Saturday, August 31, 2013

Journey to Shani Shingnapur

8th August, 2013, Thursday.
Bangalore, Karnataka.

Time: 16:30hrs

I started from my Wipro office and headed towards Majestic or the Bangalore Railway station. I was to board Bangalore-Mumbai Udyan Express to Pune. August 8th, 2013 is the date for which I had been waiting for quite some time. The reason being the fact that I was to travel to a place near Pune, to meet a wise and just person. Considering the way, the world is moving, it is rare to find wise and just people. But this man near Pune has stubbornly stood wise and just, adhering to His principles. He likes crows. But people who come to meet him come in Fortuners, Honda City, Dusters, Etios etc etc. He is a good person. A good brother to his brothers and sisters, a loyal husband to his wife, a good son, a good disciple to his teacher and a good friend to those who are good in character.

About His birth:
As per stories coming from His village, His mother prayed intensely when He was in her womb. She use to fast regularly praying to Lord Shiva. Hence he was born powerful, wise and just. His father was also a learned person. But during a quarrel, He found his father unjust. Even as a young boy, he couldn't tolerate indiscipline. He felt his father was behaving unjust by quarrelling with his mother. He threw his powerful glance on his own father and he suffered.

Now it's pretty obvious. The wise and just person near Pune was none other than Shani Dev, otherwise known as Shaneeswaran. Shaneeswaran is the son of Sun God (Surya) and Goddess Chaya Devi. His brother is Yamaraj and his sister's name is Yamuna. Since birth, till date He has been wise and just. Shani admires hardwork, discipline, maturity, respect for elders, respect for women and children, honesty, sincerity and loyalty. Shani hates disrespect of women, disrespect of elders, laziness, deceit etc. Shani is the significator of huge iron equipments and iron vehicles. He rules over oil, minerals, metals, transportation and goverment related aspects of life.

Lord Shiva & Shani Dev:
Shani Dev - known as celestial task master of the universe is a stern teacher. A school teacher teaches lessons and keeps test. While Shani Dev keeps test and after testing is over, He teaches the lessons. He is impartial. As law-maker, He is free of emotions. He doesn't shows compassion towards anyone. He doesn't knows the meaning of nepotism. Once Shani Dev, informed Lord Shiva that He would be passing over His moon sign. Shiv Jee replied,"I am your Guru. You intend to test me as well ?". Shani Dev patiently replied,"It is my duty. You have given me this task. You have told me to make people realize their shortcomings in life. I am doing only my duty". Lord Shiva agreed. Shani Dev replied,"I would be moving above your zodiac sign in some time. Please do be prepared".

Shiv Ji travelled to earth and transformed himself to an elephant and hid in a jungle to escape from Shani's effect. For the entire duration of Shani's period, He hid in a jungle as an elephant to escape from Shani. After Shani's period was over, Lord Shiva returned to Mount Kailash. Shani Dev was already waiting there to meet him. Shiva asked,"Shani, you are here ? Weren't you suppose to cast your glance on me ? But you are searching for me here. The entire duration of your period seems to be over, but you haven't impacted me. Did you realize that I am your Guru, so you decided to spare me ?".

Shani Dev replied,"My Guru, where have you been ?".

Shiv Ji replied,"I was in a jungle. Hiding in the form of elephant."

Shani Dev, "You were hiding, just to escape from my inauspicious glance ?".

Shiv Ji,"Yes."

Shani Dev, "Then how do you say that you have escaped from my effect. You have already felt my effect. You have left your heavenly abode Kailash and hid in earth, like an ordinary human being."

Shiv Ji realizing the truth smiled and asked,"But Shani, why did you do this to me ? I am your Guru, but you didn't spare me also ?".

Shani Dev gives his reply as follows, a reply every human being should know,"Shiv Maharaj, you are my Guru. You are my Teacher. You are my creator. You gave me the task of making people realize their shortcomings. That is exactly what I did. But remember my Lord, what you did in Daksha's Yaga several years ago? Your father-in-law Daksha didn't have great opinions about you as you were a simple person living a modest life and he was a king. He wasn't happy to give his daughter Sati to you. But Sati liked you a lot and was deeply devouted to you. Hence she became your consort. Daksha conducted a pooja/Yaga, but purposefully didn't invite you and his daughter. He wanted to insult you. But your daughter still travelled to the yaga as an uninvited guest. Daksha insulted your daughter and her marriage to you. She couldn't tolerate it and she committed suicide by jumping into the holy fire. While it is understandable that bearing an insult is always a tough task for anyone. But what you did ? You have staged a destruction there. You have sent your 'booth ganas' (army) and destroyed his place. You beheaded Daksha and fixed the head of a goat to make him pay for his arrogance. But being the Lord of Universe, you have forgotten yourself and your principles. You have also fallen a victim to anger, ruthlessness, revenge which are actually characteristics of ordinary human being. It was extremely disheartening for me to cast my glance on you, but my duty was to make you realize this. I never enter anyone's life on my own. It is one's own actions that invites me into their life".

