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.
