Shani, represented here as black, riding a chariot, pulled by a vulture, is said to be the son of Surya and Chaya, the servant whom his wife Swarna substituted for herself. It was Shani who was said to have burned Ganesha's head off. Many stories are told of his evil influence; consequently, the Hindus are under fear of evil from his planet. To appease, they pay obeisance by lighting a lamp before the image of Shani or his yantra, every Saturday.
Shani is said to be black, ugly and lame but the artist has used his discretion to not represent him as such. He carries a bow and arrow and rides on a small, twin wheeled chariot having an umbrella above, which is a symbol of royalty. The artist has also shown a halo around his head, suppressing Shani's notoriety as inauspicious. It is assumed that the temple in the picturesque background belongs to Surya; Shani's father. Yellow in his most brilliant hues is extensively used in this painting.
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