Hanuman and Shani Dev
The story of why Shani, the planet of hard lessons, spares those who take Hanuman's name, and why oil is offered on Saturdays.
The Story in Brief
A powerful planet meets a servant of Ram who cannot be moved.
Shani arrives
Shani Dev comes to cast his gaze on Hanuman, who is absorbed in Shri Ram's service.
The mountain
Hanuman raises a great mountain onto his head, with Shani caught beneath it.
Freed from Ravana
In another legend, Hanuman frees Shani from Ravana's prison in Lanka.
The oil offering
Devotees offer oil on Saturdays, in remembrance of Shani's relief.
Hanuman Teaches Shani a Lesson
The most popular version of the legend.
Shani's gaze
Shani Dev, the planet Saturn, is feared because his gaze brings trials to everyone, gods and humans alike. One day he decided that it was Hanuman's turn.
Hanuman is busy
Shani found Hanuman immersed in the service of Shri Ram. He announced his arrival and said that his time had come to enter Hanuman's life. Hanuman replied politely that he was busy with Ram's work and asked Shani to come back later.
Shani insists
Shani would not wait. He said that no one escapes him. Hanuman agreed, but said that if Shani must come, he should sit where he wished. Shani chose Hanuman's head.
The mountain
Hanuman then lifted a great mountain, and then another, and placed them on his head, going on with his work. Shani was crushed beneath the weight and cried out in pain.
Shani begs for release
Shani begged to be set free and promised never to trouble Hanuman or any devotee who remembers him. Hanuman lowered the mountains and let him go.
The oil
Shani's body was bruised and aching. Hanuman gave him oil to soothe the pain, and Shani said that whoever offers him oil on Saturday, with Hanuman's name on their lips, will receive his grace. This is why mustard or sesame oil is offered on Saturdays.
Another Legend: Shani Freed from Ravana's Prison
Hanuman as the rescuer.
Shani in Ravana's prison
In another well-known legend, Ravana had imprisoned the nine planets, and he kept Shani hanging upside down in his palace so that his gaze would fall on the ground, and not on Ravana's fortunes.
Hanuman finds him
While searching Lanka, Hanuman saw the bound Shani and freed him. Shani, weak and grateful, promised that Hanuman's devotees would be spared his hardest trials.
These stories come from folk and Puranic traditions, and they are not part of the main text of the Valmiki Ramayana. Versions differ from region to region. Both give the same message: Shani is gentle with those who remember Hanuman.
In the Hanuman Chalisa
The promise of relief from trouble.
मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै॥Sankat te Hanuman chhudaavai, man kram bachan dhyaan jo laavai.
Meaning: Hanuman frees from trouble the one who remembers him with mind, action and word.
For the full text and verse-by-verse meaning, see our Hanuman Chalisa with meaning pages. For the vidhi, see our Hanuman puja and vrat guide.
What Devotees Do on Saturdays
Practices that follow from the story.
- Recite the Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times if you can.
- Light a sesame or mustard oil lamp before Hanuman, or under a peepal tree at dusk.
- Offer sindoor and oil to Hanuman.
- Donate food, sesame, or a blanket to those in need.
- Live honestly and treat workers and the elderly with respect, which Shani values most.
These are faith-based practices. They do not replace medical, legal or financial advice.
What the Story Teaches
- Devotion over fear. Hanuman was not afraid of Shani. His mind was on his work for Ram.
- Humility in strength. He was polite and patient before he acted.
- Compassion after victory. He let Shani go and even eased his pain.
- Shani is a teacher. His trials are said to reward patience, discipline and honest work.
Common Questions
Short answers about Hanuman and Shani.
Why does Shani not trouble Hanuman's devotees?
According to legend, Shani promised Hanuman that he would not harass anyone who worships Hanuman with devotion. This promise was made either after the mountain episode, or after Hanuman freed Shani from Ravana's prison.
Why do people offer oil to Shani on Saturday?
In the popular story, Hanuman gave Shani oil to soothe his pain, and Shani blessed those who offer oil on Saturdays. Mustard or sesame oil is used in a lamp or poured on the Shani idol.
Is it right to worship Hanuman during Sade Sati?
Many people recite the Hanuman Chalisa and light a lamp on Saturdays during Sade Sati. It is a matter of faith, and it does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.
Which Chalisa verse speaks of relief from troubles?
The chaupai Sankat te Hanuman chhudaavai, man kram bachan dhyaan jo laavai says Hanuman frees from troubles those who remember him in thought, word and deed.
Are there different versions of the Hanuman and Shani story?
Yes. The story comes from folk and Puranic traditions, and not from the main text of the Valmiki Ramayana. The versions differ in their details.