Introduction: Shani Dev is the God of Justice. People fear him, but he only punishes bad karma and rewards patience. This fast is observed to reduce the effects of Sade Sati or Shani Dosha

The Story (Vrat Katha) Once, the nine planets (Navagraha) argued about who was the greatest. King Vikramaditya was asked to judge. He diplomatically gave high seats to others but a lower seat to Shani Dev, calling him “Cruel.”

Shani Dev was offended and vowed to teach the King a lesson. When the King’s Sade Sati (7.5 years of Shani) began, misfortune struck. The King went to a neighbouring kingdom where he was falsely accused of stealing a necklace. The ruler there ordered the King’s hands and legs to be cut off.

The crippled King was given a job at an oil press (Teli). Despite his suffering, he remained patient. One night, he sang the “Deepak Raga” so beautifully that the city lamps lit up.

Shani Dev was pleased with his patience and acceptance of karma. He restored the King’s limbs and kingdom. The King then declared that Shani Dev is powerful and must be respected.

Conclusion: Worshipping Shani Dev with mustard oil and black sesame seeds on Saturdays protects one from sudden misfortunes.