Shani Dev continued,"I am extremely sorry for causing misery. But that's my property. You have bestowed this task on me".

Lord Shiva: "I realize my mistake. What you say is right, I behaved like a ordinary human being. But no human being is free of good and bad deeds".

Shani Dev: "True. But I will help them. I will help them realize their shortcomings, strength and weakness and prepare them for their journey towards The Supreme God. Any human being's existence in world is to realize the glory of Almighty Supreme and once he realizes it, his journey towards Supreme begins. I will perform this task".

Shiv Ji admired Shani's humility, simplicity, wise and just character. He has been a good son to his parents, loyal husband to his wife, a good disciple to Him and a good brother to his siblings. Shiv Ji replied, "Shani, you have impressed me a lot. You have stood firm in your duty. You didn't ask for anything extra, fame or recognition. I bless you. You will be forever remembered for your wise and just nature. Wherever you are present, you will protect. Wherever you look, you will bring in your own qualities of maturity and discipline. In horoscope, whichever houses you transit, you will add your touch. Wherever you touch, you will add maturity. People address me as Easwar (Lord of Universe). But you deserve this title. You will also be addressed as 'Shaneeswar'. You will serve as role-model to all".

After accepting the honor title, Shani Maharaj left Mt. Kailash. He wasn't rich or affluent, neither owns a Honda City or a Duster, neither wears precious ornaments nor He is trendy in Jeans and round neck doing the yo-yo in shopping malls, neither He is a cool dude or a model, but He managed to bag the title through His wise and just nature.

Far away, millions of miles away, his father the Sun God admired his own son. He was proud that his son managed to bag the precious title of being addressed as God, something which He himself or any other planet hasn't got. But he was sad. His son is still far away from him, as his own relationship with his son was strained. (Saturn is the 6th planet from Sun). But Shani still made his father feel proud one way or another, as a son's success is often attributed to his parents. Interestingly, though Shani's relationship with his father is not good, He is still a good son as he goes around his father just like other planets acknowledging him as chief deity.

Back to 2013 ......

Time: 20:00 hrs, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Udyan Express was to start at 20:00hrs. Unfortunately, it departed only at 20:30hrs ! I was excited about the fact that I was travelling to Shani Shingnapur. I have heard about the town. Doorless houses, cupboards without locks, peace, happiness and a strong belief that Shani Bhagwan protects the entire village. I have travelled to quite a few places which had interesting background similar to this. But this trip was special. The reason being the fact the character of the deity Shani-wise and just. That's why I always address him as wise and just guy.

As a railfan/travel lover, it is my habit to walk to the front and see what locomotive is the power for the train. But this time, my mind was full of Shingnapur, so I didn't move out of my coach.

The journey was a bit slow. The train reached Dharmavaram only at 01:10hrs, but actual scheduled arrival time was around 00:10hrs. I was more focussed on staying awake for the day journey and enjoy the sceneries of Northern Karnataka and Solapur belt of Maharashtra-so I slept. I was feeling comfortable as it was 2A class, side lower berth. Any railfan or travel lover would love to get a side-lower berth.

0635hrs - My train reached Raichur-late by roughly one hour.

0740hrs - My train reached Yadgir-again late by an hour. But the run was good.

0945hrs - My train reached Gulbarga. I observed the climate as the train went through Shahabad, Martur. It was excellent. Bullock carts on muddy roads, peaceful villages, small towns and a cloudy weather.

The greatest injustice one could do to his life is to visit Maharashtra and come back without tasting vadapav. As my train was entering Solapur for a halt, I yelled out at one of the platform vendors, "Kaakka, ek vadapav". Got one with chillies. I speak limited Hindi and even that limited Hindi has majority of Bengali words and my pronunciation/accent is all influenced by Bengali, though I left Kolkata in 2010. Not content with one vadapav, I went for another one. Whenever, I cross Solapur, I make it a point to have atleast one vadapav.

The train had a long halt at Solapur. So I went and sat in one of the benches in the station - just opposite to my coach. I happen to notice quite a lot of engine movements (read engine as locomotives, but I like calling them engine). Solapur is quite a big happening place! Near to me I observed a couple of elderly people - in their mid 50's. A bit away from them I noticed quite a few school children in their uniforms. I assume that the kids were travelling with their teachers somewhere. Every time the kids were a bit mischievious, noisy; the teachers patiently asked them to keep quiet. They got excited every time an engine rolled past us. Every time they moved a bit far, the teacher would get up and run behind them to bring them back. This indicates the benevolent nature of the teachers.

