The Sacred Pact! The mythical bond between Shani Dev and Hanuman ji
Shanaishchara is the divine personification of the planet Saturn in Hinduism and is one of the Navagraha in Hindu astrology. He is the God of karma, justice, time, and retribution, and delivers results depending upon one's thoughts, speech, and deeds.
While Shani Dev is revered as a powerful figure in the Hindu pantheon,yet this cosmic judge, so impartial that he does not even spare devas or avatars—bows before one being: Hanuman.
Hanuman is not just a character from the Ramayana, but a force that transcends time, karma, and even the planets. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa or Sunderkand is a common practice to invoke Hanuman's protection and seek Shani's blessings. The intriguing relationship between Hanuman and Shani Dev highlights the power of devotion and strength in overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual evolution.
Ravana is widely portrayed as an evil character in the epic Ramayana, where he is the primary antagonist. He is known for his arrogance and lust, but He was also a great astrologer. When Raavan's son Meghnath was born, Raavan, who had already conquered Trilok, placed all the 9 planets in Meghnath's 11th House so that he could also be invincible and immortal.
The Devas were afraid of this and looked at Shani, who cunningly stretched his leg a little bit from Raavan's clutches towards the 12th House. Raavan was furious as he knew it would cause Meghnath's death, so he imprisoned Shani in a dark, tiny cell so that nobody could see Shani's face again.
After many years, when Hanuman went to Lanka searching for Sita, he heard Shani's feeble cries for help. Hanuman freed him, but as Shani looked at Hanuman, he also became the victim of Shani's gaze. There is a popular belief that Shani Drishti, or Shani’s glance, is as deadly as his position.
Witnessing Hanuman's resilience and undeterred devotion, Shani realized the futility of trying to impede the path of one who is deeply connected to a higher purpose and in gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that he would not trouble devotees of Hanuman, provided they embody Hanuman's virtues of discipline, self-control, humility, and unwavering faith.
In many temples in India, like the Shani Hanuman Temple in Ujjain, Kastbhanjan Temple in Salangpur, Gujarat, and Siruli Hanuman temple in Puri, Odisha Shani Dev is shown subjugated under Hanuman's feet.
(Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple, Sarangpur)
This imagery is symbolic, representing Shani Dev's surrender and commitment to not trouble Hanuman's true devotees. There is a spiritual interpretation of the relation between Hanuman and Shani. Hanuman is said to be a symbol of selflessness, while Shani is symbolic of ego and pride. Thus, to counter the Karma born out of selfish action, one must be humble like Hanuman.
The very qualities Shani seeks to cultivate—Hanuman’s devotees already possess.
And the greatest sign of Hanuman’s blessing is this:
You stop fearing karma, because you start living rightly and karma though not erased is transcended through devotion.
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