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The Greatness of Saturn: A Therapeutic Myth
The Shani Mahatmya translated in English.
The telling of mythic stories has always been a powerful form of therapy, bring healing to people facing adversity. The Greatness of Saturn is such a therapeutic myth, told and retold through many centuries. Taken from the Vedic tradition, it honors the planet Saturn, who personifies time, limitation, loss, and all forms of adversity.
No person goes through life without sometime being touched by Saturn. This book presents a classic Saturn story and a clear view of the cosmology from which the story came. As we hear the story and come to understand its context, we experience a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
The telling of mythic stories has always been a powerful form of therapy, bring healing to people facing adversity. The Greatness of Saturn is such a therapeutic myth, told and retold through many centuries. Taken from the Vedic tradition, it honors the planet Saturn, who personifies time, limitation, loss, and all forms of adversity.
No person goes through life without sometime being touched by Saturn. This book presents a classic Saturn story and a clear view of the cosmology from which the story came. As we hear the story and come to understand its context, we experience a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
219 people are currently reading
1113 people want to read
About the author
Robert E. Svoboda
41 books311 followersDuring and after my formal Ayurvedic training I was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, Tantra and allied subjects by my mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He also owned thoroughbred race horses, and I served as his Authorized Racing Agent at the Royal Western India Turf Club in Bombay and Poona between 1975 and 1985.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 1, 2019
I am mesmerized. This book not only tells you about Vikramaditya but also gives interpretation of the same from esoteric, mystical and historical perspective. This book not just talks about the remedy of Saturn but also of the other planets. The different stories about the malefic significance of all the planets along with the remedies are given. This book also gives a detailed account of why Saturn could not affect Lord Hanuman and still managed to affect him. After reading this book, I am inclined to read the original Gujarati version of the book.
July 2, 2024
Incredible insights into the relationships that planets share https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/greatne...
June 21, 2024
I read it a long time ago.. But not once, but several times! And it is amazing. The book describes different planets, starting from Sun, Moon, etc and ending with Saturn. It is written in a story manner. Starting with a king, who wanted to know, which planet is the most powerful.
Each planet is well described with colors it wears and likes, their represented days (Moon - Monday, Mars - Tuesday, Mercury - Wednesday, etc)
So easy-written and so understanding. I love it! One of the important books in astrology (basic books).
Each planet is well described with colors it wears and likes, their represented days (Moon - Monday, Mars - Tuesday, Mercury - Wednesday, etc)
So easy-written and so understanding. I love it! One of the important books in astrology (basic books).
May 20, 2023
Sometimes the reader choses a book, but more often than not, the book chooses the reader. This book is something that has been and continues to be a mystery for me. This review will be more of a collection of personal experiences with a bit of traditional review comments below. This book is the English rendition of the auspicious “Shani Mahatmya”.
I heard about this book from the context of the Aghora trilogy by the same author. In the past, I have tried reading this book, but for some unforeseen reason, I have always encountered a mental block or some sort of issues that forced me to postpone the read. When I read a tweet about Shani Jayanti, I impulsively started the book. Little did I know that I was ordained to read this magnificent book rather a therapeutic book (as it self-claims) on this auspicious day. My surprises know no limits when Jyestha masa is chosen as an example in the context of Surya, as today the same masa starts for some of us. In short, I guess it was destined to be today. I am certain that I will read this book many more times & each time a newer perspective will form.
The book is divided into 3 parts i.e. Purvakarma, Pradhanakarma & Paschatkarma. In Purvakarma, the author discusses about the rationale behind reading such a book, the current conditions of the society etc. His take on the modern day life impacting the spiritual path is bang-on and quite relevant for the current day, even though the book is more than 25 years old. The author goes on to elaborate the set of rituals to be followed while reading / reciting this book.
In Pradhanakarma, the overall story of Shani Mahatmya is captured in the form of a discussion between King Vikramaditya of Ujjain and his illustrious cabinet. The question posed by the king is “Who is the greatest god”. As an answer to this question, every single one elaborates on each of the Navagrahas starting with their form, colour, jewels etc, similar to the ahvana mantras of Navagraha Homa. Each one of the grahas are given elaborate references w.r.t. their origins & resulting impact on the individuals. At the end of the description, a proverbial slip of tongue on the king’s part earns him the wrath of Shani Bhagwan. The rest of the section details King Vikramaditya’s travails during the 7.5 year period, how Bhagwan tests him & finally the release from the period along with the King regaining his original form & stature. Further on king’s request, Shani Bhagwan also details the various impact he has had on other people including his own Guru, the birth of Ganesha, impact on Rama and Ravana, the Syamantaka curse on Sri Krishna etc.