This is evident in our Vedic Astrology. Brihaspati also known as Jupiter, Shukra also known as Venus are considered as 'teachers'. 100% jovial planets! They are benefic and they always try their best to give the best they can to an individual without expecting anything in return. It is to be noted that Venus or otherwise known as Shukracharya went to the extent of sacrificing his own eyes - to protect the dynasty, wealth and the race of his disciple Maha Bali. Teachers or Guru are the true well-wishers of any human being. That's one of the reasons why Jupiter transits are most sought after, as Jupiter is benevolent. However, those who don't learn their lessons under benevolent Jupiter, will learn lessons through Saturn - who is very uncompromising. This is one of the reasons why people who gained wealth during Jupiter transit, had a tough time during Saturn's period as the celestial task master wanted alignment with His principles. Jupiter can be considered as a school teacher, while Saturn is more like a college HOD or manager at workplace - very uncompromising when it comes to discipline and maturity, his intentions are not to harm anyone; the problem persists only when an individual clings to his own interests still, without aligning to Saturn's principles.

Back to Solapur ....

My journey towards Pune started after a brief halt. During the course of journey between Solapur and Pune - I got the friendship of one Mr. Sahastrabudhe - a person working with Oracle Corporation. It was a great experience interacting with him. It was a learning experience. I personally attribute this friendship to Shani Dev and his kripa. Friends are god sent. Later, I added him as my Facebook friend.

My train reached Pune bang on time! Pune wasn't that new to me, but certainly I don't know much about it. But I still felt like being in my father-in-law's territory! Walked straight into Gulmohar Hotel, just near the railway station and booked my accomodation. It was a bit expensive, as I was staying alone - but managed to negotiate the rates to a reasonable extent.

10th August, 2013.
At around 5:15AM, my journey towards Shingnapur started. I was thrilled and a bit happy. I felt happy as I got a chance to get darshan of the most wise and just guy in the universe. Even the journey was good. The section between Pune-Ahmednagar was scenic. It was my lucky day. It had rained a bit the day earlier, so the entire road stretch and surroundings were lush green. The journey was extremely good. Took a brief halt at a wayside hotel. Delicious Vadapav and Butter Masala Dosa was my breakfast.

At around 8:10 or 8:15AM, I reached Shingnapur. It was an excellent journey. As I travelled through the village, I saw that houses were without locks. I was a bit excited. I knew about this town and heard of it. But this was the first time, I was seeing it with my own eyes. People didn't lock their vehicles as well. Neither they were afraid to leave their houses unlocked. The lady folks were busy with their daily work, kids playing around, potters making clay pot, men leaving for work to work in farm, elders sitting in benches and possibly talking about glory of Shani Bhagwan. How else will the town be ? The town was filled with happiness, maturity, security, stability and joy. I could observe it in their faces. There was no sense of competition, jealousy and evil. I requested my driver Sailesh that I wish to take photograph of the doorless houses. I felt it would be improper to take photograph without permission, so I requested him to speak to the owner in Marathi and get permission for me.

Sailesh addressed the elderly person as "Kaakka" and spoke a few lines in Marathi. The person was more than happy and welcomed me to photograph his house. I went near the house and saw that there was a board written in Hindi, "Shani Kripa". It wasn't a board, but actually engraved in their house roof. I could observe that rice/wheat bags were lying all around outside under a shelter- it was unprotected. The cows were tethered and they were happy muching something. I was a bit stunned at the welcoming nature of the people. I never let anyone into my house that easily.

I was in for more shock when I entered into the house. I observed a few jewels kept in shelf - lying unprotected. Observed cash, notes as well. I remember that few years back, when my cousin brother working in Tesco UK, gifted me an expensive watch - I kept it in cupboard and locked it fearing that such an expensive thing in my hand could only bring me trouble. But here people were happy and living without fear. As I came out, the young girls of the house put their cloth on top of head-possibly a sign of respect as I am atleast a decade elder to them. I politely offered my thanks to the elders and proceeded towards the temple.

The temple was well maintained. The presiding deity is Shani Bhagwan - it's a rock statue. He is present without any shelter or roof. It is believed that even if anyone attempted to build a roof, they were unsuccessful. There was a tree nearby which grew and created a shade. As the branch grew over the shrine/statue, it automatically fell off - Shani Bhagwan gave vision in a dream to the village people, stating that he doesn't wishes to live under anyone's sign of royalty and He doesn't wants any roof to cover him. This shows his tamas, uncompromising and impartial nature. He stands without any roof, facing heat, rain - standing strong holding on to His principles of truth and justice.

