of his chariot. Thereafter a good relationship of father and son redeveloped between the two. Just imagine how powerful Shani Dristi is!
Shanidev and Sade Sati—-
Once, Shanidev’s wife was desirous of his company. But he didn't pay any attention to her. She was disappointed with his behavior. Out of anger, she cursed him that everyone would be affected by him for seven and a half years, which is known as Sade—Sati!
Sage Pippalad cursed Shanidev, there would be no effect of Shani Dristi on children below sixteen years!
There are still more stories on Lord Shanidev. However, we must learn life lessons from Lord Shanidev. Most importantly, he gives Justice and rewards for bad or good Karma! He is our true friend, not a foe!
Shanidev delivers wisdom, knowledge, and virtues like- hard work, sincerity, and truthfulness.
We should pray Shanidev to lead us to a better life! The tale of Shanidev is just not a story but it leads us to a spiritual and ethical life!
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