Why is Shanidev lame and why is there a tradition of offering oil to him?

Shanidev is the son of Sanjnadevi, daughter of Daksha Prajapati, and Suryadev. He is the most feared planet among the nine planets. His influence on a zodiac sign lasts for a long period of two and a half years, known as Sade Sati. The reason Shanidev’s speed is slower than all other planets is due to his limping gait. There’s a story in the Surya Tantra about why he limps. Once, unable to bear the radiance of the Sun God, Sanjna Devi created a replica of herself from her own body and named it Swarna. She commanded her to serve the Sun God in her absence, caring for all her children, and enjoying the pleasures of a wife. With this order, she departed for her father’s home. Swarna disguised herself so that even Surya Dev could not learn of this secret. Meanwhile, Swarna bore Surya Dev five sons and two daughters. Swarna started paying more attention to her own children and less to Sanjna’s children. One day, Sanjna’s son Shani felt very hungry, so he asked Swarna for food. Swarna said, “Wait a minute. First, let me offer the food to God and feed your younger brothers and sisters, then I will give you food.” Hearing this, Shani became enraged and raised his foot to strike his mother. Swarna cursed him, saying, “May your leg break immediately.” Fearing his mother’s curse, Shani went to his father and recounted the entire incident. Suryadev immediately understood that no mother would curse her son in such a way. Therefore, he is not accompanied by his wife, but by someone else. The Sun God became angry and asked, “Tell me, who are you?” Seeing the Sun’s brilliance, Swarna became frightened and told him the whole truth. Then the Sun God explained to Shani that Swarna was not his mother, but she was like a mother. So, while the curse would not be in vain, it would not be so severe that it would completely sever his leg. Yes, you will limp on one leg for the rest of your life. A story is mentioned in the Anand Ramayana regarding why oil is offered to Lord Shani. When Lord Rama’s army built the Sagar Setu, the entire responsibility of its maintenance was given to Pawanputra Hanuman so that the demons could not harm it. When Hanuman was engrossed in the meditation of his deity Rama in the evening, then Shani, the son of Surya, made his dark ugly face and said angrily – “O monkey! I am Shani, the most powerful among the gods. I have heard that you are very strong. Open your eyes and fight with me, I want to fight with you.” Hanuman humbly replied, “I am currently meditating on my Lord. Please do not disturb my worship. My respected one, please leave.” When Shani was ready to fight, Hanuman began wrapping his tail around him. Then he began to tighten it. Despite his efforts, Shani remained unharmed and began to suffer. Hanuman then began circumambulating the bridge and, in an attempt to break Shani’s pride, began thrashing his tail against the rocks. This caused Shani’s body to bleed, increasing his pain. Shani then prayed to Hanuman to release him, saying, “Please release me from this bondage, as I have already received the punishment for my crime.” I will never make such a mistake again. To this, Hanuman said, “I will only release you if you promise me that you will never trouble a devotee of Lord Rama. If you do, I will punish you severely.” Shani pleaded, “I promise that I will never, even by mistake, enter the zodiac sign of a devotee of yours or of Lord Rama. Please let me go.” Hanuman then released Shanidev. Shanidev then asked Hanuman for oil to soothe the pain of his wounds. Shanidev’s pain subsided as soon as he applied the oil Hanuman gave him to his wound. From that day on, Shanidev has been offered oil, which soothes his pain and appeases him..!!
Jai Shanidev