There is a very popular Shani Dev story which is associated
with Shani worship and Hanuman. It is widely believed that worshiping Hindu
God Hanuman will help in removing the hardships caused by Shani Bhagavan or
Saturn. People worship Hanuman on Saturdays to remove the malefic influence of
Sani in their horoscope. As per Hindu Astrology, bad positioning of Shani
results in a difficult period in life. There is an interesting story regarding
why worshipping Hanuman will help in overcoming Shani Dosha or Sade Sati.
Ravan, the demon-king in Ramayana, had defeated all the
Devas and had brought all the grahas (planets in astrology) under control. He
kept all the grahas (planets) suppressed beneath his leg.
Ravana was also a
great astrologer. When his eldest son, Indrajit, was about to be born he
forcefully kept all the grahas in the most favorable astrological position.
The Demigods (Devas) were worried that if Ravana’s son was
born in a favorable astrological position, he will be invincible. So the
Devas asked all the grahas (planets) to move from the favorable position. But
they told they were unable to escape from the foot of Ravana.
Shani agreed to help provided he was able to glance upon
Ravana’s face.
There is a popular belief that Shani Drishti, or Shani’s glance,
is as deadly as his position. Shani is believed to cast an evil eye and this
causes deep trouble.
The Devas took the help of Saint Narada to achieve Shani
Drishti.
Saint Narada reached the palace of Ravana and
saw Shani and other planets under the feet of Ravana. Saint Narada praised
Ravana’s victory over the grahas and said that he should stamp on their chest
and this is true symbol of victory and not on their back as he is doing now.
Ravana agreed to Narada’s observation and immediately got the
planets turned up. As Shani turned up, his glance fell on Ravana’s face and
this kick-started his hardships.
To take revenge on Shani, Ravana kept him in a tiny prison
that had no opening so that no one will again see Shani’s face.
After several years, when Hanuman arrived in Lanka – Ravan’s
kingdom – as a messenger from Sri Ram to Mata Sita, He heard the cry of Shani
from a dark prison with no holes. Hanuman broke open the prison and rescued
Shani.
Shani said that he is very thankful for helping him but as
he has looked at the face of Hanuman there will be hardships of Sade Sati or
Shani Dosha for Hanuman. It is the divine scheme of things and no one can
escape from it.
Hanuman wanted to know what sufferings he will have to face.
Shani explained that first I will come upon on your head and this will make you
leave your home, wife and sons and go about suffering.
Hanuman said that Shani can definitely come upon his head as
he has no family and his abode is at the feet of Ram.
Shani took refuge on Hanuman’s head. Hanuman then began to
fight the demons that chased him in Lanka. In the process Hanuman began to head
heavy boulders, trees and rocks. He crushed huge rocks with his head and Shani
was getting hurt and suffering in the process.
Finally, Shani got away from Hanuman’s head and said that
you are the only one who will have no effect of inauspiciousness. I cannot
trouble you. Since you have saved me from Ravana’s prison I would like to give
you a boon.
As boon, Hanuman asked Shani not to trouble or cast evil eye
on his devotees.
Shani promised not to trouble or cause hardships to Hanuman
devotees.