In Pashatkarma, the author provides the description & comparison of the contemporary space w.r.t. Indian astrology / mythology / Puranas and their intricate and complex relationship with Vedas, Itihasas & other accounts across the world like Greek, Indo-Iranian etc. Some of the points may be debatable & the reader could potentially have discomforts with certain sections, but I guess the focus is more on a comparative landscape than establishing the veracity of each of the claims. One of the key feature of this section is a detailed and elaborate set of tables detailing the various parihara for each of the Navagrahas & a brief outline of the steps to be followed. This is very informative not just for Shani Preeti, but to handle any malefic impact of other Grahas. The concluding section of the book details the various Vratha Karmas in the form of stories which are recited as Graha Shanti / Graha Preeti sadhana.
This book is highly recommended one, not just for the profound spiritual aspect of the same, but for internal reflection & potential improvements that can be inferred. MUST READ BOOK.
I heard about this book from the context of the Aghora trilogy by the same author. In the past, I have tried reading this book, but for some unforeseen reason, I have always encountered a mental block or some sort of issues that forced me to postpone the read. When I read a tweet about Shani Jayanti, I impulsively started the book. Little did I know that I was ordained to read this magnificent book rather a therapeutic book (as it self-claims) on this auspicious day. My surprises know no limits when Jyestha masa is chosen as an example in the context of Surya, as today the same masa starts for some of us. In short, I guess it was destined to be today. I am certain that I will read this book many more times & each time a newer perspective will form.
The book is divided into 3 parts i.e. Purvakarma, Pradhanakarma & Paschatkarma. In Purvakarma, the author discusses about the rationale behind reading such a book, the current conditions of the society etc. His take on the modern day life impacting the spiritual path is bang-on and quite relevant for the current day, even though the book is more than 25 years old. The author goes on to elaborate the set of rituals to be followed while reading / reciting this book.
In Pradhanakarma, the overall story of Shani Mahatmya is captured in the form of a discussion between King Vikramaditya of Ujjain and his illustrious cabinet. The question posed by the king is “Who is the greatest god”. As an answer to this question, every single one elaborates on each of the Navagrahas starting with their form, colour, jewels etc, similar to the ahvana mantras of Navagraha Homa. Each one of the grahas are given elaborate references w.r.t. their origins & resulting impact on the individuals. At the end of the description, a proverbial slip of tongue on the king’s part earns him the wrath of Shani Bhagwan. The rest of the section details King Vikramaditya’s travails during the 7.5 year period, how Bhagwan tests him & finally the release from the period along with the King regaining his original form & stature. Further on king’s request, Shani Bhagwan also details the various impact he has had on other people including his own Guru, the birth of Ganesha, impact on Rama and Ravana, the Syamantaka curse on Sri Krishna etc.
In Pashatkarma, the author provides the description & comparison of the contemporary space w.r.t. Indian astrology / mythology / Puranas and their intricate and complex relationship with Vedas, Itihasas & other accounts across the world like Greek, Indo-Iranian etc. Some of the points may be debatable & the reader could potentially have discomforts with certain sections, but I guess the focus is more on a comparative landscape than establishing the veracity of each of the claims. One of the key feature of this section is a detailed and elaborate set of tables detailing the various parihara for each of the Navagrahas & a brief outline of the steps to be followed. This is very informative not just for Shani Preeti, but to handle any malefic impact of other Grahas. The concluding section of the book details the various Vratha Karmas in the form of stories which are recited as Graha Shanti / Graha Preeti sadhana.
This book is highly recommended one, not just for the profound spiritual aspect of the same, but for internal reflection & potential improvements that can be inferred. MUST READ BOOK.
December 22, 2023
Astroamerica
THE GREATNESS OF SATURN, A Theraputic Myth - Robert Svoboda, $14.95
Contents:
Foreword; Preface; Purvakarma: Introduction.