There were lot of people taking pics in camera mobile, though officially photography is prohibited. Even I was a bit tempted to take pics and proudly show off in Facebook that I have visited Shingnapur, but I didn't want to project Him as a celebrity icon circulating his pics all over Facebook. I felt that I would rather show the existing pics in Internet to my parents. There were prayer halls, meditation halls and the place was well maintained.

After spending some 6-7 hours at the temple, I started my return journey. I observed that there were no astrologers around the temple complex. Probably, they themselves feared the wise and just guy and they don't want to predict anything wrong - and face his wrath!

I am not surprised that people of Shingnapur are wise and just. They are happy. This is not strange. Wherever Shani Bhagwan is present, then there is safety, security and happiness. He is a stern teacher and indeed a bit tough to handle, but he is also the wise, reliable and just planet. If a human being is willing to align Himself with his principles, then there is nothing to worry. There has been many stories about Shingnapur. It is believed that robbers and thief who did looting, returned back and handed over the looted items or they sent it back by courier. Also those who mis-behaved, committed atrocities, looted wealth experienced mental imbalance, lost their physical health and regretted for their misdeeds.

To read about Shingnapur in Wikipedia, please use below mentioned link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shani_Shingnapur

To watch the movie on Shani Maharaj, please use below mentioned video link:
The movie name is Suryaputra Shani Dev.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-u_OX7aUhE

Story of the stone statue:
The statue is swayambhu in nature. Meaning it was not created, but existed on its own and appeared by itself. Hence it is very sacred, as it was not created by humans. A group of kids were playing near this statue. The kids touched the statue with their rod and it started bleeding. The villages came and were surprised to see this miracle. They tried moving the rock but weren't able to. It was already dark, so they left for the day, thinking next day morning something could be done. That night Shani Bhagwan appeared in the dream of the Village Head and instructed that two people having uncle-nephew relation only can move the rock. He adviced that he has come down to earth to bless and protect his devotees. The next day two villagers having similar relation were able to move the rock and they placed it comfortably at the temple. Since then, He is being worshipped with great reverence.

Source: Wikipedia content.
As per wikipedia, in January 2011, the United Commercial (UCO) Bank opened a 'lockless' branch in the village, the first of its kind in the country, taking note of the near-zero crime rate in the region. The local police were reported to be unhappy over this development and that it amounted to a breach of conditions because the Central Government of India has made it mandatory for all banks to have high security. The bank has doors, but they will always remain open. However, it was reported by the local legislator and the bank officials that adequate precautions were being taken for the safety of lockers and important documents.



List of famous personalities, movie actors, politicians, foreign dignatories who have visited Shani Shingnapur:
1. H.D. Deve Gowda-Former Prime Minister of India.
2. Vilas Rao Deshmukh-Chief Minister of Maharashtra
3. T.N.Seshan-Former Election Commissioner of India
4. Sharad Pawar
5. Manohar Joshi
6. Laloo Prasad Yadav
7. Swami Shankaracharya
8. Anna Hazare
9. Pranav Mukharji
10. Phulan Devi
11. Jayesh Shah of Zimbabwe
12. Shilpa Shetty
13. Sunil Shetty
14. Sanjay Datt

and many more......

......

On my way back to return journey, there was a bit of rain in the air. But I was able to reach Pune safely before 6PM. I had dinner at Hotel Sagar near railway station. A heavy one infact! Kulcha+Palak Soup+Paneer Butter Masala! After having a good dinner, I decided to move to railway station for some night 'railfanning' - watching trains - a hobby which I have since childhood. From 9PM till 1AM I was at railway station, watching trains.

The next day at 11AM, I took an Indigo flight and returned back to Bangalore. As I entered into my house, I was a changed man.........

Shani's purpose and existence is to thwart's one ego and make him/her turn towards God. Even people who didn't do any harm face the wrath of Shani as they haven't yet understood his lessons/principles fully. Glamour, excessive pride, wealth doesn't leads one to God. A soul's purpose of birth is to realize God. Shani helps in this aspect along with Ketu. One goes through a phase of learning where one realizes that all wealth, glamour, pride didn't give them permanent happiness, only turning towards God gives complete happiness. Once Shani is done with his teachings, Ketu takes over and bestows a rare ability to a individual to see God in a different perspective. To feel God without any barriers or limitations. Considered entirely a spiritual planet, Ketu is considered as the planet very close to God. Ketu is feared by many as ruthless, fierce energy. There is nothing to worry about him. Ketu is the only planet that can grant moksha and help a soul merge with God - The Supreme. Ketu shows in a non-materialistic way that one's life can be complete even without fame, recognition and wealth. Everything zeroes down towards one final goal. Experiencing that zeroness! Life is all about realizing God. That there is God and realizing his virtues, character through one's actions. Every soul will take birth again and again till the realization happens-the sole responsibility of the soul is to realize God through his actions. Realizing God, gradually creates the path to Moksha.

