Saturn Pooja

Saturn Pooja

Saturn is often called the god of karma or justice according to Vedic astrology. It is associated with justice, career, achievements in life, virtues, and values. Saturn or Shani is one of the ominous planetary bodies in Vedic astrology. Saturn is the ruling planet of Aquarius and Capricorn. Saturn is generally considered malefic. The famous Saturn’s transit, Sade sati, or Saturn’s 71/2 year transit is famous among Vedic astrologers. Saturn is the ruler of the right ear, spleen, and bladder. Saturn balances good and bad, win and loss. 

Significance of Saturn

Saturn is a hard taskmaster. It is called the God of Justice. It instructs us to work hard, and be disciplined. People who are generally lazy, and avoid hard work are disciplined in a hard way during Sani’s transit. If we want success, then discipline and hard work should be the virtue. Saturn or Shani moves slowly and hence it is called Mandan. It takes about 21/2 years to cross a zodiac sign. Saturn is a huge planet and it is far away from Earth. Due to its huge stature, it moves slowly. It is also a cold and dry planet as it is far away from the Sun. He is the son of Lord Surya and Chaya. He is the planet of old age. If he is placed in the benefit of the native’s house, then he will bestow the person with all good things and prosperity. If he is placed in an adverse position, then he will suffer misery and pain. Saturn gets the strength in the 7th house. 

Saturn is a teacher and a strict one. He will teach a person lessons in a hard way. He checks the tenacity and reliability of a person. As he is the god of justice, apart from teaching he punishes the person who goes against the path of justice and purity. Saturn rules over bones. Due to the malefic effects of Saturn, one might be suffering from bone ailments throughout life. Number 8 is related to Saturn. Saturn and Karma go hand in hand. 

Saturn is called Shani which is derived from the Sanskrit word “Sanischara” which means “slow mover”. From Shani, we get the word “ Shun” which means ignorance or loss of awareness. This loss of awareness can also mean a diminishing awareness of the material world of manifestation. 

Saturn is lame because of Surya’s first wife Sandya’s children who became angered with him and struck him in the foot. 

Legend of Saturn

Once there was a dispute between nine grahas about who is superior among them. When they could not decide, they all went to Indra, the king of Devas, who was also nonplused to decide the issue. So he advised the grahas to go to Vikramaditya who was a just and benevolent king. So all the grahas reached the king’s palace and the king after great thought got seven seats spread out and placed the first of gold and the last of iron. Saturn or Sani knew that the seat made of iron was meant for him and also inferior to all. Seeing this, Saturn cursed King Vikramaditya and said” Surya stays in one Zodiac for one month, the moon for two days, Mangal (Mars) for one and a half months, Brihaspati (Jupiter) for thirteen months, Budha (Mercury) and Shukra (Venus) for one month each and Rahu, Ketu for eighteen months only; but I (Saturn) stay at one Zodiac for thirty months: I have made many gods suffer because of my power and influence. Due to my influence, Rama and Lakshmana were exiled Ravana suffered a defeat and his dynasty was destroyed. So as a king, beware of my wrath." he said. The king in answer said, “Whatever be my luck, I shall face it".

After some time, a horse merchant visited Ujjain, the capital of Vikramaditya. The king took a fancy for a particular horse and got on the saddle to try riding it. The horse flew into the forest with no one to accompany them and where no one knew him. Desperate with hunger and thirst the king sought refuge in the house of a rich merchant. The merchant judging the person as a good person allowed the man( the king) to stay in his house. 

At night, Vikramaditya saw that a pearl necklace hung on a peg, was being swallowed by the peg. The next day when the merchant found the necklace missing, he reported the matter to the Kotwal who got King Vikramadiya's hands and legs cut. The king was then left helpless. An oil crusher took pity on him and employed him to sit on the crusher and see to the proper movement of the bull while sitting, handicapped and helpless. Vikramaditya used to sing. One day, the princess of the kingdom heard the song and was charmed by it. She sent her maidens to find out the singer and she made up her mind to marry him. Her parents tried their best to make her select any other but she did not agree. She was married to a handicapped person (Vikramaditya). At night, the king saw Lord Saturn in his dream who said that all his sufferings are because of selecting Saturn as inferior. The king asked his pardon, worshipped him, and sought his blessings.

Vikramaditya then explained his woes to the newly wedded bride and Saturn blessed both of them. His limbs were restored. The rich merchant invited them to his house, and there in the presence of everyone, they saw that the necklace was oozing out from the peg. Seeing this, the merchant felt ashamed and offered his daughter to Vikramaditya in marriage. Then Vikramaditya and his two brides went in procession to a rousing reception in Ujjain.

Saturn Pooja

Saturn or Shani pooja, is a ritual performed to appease Saturn and reduce the punishments it inflict on people for their past Karmic problems. This Pooja is recommended for people who have malefic effects of Shani in their birth chart. 

Benifits of Saturn Pooja

The pooja is said to protect devotees from the punishments that Saturn offers to faulty people. It is also said to provide all materialistic and spiritual benefits to the devotee. To overcome limitations due to your past karmic deeds. To overcome disputes, disharmony, and delays. To overcome disappointments, anxieties, and miseries. To find relief from drug addiction and imprisonment. To bring happiness in relationships. Let us perform Pooja and overcome problems.