Pradhanakarma - The Greatness of Saturn:
1. King Vikrama deliberates in his court over which of the nine planets is superior;
2. The Sun;
3. The Moon;
4. Mars;
5. Mercury;
6. Jupiter;
7. Venus; Intermezzo: The debate;
8. Saturn;
9. Rahu & & Ketu, the lunar nodes;
10. The begging of the universe;
11. The verdict
12. The beginning of the seven & a half year period of Saturn's dominance of Vikramaditya's life
13. King Vikrama is falsely accused of theft, and is put to work on the oil mill
14. The lifting of the seven and a half and the pleasing of Lord Saturn
15. Saturn's stories of how he administered misery to his guru & others
16. King Vikrama reveals his identity
17. King Vikrama returns to Ujjayini
Pashatkarma: Deities, seizers & remedies; Myth; Vrata Katha; The Greatness of Saturn.
Appendix: Calculation of the seven and a half. Glossary & pronunciation guide; Bibliography
Comment: The seven and a half is known elsewhere as Saadi Saati, the period of time during which Saturn passes over the natal moon, starting with the sign preceeding the moon's natal sign, ending when it passes out of the sign after the moon's. It happens once every 29-ish years.
In the Preface, the author writes: During the decade that I lived all but continuously in India my greatest fortune was to have spent eight of those years in the company of my mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda.
He exposed me to a great deal of India's classical culture & to many living traditions, and taught me both how to appreciate and how to perform in the grand pageant that is India. When he introduced me to the Shani Mahatmya ("The Greatness of Saturn") it was a mid-morning in early 1980 just before Saturn was to begin afflicting my natal Moon.
After this period of affliction ended in late 1987 I became inspired to translate the Shani Mahatmya into English, that the tale might live & work in a culture far distant in time, space & sensibilities from that of its birth. (pg. viii)
The story starts, One fine day at court King Vikrama was mentioning what a nasty old coot Saturn was.
Unknown to him, Saturn was passing overhead at the time & heard every word. So Saturn came to Vikrama's court & proceeded to curse Vikrama for seven & a half years.
This is what happened during those 7.5 years, with all the marvels typical of Indian myths, retold with Svoboda's skills.
Lotus Press, 292 pages
-----
THE GREATNESS OF SATURN, A Theraputic Myth - Robert Svoboda, $14.95
Contents:
Foreword; Preface; Purvakarma: Introduction.
Pradhanakarma - The Greatness of Saturn:
1. King Vikrama deliberates in his court over which of the nine planets is superior;
2. The Sun;
3. The Moon;
4. Mars;
5. Mercury;
6. Jupiter;
7. Venus; Intermezzo: The debate;
8. Saturn;
9. Rahu & & Ketu, the lunar nodes;
10. The begging of the universe;
11. The verdict
12. The beginning of the seven & a half year period of Saturn's dominance of Vikramaditya's life
13. King Vikrama is falsely accused of theft, and is put to work on the oil mill
14. The lifting of the seven and a half and the pleasing of Lord Saturn
15. Saturn's stories of how he administered misery to his guru & others
16. King Vikrama reveals his identity
17. King Vikrama returns to Ujjayini
Pashatkarma: Deities, seizers & remedies; Myth; Vrata Katha; The Greatness of Saturn.
Appendix: Calculation of the seven and a half. Glossary & pronunciation guide; Bibliography
Comment: The seven and a half is known elsewhere as Saadi Saati, the period of time during which Saturn passes over the natal moon, starting with the sign preceeding the moon's natal sign, ending when it passes out of the sign after the moon's. It happens once every 29-ish years.
In the Preface, the author writes: During the decade that I lived all but continuously in India my greatest fortune was to have spent eight of those years in the company of my mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda.
He exposed me to a great deal of India's classical culture & to many living traditions, and taught me both how to appreciate and how to perform in the grand pageant that is India. When he introduced me to the Shani Mahatmya ("The Greatness of Saturn") it was a mid-morning in early 1980 just before Saturn was to begin afflicting my natal Moon.
After this period of affliction ended in late 1987 I became inspired to translate the Shani Mahatmya into English, that the tale might live & work in a culture far distant in time, space & sensibilities from that of its birth. (pg. viii)
The story starts, One fine day at court King Vikrama was mentioning what a nasty old coot Saturn was.
Unknown to him, Saturn was passing overhead at the time & heard every word. So Saturn came to Vikrama's court & proceeded to curse Vikrama for seven & a half years.
This is what happened during those 7.5 years, with all the marvels typical of Indian myths, retold with Svoboda's skills.
