Saturday (Shanivar) Vrat Katha

Once all the planets argued about who was the greatest. The dispute reached Indra, king of gods, who suggested they ask a wise earthly king. All planets arrived at King Vikramaditya\'s court. The king wisely had thrones made of different metals for each planet — gold for the Sun, silver for the Moon, and iron for Shani Dev. Shani Dev felt insulted, believing the king had placed him lowest. In anger, he cast the period of Sade Sati upon the king. Terrible misfortunes befell Vikramaditya. He lost his kingdom, was humiliated, had his hands and feet cut off, and was forced to work as a servant at an oil-presser\'s house. Yet the king never lost his patience or composure. One night the king sang a melody so beautiful that the city\'s princess was enchanted. Gradually the truth emerged and the king\'s identity was revealed. Shani Dev observed that the king had endured all suffering without wavering. Pleased, Shani Dev ended the Sade Sati period. The king regained his kingdom. Since then, people observe the Saturday fast to please Shani Dev and mitigate his harsh influence.

Observe the fast on Saturday. Offer mustard oil, black sesame, black urad dal, and iron items to Shani Dev. Pour mustard oil on the peepal tree. Recite Shani Chalisa. Wear black or blue clothes.

The Saturday fast is observed to gain Shani Dev's grace and reduce the hardships of Sade Sati and Dhaiyya periods.