The Greatness of Saturn by Robert E. Svoboda Part I

The Greatness of Saturn by Robert E. Svoboda

A Therapeutic Method

(Book review 12/2015)

This book is the translation of the Gujarati version of the “Shani Mahatmya” that was written by Pranjivan Harihar Shastri and published in the 1950s in Bombay by Natvarlal I. Desai. This version is now out of print, and the publisher has closed down but nearly identical Marathi rendition is available published by Jaya Hind Prakashan of Bombay in 1990.

This book is divided into three main parts 1. Purvakarma 2. Pradhankarma and 3. Paschatkarma.

Purvakarma states that a myth should not be overanalyzed as it loses its weight in surgery. Myths are the conscience of any culture and we lose the essence of the culture in over-analysis though it may give temporary intellectual satisfaction but in the end the loss is of the culture. He also said about folklores and songs as it is the responsibility of the hearer to transmit them to other people in case they fail to do so the legends try to come out in some ways but in case if the folklore is not spread it gets lost. Therefore I urge everyone reading these stories to transmit them in their own capacities.

Pradhankarma

King Vikrama deliberates in his court over which of the nine planets is superior. There was a champion for each planet who came to reveal the greatness of their revered ones.

The Sun: - Everything originates from the Sun, for he is the soul of all. His metal is gold or copper, and his gem ruby. In the body he rules the bones.

The Moon: - The Moon is the mind of all, the lord of the senses and the emotions. His metal is bronze or silver, and his gem pearl. He rules the blood in the body, and because he is of the nature of semen he is passion-filled. Whoever seeks sexual satisfaction should worship the Moon.

Mars: - The Mars relieves all difficulties, especially those of illness, debt, and enemies. His metal is copper, and his gem coral. He rules muscles and bone marrow in body. He is Virabhadra, the son of Lord Shiva and the Earth. Some say he is the Karttikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is also referred as the Skanda, the son of Agni and Swaha, daughter of Daksha.

Mercury: - He is the son of Moon. He is the most intelligent planet of all, and he removes all the obstacles of those who worship him. As far as possible for everyone he causes no inauspicious event, but rather creates prosperity for everyone. His metal is brass, and his gem emerald.

Jupiter:- Jupiter is particularly merciful, and his wisdom is extraordinarily profound. Lord of body’s fat, his metal is gold and his gem topaz.

Venus:- Obeisance to Venus causes all obstacles, all worries, and all disease that surround a person to flee far away. His other name is Ushanas. His metal is silver and gem is diamond. 

Saturn:- Son of the Sun, Saturn is the supreme terrifier among planets. His metal is iron, and his gem is blue sapphire. If you hope to prevent Saturn from mangling your life, as he has mangled so many lives, make regular offerings of black sesame seeds, sesame oil, and sugar on Saturdays to an iron image of that planet; also make Saturday donations of sesame and iron to the needy. 

Rahu and Ketu:- When propitiated, Rahu fills one with mercy and removes disease and fear of snakes, while a pleased Ketu gives transcendental wisdom. Rahu rules lead and agate, while Ketu rules earth and turquoise.

The Verdict

“Better not to have a son at all than to have one with a hateful gaze as Saturn’s. Since Lord Saturn tormented his own father, who will he not torment? Tell me, O wise ones.” Uttered Vikramadatiya in his weak moment. It so happened that Saturn was passing overhead in his aerial car; he overheard these things and landed his craft in the assembly hall of the king. All were terrified including the king and all rose to their feet and pitched forward onto the ground. The king offered him his seat and worshipped him with utter reverence, well aware that his fate has been sealed.

When the king was finished, the dark-countenanced Saturn spoke to him in a voice that rang with the calm cold of reality: “O Vikramaditya! You have insulted me in front of the entire assembly without even knowing the extent of my capabilities. Are you aware that Indra and all the other devas quiver in front of me? You know that whomever I get angry with I totally destroy, but what you have not yet comprehended is that I do not allow even a trace of that miscreant to remain; no, not even his name. While flying through the air just now, I sensed you expressing your disgust for me. As it is, I am about to enter the constellation Virgo, which occupies the twelfth house of your horoscope. This means that for seven and half years you will have no choice but to learn precisely who I am. At the moment, your reason has deviated from its proper course, but soon you will know what my powers really are. I shall remove all these airs of yours, mark my word.

“You do not yet know my prowess. The Moon resides in one constellation of the zodiac for a mere two and quarter days; The Sun, Mercury and Venus for one month each; Mars for one-and-half months, Jupiter for twelve months; and Rahu and Ketu for eighteen months. But I remain far a full thirty months in each sign, and I have delivered prolonged misery even to the great gods themselves. Hear my words with full concentration, O King! When I waylaid Shri Ramchandra, the incarnation of God Himself, He was sent to exile in the forest, and when I accosted Ravana Shri Ramachandra and Laxmana collected an army, invaded Lanka, killed Ravana, and destroyed his entire family. So now, King Vikrama, you had best prepare for misfortune!”

On completing this tirade Saturn rose straightaway, just as Vikramaditya fell on ground. Grabbing hold of Saturn’s two dark feet in dismay the king cried loudly, “O Lord Saturn! Forgive me for this offence, I beg of you! Have mercy on this poor miserable wretch!” Saturn said, “If I show compassion to you, you will never obtain personal knowledge of my abilities. At least once you must experience my play; otherwise your insolence will not leave you.” Having said this, Saturn reentered his vehicle and sped away through space to his own realm.