Lotus Press, 292 pages
-----
August 5, 2017
The book was reminiscent of my childhood. It greatly talks about the valor and forsightedness of rightous king Vikramaditya of Ujjayini which happens to be my hometown. I take great pride in associating my life's journey with this historical town. The greatness of Saturn is all about to withdraw from your normal life once a week or once a month, open yourself to the book and let Vikramaditya and Saturn live again through you.
February 3, 2017
Like other living stories and myths and legends it is weird to read but starts to seep in right away. Good medicine for the pain of "Saturn's gaze". Or to prepare for its inevitability.
Also a good introduction to Vedic planetary mythology and jyotish and how to work with living stories. It makes me want to dive in further.
Also a good introduction to Vedic planetary mythology and jyotish and how to work with living stories. It makes me want to dive in further.
September 13, 2017
A Good book with a small collection of planetary myths, which was the best part of the book. The book also gives an eloquent rendition on astrology and how it is more to do with the individual sensitivity to constellations within oneself. Robert reveals the ways by which the planets discharge their play on us, and especially in particular to Saturn. A good book by a good author.
May 27, 2019
Honors to Shani in the highest- making friends with reality.
March 21, 2016
[ნებისმეიერი მსგავსება რეალურ მოვლენებთან და ადამიანებთან არის შემთხვევითი. არაფერი ასეთი არც მომხდარა და ვერც მოხდება!]
რა მოხდა და - მოხდა რაღაც, რის გამოც უკვე მე-6 თვეა ვარ დეპრესიაში. მე-6 თვეა ყოველი დილა იწყება ფიქრით: "კიდევ ერთი დედამ%&@% დღე გათენდა და კიდევ ერთი დღე როგორღაც უნდა ვიცხოვრო. ვფქირობ, ისეთი რა დავაშავე რო ეს სასჯელი დავიმსახურე და საერთოდ, რატომ ვარ ისე, რაც და როგორც ვარ! ვერანაირ გამოსავალს ვერ ვხედავ და სულ უფრო და უფრო ვეფლობი ამაოებისა და უიმედობის მორევში. მეწყება პარანოია, ცოტაც ფსიქოზი. გავრბივარ ტყეში მარტო რამდენიმე დღით, იქ ვსვამ ლიზეგენის მჟავასაც - არ მშველის. სამსახურში ვერაფერს ვაკეთებ. ხალხთან კომუნიკაცია მიჭირს. ვიწყებ რაღაც ურთიერთობას, რომელიც თავიდანვე შეცდომაა და ეგ კიდე უფრო მგრუზავს და სინდისი მქენჯნის. ვსვამ ბევრს! დაჟე რამდენჯერმე ხორციც ვჭამე. მოკლედ, მაგრად ბნელა!
ხოდა, დაბადების დღეზე მეგობარმა შემომთავაზა ერთად გადავიხადოთ ჩემთანო, შენ სასმელი მოიტანე, მე საჭმელს ვიკისრებ და საერთოს სასტავი შევკრიბოთო (ერთ დღეს გვაქვს). შეიკირიბა დიდი (კარგი) სასტავი და არი სმა-მოწევა-ერთიამბავი. ჭამა ნაკლე���ად. რა თქმა უნდა მალევე ჩამოვყარე ყურები და სადღაც კუთხეში მივიჭმუჭნე. ხოდა აი ამ დროს მოდის მეორე იუბილარის მეგობარი (მე რო ფაქტიურად არ ვიცნობდი მაშინ) და მეკითხება: "მიჩ, 30-ის გახდი, ხოო"? მეთქი კი. შეგიძლია გაიხსენო და მითხრა დაახლოებით 29.5-ის რო იყავი რა მოხდაო? გადავთავლე და ჰოი საოცრებავ იმენნა - 1 კვირის სიზუსტით ემთხვევა იმ ამბავს, რის მერეც ვარ აი ასეთ დღეში! რა თქმა უნდა გადავიქეცი გაოგნებად, საიდან იცის, თან თარიღი ზუსტად?!?! მეთქი რა პონტში მეკითხები? იმან კაროჩე, 29.5 წელი ჭირდება სატურნის სრულ ციკლს მზის გარშემო და რადგან ვედურ ასტროლოგიაში სატურნი ძალიან კანკრეტნად ჟისტოკი ტიპია, ეგ პერიოდი ზოგადად მძიმეა ადამიანებისთვისო - ვიცნობ, ვისაც ზუსტად მაგ დროს უსაყვარლესი ადამიანი მოუკვდაო, აი ისო (მაჩვენა იქვე ერთი) ციხეში ჩასვესო, სხვას კიდე რაღაცო და მეც მალე მიახლოვდება ეგ ასაკი და მაინტერესებსო. მეთქი, არ დაგიმალავ - პიზდეცია-თქო! Ой, блин, так я и знал-ო - აღმოხდა (რუსულად ვსაუბრობდით).
