A TO Z INDIA - JUNE 2022 (Special Issue) | Page 17

Sani ( Saturn ):
Sani is a god who makes or breaks fortunes by his planetary position for which individuals fear him . He is shown with four hands riding on a chariot or a buffalo or even a vulture . He has three hands in which he holds an arrow , a bow and a javelin while his other hand is held in a mudra .
The Mantras and meanings : Neelaan Jana Sama Bhasam Ravi Putram Yama Grajam Chhaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namaami Shanaish Charam
Meaning : The one who is dark blue in complexion , who is son of Surya and his wife Chaya , who is elder brother of Yama . The slow moving , I prostrate that Shaneeswara . Gemstone is blue Sapphire .
The planets , their representations and favorable days to chant : Saturn ( Shani ) – learning and Career . — Saturday
Deity : Shani is a deity in medieval era texts , who is considered inauspicious and is feared for delivering misfortune and loss to those who deserve it . He is also capable of conferring boons and blessings to the worthy , depending upon their karma . In medieval Hindu literature , he is mainly referred to as the son of Surya and Chhaya , or in few accounts as the son of Balarama and Revati . His alternate names include Ara , Kona and Kroda . As per the Hindu texts , ' peepal ' or fig tree is the abode of Shani ( while other texts associate the same tree with Vasudeva ). He is also believed to be the greatest teacher who rewards the righteous acts and punishes those who follow the path of evil , Adharma and betrayal .
In 2013 , a 20-foot-tall statue of Lord Shani was established at Yerdanur in the mandal of Sangareddy , Medak district , Telengana , nearly 40 kilometers from Hyderabad city . It was carved from a Monolith and weighs about nine tonnes .
A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 17