A baby is born, it grows into a disciplined boy, learns to respect elders/teachers, plays, matures into an adult, creates a family, runs a family, experiences emotions both sad and happiness, remembers elders with grattitude, treats siblings with love, worships God and leaves earth. If every phase is fine and aligned as per principles of God, then the soul is relieved from birth/death cycle. All above phases are different phases in life, though which one realizes God.

Wishing everyone the best life has to offer! Happy realizing God :-)

Thanks for the patient reading. Till I travel again, I bid adieu!

Regards,
Krishna Kumar Subramanian
IRFCA-SBC
www.irfca.org










 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

How to worship Shani Dev ?

How to invoke Shani Dev's blessings ?

Shani is considered as wise & just. Such a person is dependable, reliable and a well-wisher. So there is nothing to worry or fear about him.

Even if Shani is present in an improper house/position in your chart - there is nothing to worry about provided you are willing to align yourself in accordance with His principles. Let "Saturn" take its time. Shani teaches patience and anyone undergoing a "Saturn" transit should be patient.

Saturn being the wise and just planet, it is also the ideal planet for any human being to pray for protection and success. Saturn should be prayed wholeheartedly requesting for protection. Saturn's success generally doesn't come fast, but it will slowly unwind as days go by.

What Shani likes ?
Shani rules over iron, huge machines, oil and heavy metals. Shani likes respect for elders, teachers, respect for women, discipline, matured behaviour, hard-work, truth, loyalty, honesty and sincerity.

What Shani dislikes ?
Shani dislikes alcohol, insincerity in duty, disrespect for women, lack of respect for teachers & parents, immaturity, laziness, lies, deceit and anything that is not acceptable.

Due to this character, Shani is the only planet/deity to earn the title of "Shaneeswaran" - the title of Easwaran is given by Lord Shiva (who is the ultimate Easwaran).

Surrendering to Him is the only way to align ourself according to His principles. Anyone who is willing to align himself with Saturn's character - is protected by Saturn.

I have Saturn in Scorpio rising Ascendant in my birth chart. Saturn is located in 1st house, which happens to be his enemy's house (Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Mars is Saturn's enemy). But I still believe this combination is fine. Given the fact, that Saturn is wise, loyal and just - I believe even if He is not comfortable sitting in Mars house, He will still be loyal and wise and a benefic, provided I am willing to align myself with His principles.

Regards,
Krishna Kumar Subramanian

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Shani Bhagwan and His glory

I have written about my travels, my religious beliefs, my love for trains and my love for the villages in India to which I have travelled to. Today, I am writing about an important person in my life - a person who makes my life. That is Shani Bhagwan-one of the Navagrahas (planets) of Vedic Astrology.

By nature, I am a very spiritual person (but not religious and I don't follow rituals). I didn't know a word about astrology till I came under Saturn's influence. The influence is still not over - I am still under his 8th house transit gaze (Ashtama Sani) - roughly 11 months remaining, 19 months over.

Talking about Saturn - there is nothing to fear about him. I learnt this by my experience of Ashtama Sani. Saturn and Jupiter are one and the same. Jupiter is a bit kind and benevolent. But Saturn does things in a "bit hard way" - so that people earn their merit through their own hard work, after realizing their shortcomings in life. Once a person succeeds after a struggle and achieves victory - he will celebrate. But far away - millions of miles away - Saturn also admires your effort, with tears of joy in His own eyes and he is happy that you have succeeded, but He walks away without recognition, earning the tag of "harsh planet". What to do ... it is His nature and task given by Almighty God.

Characteristices of Saturn/Shani Mahadev:
Saturn is the wise and just planet as per Vedic Astrology. He is impartial. Saturn indicates maturity, discipline, orderliness, structuredness, stability and longevity. So it is obvious that wherever Saturn is placed in your birthchart of horoscope, Saturn brings in the quality of maturity, discipline and stability.

Earning the title of "just and wise" - a title bestowed by Lord Shiva, Saturn a.k.a Shani Bhagwan is the most dependable deity. He is the only planet to be bestowed the title ending with "Easwaran" i.e Saneeswaran. During times of need, aren't we taking help from a friend who is "dependable, wise and honest" .... Similarly, Shani Bhagwan is also a friend (though most people will deny this). To be frank, even I hated Saturn and I felt he was tough to handle.