მერე რა თქმა უნდა ვკითხე რა ბაზარია ეგ 29.5 წელი აბა უფრო მეტი სად წავიკითხო-თქო. მითხრა ეს წიგნი. მეორე დღესვე დავიწყე და ვეცადე გამეთვალისწინებინა კითხვის მეთოდიკაც (აღწერილია თვიდანვე როგორ უნდა წაიკითხო). მოკლედ რომ გითხრათ, პირველი ნაწილი არის ის მითი, რის მიხედვითაც გაიგებთ რატომაა 29.5 და 58 წლები კრიტიკული (თუმცა არ ნიშნავს, რომ აუცილებლად რაღაც საშინელება მოხდება) და ძალიან საინტერესოდ იკითხება თავისთავად. ხოლო მეორე ნახევარი იმაზეა, თუ რითი უშვლოთ ამ საქმეს. რა თქმა უნდა ყველაფერი არ გამიკეთებია რაც იქ ეწერა, და არც ისე იყო რო მეორე დღიდან მომეშვა და გავხდი ბედნიერი. მაგრამ ფაქტია - ამ წიგნის წაკითხვის შემდეგ ძალიან მალე მივიღე ისეთი გადაწყვეტილებები, რომლებმაც მთელი ჩემი ცხოვრების მიმართულება შეცვალა, ძალიან მალე ვისწავლე ისეთი რამეები, რასაც მანამდე არ/ვერ ვსწავლობდი და მოკლედ უკვე აღარ იყო ყოველი დღე ჯოჯოხეთი. და ძალიან მალე სამოთხეშიც აღმოვჩნდი. სამოთხეში თუარა, ყოველ შემთხვევაში ამისრულდა ყველაზე დიდი ოცნება, რაც მქონდა - ამსტერდამში ვყოფილიყავი სტუდენტი, თავის სტიპენდიებით და რამე :)
სხვისი არ ვიცი და ჩემზე ასე იმუშავა... მეგობარი მეუბნებოდა ეტყობა ეშმაკს მიყიდე სულიო. და მაშინ მგონი დავეთანხმე კიდეც :)
რა მოხდა და - მოხდა რაღაც, რის გამოც უკვე მე-6 თვეა ვარ დეპრესიაში. მე-6 თვეა ყოველი დილა იწყება ფიქრით: "კიდევ ერთი დედამ%&@% დღე გათენდა და კიდევ ერთი დღე როგორღაც უნდა ვიცხოვრო. ვფქირობ, ისეთი რა დავაშავე რო ეს სასჯელი დავიმსახურე და საერთოდ, რატომ ვარ ისე, რაც და როგორც ვარ! ვერანაირ გამოსავალს ვერ ვხედავ და სულ უფრო და უფრო ვეფლობი ამაოებისა და უიმედობის მორევში. მეწყება პარანოია, ცოტაც ფსიქოზი. გავრბივარ ტყეში მარტო რამდენიმე დღით, იქ ვსვამ ლიზეგენის მჟავასაც - არ მშველის. სამსახურში ვერაფერს ვაკეთებ. ხალხთან კომუნიკაცია მიჭირს. ვიწყებ რაღაც ურთიერთობას, რომელიც თავიდანვე შეცდომაა და ეგ კიდე უფრო მგრუზავს და სინდისი მქენჯნის. ვსვამ ბევრს! დაჟე რამდენჯერმე ხორციც ვჭამე. მოკლედ, მაგრად ბნელა!
