Shani or Saturn is son of the sun

Shani or Saturn, is one of the Navagrahas, or nine celestial beings in Hindu astrology. Believed to be the son of Surya and his wife Chhaya, legend has it that when Shani opened his eyes for the first time as a baby, there was a solar eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts even today.

The stories of Shani and his beautiful dark face and his lame feet were told in the courts of Vikramaditya in the city of Ujjain. It is said that Vikramaditya laughed and ridiculed Shani when he heard these stories. Shani cursed Vikramaditya, and the king faced innumerable problems and difficulties during his reign.

The king was most repentent and continued to pray to Shani without losing his faith and eventually Shani brought back all his lost glory.

In the Ramayana it is said that when Lord Hanuman rescued Shani from Ravana, Shani was so grateful that he promised Hanuman that anyone who prayed to him on Saturdays, would be protected from the effects of Saturn on that day.

Shani is believed to be a stern teacher, imbued with the qualities of patience, effort, and endurance. Most Hindus are fearful of Lord Shani, preferring to approach him indirectly, through his various forms, for relief. But Shani can also be very helpful if propitiated with reverence.

It is also said that Shani is the greatest teacher for it is he that induces responsibility, shows us that the ethics of hard work and discipline can be translated into rich rewards and provides us with the will to realize our true potential.