Unique Attributes : Immense power, appeased
to ward off evil eye, Saturday is denoted for Lord Shani
Parents : Surya dev (sun) and Chhaya or Vikshubha
Vahan (vehicle) : Vulture or Crow
Other Names : Shanaiscarya, Asita, Saptarchi, Kruradris,
Kruralochana, Pangu, Mandu
Primary Scriptures : Shani Mahatmaya, Bhavishya Purana,
Bhramanda Purana, Skanda Purana
Mula Mantra : Om Sham Shanaiscaryaye Namah
Lord Shani the son of Surya Dev and Vikshubha or Chhaya is one of the
nine "Navagraha" (celestial gods) in Hindu belief. Lord Shani
occupies the seventh place among these nine planets which govern our
lives. After the birth of Lord Shani when he first opened his eyes, it
is believed that his father Surya went into an eclipse. Since then Lord
Shani is believed to be the god causing miseries in the life of a human
being. Hence Shani occupies the principal position among the pantheon of
Hindu deities in warding off evil and to get rid off obstacles. He is
the brother of Yama (deity of death) and is believed to be responsible
for punishing or rewarding one in the lifetime in accordance with their
'karma' (action).
Shani traditionally is depicted in Hindu mythology as extremely dark
wearing black clothes and mounted on a vulture or a raven. The trinity
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are the creator; preserver and destroyer of
the world but to execute these tasks several incarnations of Lord have
taken birth. Lord Shani in this sense is believed to be the incarnation
of Lord Vishnu like the other eight planets. Since Lord Shani is
designated the task of granting the fruits of one's action he is the
most feared amongst Hindu gods. The powerful lord is believed to have
the control of making a king into a pauper as well as changing the
fortunes of a sufferer.
Lord Shani is worshipped extensively across the length and breadth of
India. He is specially revered by people who face difficult times in
their lives and find solace in doing 'dan' (service by donating) on
Saturdays. Saturday is the day denoted to Lord Shani and it is believed
that those who have Shani as their swami should resort to wearing the
stone of Lord Shani - Sapphire. More than anything, it is felt by many
great men that the difficult times one faces when Lord Shani or Saturn
is in a particular position; it leaves you as a wiser and better human
being.
Shani Dev is a great devotee of Lord Shiva and hence those who wish to
appease him pray to Lord Shiva along with Lord Shani. Since Shani dev is
considered an avatar of Lord Sri Vishnu it is also said that to protect
oneself from the wrath of Shani, a visit to Lord Venkateshwara's shrine
in Tirupati is suggested. Shani dev has few shrines in India the most
important ones are in Maharashtra at Shingnapur, Shanidham at Mehrauli
Delhi, Shree Sahneeshwarar at Nerul Mumbai. In Vedic astrology it is
believed that if Saturn or Shani is placed in a favorable position for
you, no one can bestow more wealth and success than Lord Shani.