ხოდა, დაბადების დღეზე მეგობარმა შემომთავაზა ერთად გადავიხადოთ ჩემთანო, შენ სასმელი მოიტანე, მე საჭმელს ვიკისრებ და საერთოს სასტავი შევკრიბოთო (ერთ დღეს გვაქვს). შეიკირიბა დიდი (კარგი) სასტავი და არი სმა-მოწევა-ერთიამბავი. ჭამა ნაკლე���ად. რა თქმა უნდა მალევე ჩამოვყარე ყურები და სადღაც კუთხეში მივიჭმუჭნე. ხოდა აი ამ დროს მოდის მეორე იუბილარის მეგობარი (მე რო ფაქტიურად არ ვიცნობდი მაშინ) და მეკითხება: "მიჩ, 30-ის გახდი, ხოო"? მეთქი კი. შეგიძლია გაიხსენო და მითხრა დაახლოებით 29.5-ის რო იყავი რა მოხდაო? გადავთავლე და ჰოი საოცრებავ იმენნა - 1 კვირის სიზუსტით ემთხვევა იმ ამბავს, რის მერეც ვარ აი ასეთ დღეში! რა თქმა უნდა გადავიქეცი გაოგნებად, საიდან იცის, თან თარიღი ზუსტად?!?! მეთქი რა პონტში მეკითხები? იმან კაროჩე, 29.5 წელი ჭირდება სატურნის სრულ ციკლს მზის გარშემო და რადგან ვედურ ასტროლოგიაში სატურნი ძალიან კანკრეტნად ჟისტოკი ტიპია, ეგ პერიოდი ზოგადად მძიმეა ადამიანებისთვისო - ვიცნობ, ვისაც ზუსტად მაგ დროს უსაყვარლესი ადამიანი მოუკვდაო, აი ისო (მაჩვენა იქვე ერთი) ციხეში ჩასვესო, სხვას კიდე რაღაცო და მეც მალე მიახლოვდება ეგ ასაკი და მაინტერესებსო. მეთქი, არ დაგიმალავ - პიზდეცია-თქო! Ой, блин, так я и знал-ო - აღმოხდა (რუსულად ვსაუბრობდით).
მერე რა თქმა უნდა ვკითხე რა ბაზარია ეგ 29.5 წელი აბა უფრო მეტი სად წავიკითხო-თქო. მითხრა ეს წიგნი. მეორე დღესვე დავიწყე და ვეცადე გამეთვალისწინებინა კითხვის მეთოდიკაც (აღწერილია თვიდანვე როგორ უნდა წაიკითხო). მოკლედ რომ გითხრათ, პირველი ნაწილი არის ის მითი, რის მიხედვითაც გაიგებთ რატომაა 29.5 და 58 წლები კრიტიკული (თუმცა არ ნიშნავს, რომ აუცილებლად რაღაც საშინელება მოხდება) და ძალიან საინტერესოდ იკითხება თავისთავად. ხოლო მეორე ნახევარი იმაზეა, თუ რითი უშვლოთ ამ საქმეს. რა თქმა უნდა ყველაფერი არ გამიკეთებია რაც იქ ეწერა, და არც ისე იყო რო მეორე დღიდან მომეშვა და გავხდი ბედნიერი. მაგრამ ფაქტია - ამ წიგნის წაკითხვის შემდეგ ძალიან მალე მივიღე ისეთი გადაწყვეტილებები, რომლებმაც მთელი ჩემი ცხოვრების მიმართულება შეცვალა, ძალიან მალე ვისწავლე ისეთი რამეები, რასაც მანამდე არ/ვერ ვსწავლობდი და მოკლედ უკვე აღარ იყო ყოველი დღე ჯოჯოხეთი. და ძალიან მალე სამოთხეშიც აღმოვჩნდი. სამოთხეში თუარა, ყოველ შემთხვევაში ამისრულდა ყველაზე დიდი ოცნება, რაც მქონდა - ამსტერდამში ვყოფილიყავი სტუდენტი, თავის სტიპენდიებით და რამე :)
სხვისი არ ვიცი და ჩემზე ასე იმუშავა... მეგობარი მეუბნებოდა ეტყობა ეშმაკს მიყიდე სულიო. და მაშინ მგონი დავეთანხმე კიდეც :)
June 4, 2019
Brilliant read and experience
This was a very well written book. I strongly recommend people to read and experience this myth and understanding how The Mighty Lord Saturn and The Nine Planets impact every aspect of our lives. Once you read and re-read The Greatness of Saturn share it with your friends and loved ones and spread this life changing experience. Lord Saturn will give or take what is right for your soul’s progression. Just surrender and pray for his graciousness. I pay my humble respect to the great Lord Saturn and thank Him for giving me the opportunity to know Him through this book. 🙏
This was a very well written book. I strongly recommend people to read and experience this myth and understanding how The Mighty Lord Saturn and The Nine Planets impact every aspect of our lives. Once you read and re-read The Greatness of Saturn share it with your friends and loved ones and spread this life changing experience. Lord Saturn will give or take what is right for your soul’s progression. Just surrender and pray for his graciousness. I pay my humble respect to the great Lord Saturn and thank Him for giving me the opportunity to know Him through this book. 🙏
January 9, 2021
A special book about living myth, remediation (or reconciliation), and suffering. Has some slight family resemblances to Boethius' Consolations of Philosophy and Apuleius' The Golden Ass, but I don't want to say too much about the myth itself. It's a rewarding read if you take it seriously and persevere even when it seems hard to follow or irrelevant.
