🙏 Story of Hanuman and Shani Dev
Why Hanuman devotees have no fear of Saturn — the complete story
1. Ravana's Victory over Shani
Ravana was also a great astrologer. When his son Meghnada was about to be born, he compelled all nine planets to position themselves most auspiciously for his son. Shani Dev wanted to resist this command, but Ravana forcibly imprisoned him in his palace. Shani Dev was chained in iron shackles and kept in a dark dungeon.
2. Hanuman's Entry into Lanka
When Shri Ram marched on Lanka and Hanuman went searching for Mata Sita, he found Shani Dev imprisoned in Ravana's palace. Hanuman immediately broke Shani Dev's chains and freed him. Shani Dev had also been injured on his shoulder — Hanuman tended to his wounds.
3. Shani's Boon
On being freed, Shani Dev said: "O son of the Wind God, you have served me greatly. I give you my word — whoever is your devotee, whoever regularly reads the Hanuman Chalisa or remembers Hanuman, I shall never trouble them. My Sade Sati and Dhaiya shall remain light upon them." Because of this boon, Hanuman devotees have no fear of Shani.
4. Religious Significance
It is based on this story that there is a tradition of reading Hanuman Chalisa on Saturday. Shani temples also have an idol of Hanuman. Tulsidas wrote in Hanuman Chalisa: "Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahi Aaven, Mahavir Jab Naam Sunaaven" — the fear of Shani is also included in this.
💡 Key Insight — Hanuman Chalisa and Shani Pacification
Because of Shani Dev's boon, the Hanuman Chalisa is the most effective remedy for Saturn. Even during Sade Sati and Dhaiya, one who regularly reads Hanuman Chalisa finds Saturn's influence softened. This is why people who visit Shani temple on Saturday also invariably visit the Hanuman temple.
5 Practical Saturday Hanuman Remedies for Shani
- 📖 Hanuman Chalisa on Saturday — recite at least 3 times
- 🕯️ Light a jasmine oil lamp in Hanuman temple
- 🍊 Offer coconut, jaggery and chickpeas to Hanuman
- 📿 "Om Hanumate Namah" mala — 108 times
- 🔴 Offer red sindoor before Hanuman's idol