What Saturn likes ?
Saturn likes respect towards parents, elders, teachers/guru's, loyalty, sincerity, dedication, hard work etc etc etc.... you can fill more :-)

What Saturn hates ?
Saturn dislikes disrespect of elders, lies, fraud behaviour, disrespect of women, laziness, rude behaviour and anything that is far from being disciplined :-).

What Saturn wants ?
Saturn being the celestial taskmaster and a teacher, Shani Bhagwan wants people to be perfect and realize their shortcomings in character. He helps them understand where they need to learn and improve in life by testing them severely. Saturn throws road-blocks, obstacles, delays things, creates separations/isolations so that a person learns about life.

How to please Saturn ?
Lighting oil lamps? Praying to him ? Spending lacs/crores and doing pooja ? I would like to re-iterate a point here. Saturn is impartial/wise/just.

Can such a planet be bribed with materialistic things ?

SURRENDER and get relieved! That is the only solution. Nothing wrong in owning up before Saturn (sitting alone and praying to him). Surrender is the only option when dealing with Shani Bhagwan and accepting one's shortcomings.

Something about my horoscope:
DOB: July 27th, 1986, Chennai, Tamilnadu (India). Time: 14:30hrs

Saturn is present in Ascendant(1st house). So in astrological terms I am a "Saturn in Scorpio rising" or a Saturnian. My life has been with obstacles, delays and somewhat slow and sluggish. But thankfully, I learnt to live it the best way and I made myself comfortable with what was available.

 Ascendant is the 1st house and determines a person's character, physical appearance, thoughts, life and overall outlook towards life. Scorpio is a sign owned by Mars. Saturn and Mars are enemies. So Saturn was sitting in an enemy's house at time of my birth ? So how will Saturn feel ? Or rather how you feel when you sit in your enemy's house ? How you feel when you sit in a friend's house/sister's house ? Or how you feel when you sit in your own house ? ... So Saturn in Scorpio is not the best combination as per Vedic Astrology. But I beg to differ.

For those not aware of astrology before I go deep, this is how it is - Scorpio was the zodiac sign that was rising in the east at time of my birth and Scorpio had Saturn in it, hence that's my lagna (otherwise known as Ascendent, which is the 1st house). Saturn protects the house he sits, but he aspects my 3rd (House of siblings), 7th (House of Marriage) and 10th house (Career). Saturn will bring His characteristics of maturity, discipline in marriage/career and also I would be a "Saturnian" brother to my sisters :-) ......

I would like to re-iterate the point again. Saturn is wise/just and impartial. Will such a planet harm anyone, just because it was sitting in an uncomfortable location (enemy house) at time of birth? If my thoughts are right (which I believe is right), Saturn will try to do his best to help the person even if He is uncomfortable. He will bear the pain and WILL NOT burden the native.

Let's take a break here...

Introduction of Saturn is over. I think by now people are aware of Shani Bhagwan.

Now the opinion of Him should change. Before reading my article, people would have had a negative opinion of Saturn/Shani. But trust me! By the time you are finished with my blog, you will have a new look at the old devil - Saturn. I won't be surprised if you like Saturn and start worshipping by "surrending" and accepting your short comings in character.

My own life under influence of Saturn:

My uncle and aunt while visiting me stated that I will be under the influence of Shani for a period of 2.5 years. This is from December 21st, 2011 till June 21st, 2014.

This is called as Ashtama Shani (South Indian term)/ or Shani Dhaiyya (North Indian term). I was a bit bothered, but I felt that since I haven't harmed anyone brutally, I thought I may not have any problems. What happenned in the next 1 year was something that I would remember forever....

December-21st, 2011 - Saturn enters Libra sign. This is sign of exaltation for Saturn. Meaning Saturn will be very powerful! My moon sign "Meena Raasi" was now under direct influence of Saturn. But I still had Jupiter in 2nd position - protecting me.

For 6 months from December-2012 till May-2012, life was sweet. I got recognition from all walks of life. I was leading my family relatively at an young age and leading confidently. Maybe not rich and affluent (which I was destined to be), but I was fine. My sisters loved me a lot. We shared a strong emotional bonding. Though they weren't related to me by blood, they were the best thing that could happen to my life. Life was going well. I earned a very good hike and recognition at my workplace. I wrote a mail to my sisters stating, "We will never be separated by any force". I never knew that this relationship which has been with so much of bonding - will break after 23 years of friendship.

Around May mid, Jupiter(Guru) moved from 2nd position to 3rd. I have now lost Jupiter's protection. I was now under Saturn's direct gaze. Jupiter in 3rd brings in stagnation.