July 5, 2007
This guy knows more about Indian Myths and culture than most Indians. Again, a very interesting read.
August 22, 2016
A good read!!
December 6, 2019
This book is not just a usual non-fiction work. Author suggests few specific ways to read this - for getting complete benefits from Shani Mahathma
June 6, 2024
Therapeutic ! The book indeed highlights the need for myths and illuminates our internal cosmos by sharing living wisdom, lightening the reader of their noxious baggage. It encourages you to ponder the impact of “no affect images”, on becoming a non-religious modern man, on leaving ancient culture and history behind, and on becoming a pseudo-logical globalized citizen of the modern world. The author quenches the thirst of our inner world, parched by intellectual overanalysis.
Briefly elaborating on the Darshanic Hindu philosophy, the author embraces the functionality of cosmic manifestations of gods as well as the truth of formlessness. A beautiful execution in describing the working of these cosmic manifestations in our inner astral layer of existence under the overarching law of karma is laudable. The mechanism of the working of the nine planets on our mind and, ergo, our lives is succinctly explained. The author sheds some light on the limitations and workings of upayas offered in the Indian astrological system.
The mythic tale of Lord Saturn’s contribution to Vikramaditya’s life is delightful and captivating. In the hope, to impede devolution, that the wisdom will reach the reader and not just wisdom vessels, the author shares the many tales along with that of Lord Saturn. With that, the rest of my life becomes paschatkarma.
Briefly elaborating on the Darshanic Hindu philosophy, the author embraces the functionality of cosmic manifestations of gods as well as the truth of formlessness. A beautiful execution in describing the working of these cosmic manifestations in our inner astral layer of existence under the overarching law of karma is laudable. The mechanism of the working of the nine planets on our mind and, ergo, our lives is succinctly explained. The author sheds some light on the limitations and workings of upayas offered in the Indian astrological system.
The mythic tale of Lord Saturn’s contribution to Vikramaditya’s life is delightful and captivating. In the hope, to impede devolution, that the wisdom will reach the reader and not just wisdom vessels, the author shares the many tales along with that of Lord Saturn. With that, the rest of my life becomes paschatkarma.
August 20, 2020
Our history has encountered many sagacious writers but I personally feel Robert is the best as far as the topic narration is concerned. Content is to the point and not at all biased towards any dimension. This book would satisfy the so called spiritual race and the atheist group as well; as the author does not directly ask the mankind to totally believe in God and forgo their practices but also make sufficient efforts in reaching goals. The writer guides them through the best practices in sufficing the impact of Saturn in day to day life. But the writing style is stolid which might bring down the interest level of the reader. Also with little bit of patience and research the entire info can be found online also is what I felt !!
Note : Purely personal opinion and does not have interest to support the tautological reviews on e commerce platforms. Hence 3/5. Done !!
Note : Purely personal opinion and does not have interest to support the tautological reviews on e commerce platforms. Hence 3/5. Done !!
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September 4, 2025The Greatness of Saturn: A Therapeutic Myth
A good read on one of the most illusive and interesting topic ie on Shani Dev in astrology.
The last part of the book "Paschatkarma" discusses the dieties, seizures and remedies. The author states that the English word "Planet" does not exactly represent Grahas. Graha comes from root word in Sanskrit meaning "to grasp or get hold of" and can be hand or sensory organs. Anugraha - grace of God and Vigraha - an iconic image (form which enables the mind to grasp the nature of God).
More details on my blog:
https://anuragrbl.blogspot.com/2024/0...
A good read on one of the most illusive and interesting topic ie on Shani Dev in astrology.
