Why Mars exalts in Capricorn & Saturn debilitates in Aries : Hanuman Janmotsav Special : The story of Hanuman & Shani Dev

Why Mars Exalts in the Sign of Saturn and Why Saturn Debilitates in the Sign of Mars

Let us understand this through the stories of Hanuman Ji and Lord Saturn.

Ravana, the evil one, being a master of mundane astrology and tantra, had used his powers to subjugate all nine planets (Navagrahas), forcing them to face downward so they could never cast an "evil eye" on his horoscope. He kept Saturn imprisoned in a dark, narrow cell (or used him as a footstool) to prevent any "Sade Sati" (considered a difficult period) from affecting his reign.

When Hanuman Ji reached Lanka to find Mata Sita, he heard a piteous groan from a dark dungeon. It was Shani (Saturn) Dev. Hanuman Ji used his immense strength to break the prison walls and rescue him. Saturn, though weakened, was grateful. However, he warned Hanuman Ji that, by his nature, he must eventually cast his gaze upon him. Hanuman Ji playfully invited him to do so. In gratitude for his rescue, Shani Dev promised: "Whosoever worships you with devotion, especially on Saturdays, will be exempt from my malefic influence."

Mars is the significator planet for Hanuman Ji, representing his immense strength, courage, siddhis, and occult powers; however, those powers need discipline to work productively. From the story above, one can understand the gratitude of Saturn toward this strong Martian energy. From a horoscopic point of view, Saturn blesses Mars to exalt in his own sign of Capricorn, where Mars can reach its full power.

Now, to understand why Saturn debilitates in Aries, we look to another story of Hanuman Ji and Saturn. Shani Dev approached Hanuman Ji and announced that it was time for Hanuman’s Sade Sati (the 7.5-year transit) to begin. He insisted that he must reside on Hanuman Ji’s body. Hanuman Ji suggested that Shani reside on his head. As soon as Saturn perched there, Hanuman Ji began carrying massive mountain boulders for the bridge, placing them directly on his own head (and thus, onto Shani). The weight of the mountains was so immense that Shani Dev was crushed and began to cry out in pain. He begged for release.

Hanuman Ji released him only after Shani promised that he would never trouble those who worship Hanuman Ji. To heal his bruises, Shani requested mustard oil, which is why offering oil to Shani on Saturdays is a standard remedial measure today.

Aries is the sign that signifies the head of our body. It is also the sign where Saturn reaches its lowest power and debilitates. In this state, Saturn "cries out" and brings pain into a life filled with sadness, depression, and suffering—all of which affect the head. From the story above, we understand why Saturn debilitates in the sign of Aries, the sign ruled by Mars, the significator of Hanuman Ji.

For pacifying Saturn and strengthening Mars, always chant the Hanuman Chalisa given below:

Shri Guru Charana Saroja Raja, Nija Manu Mukuru Sudhari | Baranau Raghuvara Bimala Jasha, Jo Dayaku Phala Chari || Buddhi-Heena Tanu Janike, Sumirau Pavana-Kumara | Bala Budhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesha Bikara ||

1. Jai Hanuman Gyana Guna Sagara | Jai Kapisa Tihun Loka Ujagara ||

2. Rama Duta Atulita Bala Dhama | Anjani-Putra Pavana-Suta Nama ||

3. Mahabira Bikrama Bajrangi | Kumati Nivara Sumati Ke Sangi ||

4. Kanchana Barana Biraja Subesa | Kanana Kundala Kunchita Kesa ||

5. Hatha Bajra Au Dhvaja Virajai | Kandhe Moonj Janeu Sajai ||

6. Shankara Suvana Kesari Nandana | Teja Pratapa Maha Jaga Bandana ||

7. Vidyavana Guni Ati Chatura | Rama Kaja Karibe Ko Atura ||

8. Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya | Rama Lakhana Sita Mana Basiya ||

9. Sukshma Rupa Dhari Siyahi Dikhava | Bikata Rupa Dhari Lanka Jarava ||

10. Bhima Rupa Dhari Asura Sanhare | Ramachandra Ke Kaja Sanvare ||

11. Laya Sajivana Lakhana Jiyaye | Shri Raghuvira Harashi Ura Laye ||

12. Raghupati Kinhi Bahuta Badai | Tuma Mama Priya Bharatahi Sama Bhai ||

13. Sahasa Badana Tumharo Jasha Gawai | Asa Kahi Shripati Kantha Lagawai ||

14. Sanakadika Brahmadi Munisa | Narada Sharada Sahita Ahisa ||

15. Yama Kubera Digapala Jahan Te | Kavi Kovida Kahi Sake Kahan Te ||

16. Tuma Upakara Sugrivahi Kinha | Rama Milaya Raja Pada Dinha ||

17. Tumharo Mantra Vibhishana Mana | Lankeshvara Bhaye Saba Jaga Jana ||

18. Yuga Sahasra Jojana Para Bhanu | Lilyo Tahi Madhura Phala Janu ||

19. Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Mahi | Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaja Nahi ||

20. Durgama Kaja Jagata Ke Jete | Sugama Anugraha Tumhare Tete ||

21. Rama Duare Tuma Rakhavare | Hota Na Agya Binu Paisare ||

22. Saba Sukha Lahai Tumhari Sharana | Tuma Rakshaka Kahu Ko Darana ||

23. Apana Teja Samharo Apai | Tinon Loka Haunka Ten Kanpai ||

24. Bhuta Pishacha Nikata Nahi Awai | Mahabira Jaba Nama Sunawai ||

25. Nasai Roga Harai Saba Pira | Japata Nirantara Hanumata Bira ||

26. Sankata Te Hanumana Chhudawai | Mana Krama Bachana Dhyana Jo Lawai ||

27. Saba Para Rama Tapasvi Raja | Tina Ke Kaja Sakala Tuma Saja ||

28. Aura Manoratha Jo Koi Lawai | Soi Amita Jivana Phala Pawai ||

29. Charon Yuga Paritapa Tumhara | Hai Parasiddha Jagata Ujiyara ||

30. Sadhu Santa Ke Tuma Rakhavare | Asura Nikandana Rama Dulare ||

31. Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data | Asa Bara Dina Janaki Mata ||

32. Rama Rasayana Tumhare Pasa | Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa ||

33. Tumhare Bhajana Rama Ko Pawai | Janama Janama Ke Dukha Bisrawai ||

34. Anta Kala Raghubara Pura Jai | Jahan Janma Hari-Bhakta Kahai ||

35. Aura Devata Chitta Na Dharai | Hanumata Sei Sarba Sukha Karai ||

36. Sankata Katai Mitai Saba Pira | Jo Sumirai Hanumata Balabira ||

37. Jai Jai Jai Hanumana Gosain | Kripa Karahu Gurudeva Ki Nyain ||

38. Jo Shata Bara Patha Kara Koi | Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukha Hoi ||

39. Jo Yaha Padhai Hanumana Chalisa | Hoya Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa ||

40. Tulasidasa Sada Hari Chera | Kijai Natha Hridaya Mahan Dera ||

Closing Doha Pavana Tanaya Sankata Harana, Mangala Murati Rupa | Rama Lakhana Sita Sahita, Hridaya Basahu Sura Bhupa ||