May 14th, 2012. Time: 23:00hrs.
I was at office working on a production deployment. My Team Lead had good regards for me. So I was willing to outdo myself and work sincerely, irrespective of salary or perks.

I received a call from my mom. "Hey Krishna, where are you ? Dad is in serious condition. Blood is coming out from his nose. I am so scared. Lots of blood."

When I heard my mom's trembling voice .... my body turned cold. I was finding myself weak for the 1st time in my life. I rushed home and admitted my father. I called my younger cousin brother for assistance as I was emotionally challenged.

As per doctor, my father was experiencing accelerated hypertension. Due to sudden increase in blood pressure, his blood capillaries broke and blood was oozing out through nose. After 30 minutes, doctors were unable to find the reason (tension or emotion?) and locate the point from where blood was coming out. They advised me to take my father to the St.John's hospital, 4km away.

At around 1AM in the night, I admitted him at St. John's Hospital in Emergency Ward. Blood was still leaking from his nose. This time lot of blood was coming. With my own hands, I was wiping it. I can't afford to cry. It will un-nerve my aunts and mother. He took a blood vomit as well. My shirt and my handkerchief were full of blood. Doctors blocked his nose and suggested that my father should breathe only through his mouth for next few days till the wound is healed automatically. Thankfully, my younger cousin brother was around and he helped me through this tough night. I was emotionally challenged and literally trembling with fear. Fear is something I haven't experienced. It was new to me. It was undermining me. I was breaking inside.

I didn't sleep the entire night. After some treatment, my dad was feeling better and situation was under control, but still it needed a lot of attention. At around 4AM in the morning, I went to bed. I called my manager the next day and informed him about the sad developments in my life. "No problem Krishna, take your time. Any help, let me know."

For the next few days, I was running in and around the hospital, collecting information/reports, buying lunch/food. My father's health was regularly monitored by the doctor. I updated my younger cousin through SMS and told him, "things were improving." After 5 days, my father was discharged. But tests were done regularly every week. I took care of him and after few weeks he was fine. But lot of blood got wasted, doctors told that it would take some 6 months to 1 year for him to fully recover. I was a bit relieved.

But all the feelings I had .... I need to bottle out. I went to my bed room and locked it. Informed my parents that I was taking a call from onsite team and I would be doing office work. But that wasn't. I burst into tears. All the emotions, pressure I withstood for the 5 days, shook my equilibrium in life. After few minutes, I was happy and recovering. I was happy that my parents never saw me crying.

Now came an even more tougher phase. There were rumours around me and sarcasm that I am an "irresponsible child" who didn't know how to take care of parents. What was my fault here ? What sin I did ? I am already under immense pressure to manage my career and personal life, now I need to take this extra blame as an "irresponsible child". I was accused of even destroying my own dad's health. I was held responsible for this - as if its because of me he fell ill. I had no brother or sister by blood to support me ... This accusation was something that hurt me a lot.

Another tougher phase begins....

Relationship between me and my younger siblings turned sour. My sisters were the best thing that could happen to my life. I had trouble with all of my younger siblings at the same time. I had a natural care/affection as an elder brother towards all of my younger siblings. I want them to be happy, safe and secure. In a bitter fight/disagreement to make them secure/safe, I lost all of my younger sibling's love. My intention was to make them safe, not to prove they were wrong or I was right.

Now I was in danger of becoming an "orphan". I am not married and I am the only son for my parents. If people like younger siblings aren't around, eventually after a decade - I stand a risk of being "alone" or otherwise an orphan.

The time has come for me to unleash myself.... "To grow up and face it!". That's what Saturn wants. Saturn wanted me to stretch and walk an extra mile.

I decided to take ownership. With the tag of "cruel and harsh brother", "irresponsible child", "unlucky guy", "irresponsible person", I led my family through a horrible tough phase. The journey became tough and tough as days went by! I felt the heat.

I was from a rich background. But my father was cheated. Now I am not a rich guy. Probably, if I had the richness which was destined to happen in my life - I would have handled things with more comfort and ease. Now I don't have that comfort. But Saturn made me achieve things. I found myself handing things, making decisions and leading the family and managing my career as well. Bearing the tags mentioned above was a gross injustice to my life. But I decided to bear Saturn. But this was also affecting my health.

I use to get chest pain a bit often. On 22nd July, 2012 - I was returning from Chennai in Bangalore Shatabdi Express. I had a mild chest pain. I was a bit scared. Am I getting an heart attack? After some time the pain went down.