The last part of the book "Paschatkarma" discusses the dieties, seizures and remedies. The author states that the English word "Planet" does not exactly represent Grahas. Graha comes from root word in Sanskrit meaning "to grasp or get hold of" and can be hand or sensory organs. Anugraha - grace of God and Vigraha - an iconic image (form which enables the mind to grasp the nature of God).
More details on my blog:
https://anuragrbl.blogspot.com/2024/0...
July 25, 2021
This book is such a great find and one cannot resist the magical healing these mythical stories do. Especially if you are raised in a traditional Indian family, you might have frequently heard few of such cosmic stories during your early years. This book has dived a little deeper and limned vedic astrology. Only the readers who opt to grasp these stories with relatability to their lives can finish it without a sceptical view. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who believes that planetary positions can have some impact on the situation one faces. A great way to understand “time” and how one can learn, stay hopeful and evolve during the saturn’s rule for 7 1/2 years.
April 20, 2025
This is the English translation of the book Shani Mahatmya. The book narrates mythological stories, particularly the tale of King Vikramaditya and his encounter with Shani, illustrating Saturn's power to test individuals through hardship, karma, and eventual redemption. It emphasizes lessons on patience, justice, and the transformative effects of Saturn's transit (Sade Sati or Dhaiya).
The author of this English translation blends astrological insights with philosophical teachings. He explains Saturn's role as a cosmic judge who rewards discipline and punishes ego, offering remedies (like prayers, charity, and rituals) to mitigate its challenges.
The author of this English translation blends astrological insights with philosophical teachings. He explains Saturn's role as a cosmic judge who rewards discipline and punishes ego, offering remedies (like prayers, charity, and rituals) to mitigate its challenges.
November 20, 2025
I was always terrified of things related to Saturn during my childhood years and yet this book found me, I should say this is a blessing in a disguise. Dr.Robert Svoboda's interpretations of the stories and explanations of the cause of suffering during Saturn's transit are top notch and if anyone truly follows the instructions mentioned , I can guarantee the improvements in one's life. The only thing the read has to keep in mind is that, this is not just a "Okay, just another storybook" kind of book. The devotion some shows towards the story and work he or she puts , shall be seen as results in the future. Hope everyone gets to read this wonderful piece of work!
October 18, 2023
The book will fill you with awe about the 9 grahas. The stories portray how supreme yet flawed even the 9 grahas are. I read the book more out of curiosity than looking for upasanas to earn the grace of the grahas.
The author is knowledgeable, but his long-winded repertoires seem unnecessary at times, almost giving an impression that he is trying to seem wise by resorting to complex sentence structures and high-sounding words.
The author is knowledgeable, but his long-winded repertoires seem unnecessary at times, almost giving an impression that he is trying to seem wise by resorting to complex sentence structures and high-sounding words.
February 2, 2020
My now had come when I picked up this book
The book helped me to complely absorb the essence that the great myth " The greatness of Saturn" desired to deliver to the ignorant mind.......my NOW had come so I got the chance to read this book.....I how my head in reverence to the greatness of Saturn
The book helped me to complely absorb the essence that the great myth " The greatness of Saturn" desired to deliver to the ignorant mind.......my NOW had come so I got the chance to read this book.....I how my head in reverence to the greatness of Saturn
September 7, 2020
It is a wonderful book explaining about all the planets in details and especially about Lord Saturn. All the stories, tales of each planets and king Vikramaditya is very interesting. This book also talks about remedies for every planet in most simple and do-able ways like various options are explained and user can opt for any approach as per their capacity for the planets.
June 2, 2024
Charlatan! Typical westerner clown with a biased imperialist mindset. Copied everything from our scriptures and merely translated it with his own typical western unconscious biases. Indians who praise this author are morons. Just read the shani mahatmya in hindi/marathi/sanskrit or any other local indian language by an Indian author.
April 10, 2023
Very good book if you have bent to astrological stuff and how our life can be impacted by certain cosmic influences... Wherein we could try to navigate through life with greater awareness and focus to events happening around.
June 24, 2025
The first part was interesting. telling stories about the birth of various planets and other things but the second part of remedies etc. was boring. the only way you can please shani is through karma.
June 22, 2017
Myth busting and real view explained.
June 21, 2018
An engrossing tale for lovers of myths. Deep and sacred, this tale does cause the readers world view to become more subtle.
September 26, 2018
Brilliant book on Saturn from the Eastern system. Must have in any astrologers library.
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