Acharya Karan V – “Shani” or “Shani Dev” as he is venerably known amongst Hindus is given the status of a god. He represents the planet Saturn. In Hindu Mythology or Vedic Astrology, Shani Dev is considered to be one of the powerful planets of “Nav Graha” or nine planets. Lord Shani Dev is son of Lord Surya and, according to a myth Lord Surya went eclipsed as his son Shani was born. This very myth envelops Shani in a cloud of evil and ill-luck as eclipse or darkness is a bad omen. From an astrological point of view, Shani is believed to be a harbinger of mishaps hence he is one of the most feared Gods amongst Hindus. As the planetary position at the time of one’s birth is regarded to be of great importance in Vedic Astrology, the presence of Shani in one’s horoscope is dreaded a lot. So much fear he instils in the mind of the believers that one avoids undertaking any auspicious tasks like a new business or a business trip on Saturdays as it is believed to be a day of Lord Shani.

If in your horoscope Shani or Saturn is malefic or placed negatively or there are disturbances in your Fate line of Palm or Saturn mount then you should start doing Saturn related remedies, one of the most common but very effective remedy for minimizing negative influences of Shani are to offer wheat flour and sugar to ants or offering bread to crows every morning – Acharya Karan V

For Shani’s appeasement, on Saturdays, the lamps are lit in front of his idols and images with people chanting mantras to pacify his wrath. But, like all Gods in Hindu mythology, Shani Dev is also venerated as a merciful God as He also punishes one with evil intentions and blesses a devotee with popularity and prosperity. Saturn also holds extreme astronomical importance as it is the second largest planet in the solar system. Saturn has been a planet of extreme curiosity for space explorers and astronomical community as it has got 62 moons, one of which, Titan, has been found to have environment like Earth. The possibility of making human colonies on Titan in the distant future, in case the Earth becomes inhabitable, has been discussed for a long time. Whether awed as one of the powerful “Nav Grahs” or looked at as a future prospect for human life, the presence of Saturn will continue to play a major role in mankind’s life.