26th July - a day before my birthday - I started feeling the same pain again. I rushed to the hospital without telling parents and took an ECG. After seeing it, the doctor told "it's nothing. just some minor problem every software engineer gets due to stress/work load or due to improper sleeping patterns. This is a sort of gas problem. Nothing to do with chest or heart. Take some gelusils."

Life became s-l-o-w-e-r and s-l-o-w-e-r ....as my health wasn't favouring me to stretch.

In December-2012, Rahu and Ketu moved to tough positions. This worsened my life a bit as I still need to wait 6 months for Jupiter's protection.

Crazy... I never knew a word about astrology even before 6 months... now I was aware lots!

Rahu joined an already exalted Saturn in 8th position. Rahu coupled with Saturn could cause havoc (eg: Godra event, Gujarat earthquake).  This event happens rarely - once in 150 years. My zodiac sign Meena Raasi was literally facing two Saturn's - Rahu acts like Saturn (when joining with Saturn). This is the time Saturn makes the society be aware of injustice in day-to-day life and make people make decisions regarding it. The Delhi incident that brought India to shame happened during this period.

Life took a drastic turn....this time my marriage talk took a hit. Now that I am not a rich guy, my community wasn't interested in giving a girl for me. It's better! I would rather marry someone who likes me for what I am - than someone for my wealth. I was hearing some sarcastic remarks like "I will never get a girl" or like "I will marry a girl who is not educated".....so on! I have less time to bother about the world.

If I am to marry, I would only marry a matured partner who believes in progress in life. Being pragmatic is essential.

Life became tougher and tougher.. and whatever efforts I took it failed....

My hands were trembling with fear.

I now need to digest my own sorrows and act as if I am fine to my parents. I acted... Saturn brought out the acting skills inside me....Saturn exposed me to the realities in life. He was now making me work for it!

At that time, life introduced me two important people in my life. Mr. R and Mr.A :-) .....

Gift sent by God :-) ... reinforcements during war. Saturn wasn't willing to leave me alone.

I don't want to mention  their names, I am not sure how A and R would feel. But for the purpose of this blog, we would consider them simply as "R" and "A". They aren't imaginary characters, but real characters from different walks of life who supported me during tough times.

"A" was the person who taught me astrology and encouraged me. What I needed was not money, wealth ... someone to put an arm around my shoulders. I needed a companion. That's exactly what "A" did.

In mid-May 2013, I decided to "surrender" to Shani. I requested my friend "A", to accompany me, as I wasn't willing to travel alone. I have roamed around India a lot, almost seeing 50% of the country living in many cities. But sadly, I am not having energy now. I requested my friend "A" to accompany me.

Tirunaraiyur is a place in Tamilnadu, near the town of Natchiyar Koil, which is near Kumbakonam. This town is famous for Shani Temple. Those who are under the influence of Saturn, those running Saade Sati, Shani Dhaiya and those having Saturn in Ascendant (Saturn in 1st house) offer their prayers here to remove obstacles and road blocks of life. And again ... praying to Shani means total surrender, not lighting lamps. A sincere prayer is enough! One needs to accept his shortcomings, his past mistakes (even a small one like being rude to teacher during school days) and request Shani for his blessings. I travelled to this town of Tirunaraiyur with my friend "A" and prayed to him sincerely. Sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

My 1st prayer was protection for my parents. 2nd was - I wanted all my sisters back, as I couldn't be without their bonding. 3rd was my career, I required His blessings.

As days went by - things became a bit fine. Saturn created an even more stronger bonding between me and all of my younger siblings.

May 28th, 2013 - Jupiter moved from 3rd position to 4th. I had some help from Jupiter now. Shani blessed me with a better job with more salary and a better designation. My testing period was nearing its end. I was a changed man. I respect Shani at heart now and I worship him. He made me "lead" in times of crisis and exposed me to realities of life. In one sense, it's good that I went through this phase. If I hadn't been through it, then I would have also grown up being filthy rich in future - that wouldn't have done anything good to my life. A school teacher teaches a child and then keeps test. Saturn is also a teacher. But He keeps the test first and then teaches the lesson in his own wayy. The Saturn way! :-) .....

I was telling my friend "A"... a few days back..... - "If not for you, I would have been alone... you helped me a lot. Talking of marriage - if that is destined to happen - let it happen with the blessings of Shani Bhagwan Himself. I have him in my Ascendent Rising. He knows what's right for me. He will lead me to my girl.....who knows ... she could be a Saturn in Libra rising ? :-)..."

And talking about my lost wealth .... It's not my job to punish people.... It's the duty of Saturn ....I feel sorry for them.

Signing off,

Jai Shani Mahadev!!!!!!! (saying this whole heartedly)

May Shani Bhagwan bless my parents, my sisters and me as well.