Why Shani Does Not Trouble Hanuman's Devotees

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This story illustrates the popular belief that worshiping Hanuman can alleviate the hardships caused by Shani Bhagavan (Saturn). It highlights how Hanuman’s intervention led to a promise from Shani to spare Hanuman’s devotees from his malefic influences.

Characters in the story:

Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.

Shani: Shani or Shanaishchara is the divine personification of the planet Saturn and is one of the nine heavenly objects (Navagraha) in Hindu astrology. He is the god of karma, justice, and retribution, and delivers results depending upon one’s thoughts, speech, and deeds.

Ravana: Ravana, a prominent character in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is widely recognized as the demon king of Lanka. Infamous for abducting Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, he faced his ultimate downfall at the hands of Lord Rama.

There is a popular belief that worshiping the Hindu god Hanuman can help alleviate the hardships caused by Shani, or Saturn. People often worship Hanuman on Saturdays to counteract the malefic influences of Shani in their horoscope. According to Hindu astrology, an unfavorable position of Shani can lead to difficult periods in life. There is an intriguing story explaining why worshiping Hanuman helps overcome Shani Dosha or Sade Sati.

Ravana, the demon king in the Ramayana, had defeated all the Devas (demigods) and brought all the grahas (planets in astrology) under his control, keeping them suppressed beneath his foot. Ravana was also a skilled astrologer. When his eldest son, Indrajit, was about to be born, Ravana forcefully kept all the planets in the most favorable astrological positions.

The Devas were worried that if Ravana’s son was born under these favorable conditions, he would be invincible. They implored the planets to move from these favorable positions, but the planets told them they were unable to escape from Ravana’s foot.

Shani agreed to help, provided he could cast his glance upon Ravana’s face. There is a popular belief that Shani Drishti, or Shani’s glance, is as deadly as his unfavorable position, causing great trouble.

The Devas sought the help of Saint Narada to achieve Shani Drishti. Saint Narada went to Ravana’s palace and saw Shani and the other planets under Ravana’s foot. He praised Ravana’s victory over the planets and suggested that Ravana should stamp on their chests, which would be a true symbol of victory, rather than their backs as he was doing.

Ravana agreed with Narada’s observation and immediately had the planets turned over. As Shani turned up, his glance fell on Ravana’s face, triggering Ravana’s hardships.

In retaliation, Ravana imprisoned Shani in a tiny cell with no openings, so that no one could ever see Shani’s face again.

Years later, when Hanuman arrived in Lanka, Ravana’s kingdom, as a messenger from Rama to Mata Sita, he heard Shani’s cries from the dark prison. Hanuman broke open the prison and rescued Shani.

Shani expressed his gratitude to Hanuman but warned that since Hanuman had seen his face, he would now have to endure the hardships of Sade Sati or Shani Dosha. Hanuman inquired about the nature of these sufferings. Shani explained that his influence would cause Hanuman to leave his home, wife, and sons, and wander in suffering.

Hanuman responded that Shani could come upon his head, as he had no family and his abode was at the feet of Rama. Shani then took refuge on Hanuman’s head (in some versions Hanuman tied Shani to his tail). Hanuman began to fight the demons in Lanka, using his head to crush heavy boulders, trees, and rocks, causing Shani great pain in the process.

Finally, Shani fled from Hanuman’s head, acknowledging that Hanuman was the only being unaffected by his inauspicious influence. Grateful for his rescue, Shani offered Hanuman a boon.

Hanuman requested that Shani not trouble or cast his evil eye on his devotees. Shani agreed and promised not to cause hardships to Hanuman’s devotees. Since that day, people have worshipped Hanuman to escape from Shani’s malefic influences.

Thus, worshiping Hanuman not only helps overcome the malefic effects of Shani but also brings protection and relief to his devotees. This enduring belief continues to inspire faith and devotion among millions.

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