Once a debate broke out among the nine planets about who is the best among them. This debate grew very big. To settle the debate, all the planets went to Lord Indra and asked him to decide who is the best among them. Hearing this, Lord Indra also got into deep thought. After much thought, he said that I cannot decide this. You people will get the answer to this from the very glorious and capable King Vikramaditya of Ujjain city on earth. All of you go to him and ask him questions. He will definitely answer your questions.
To find a solution to their question, they collectively decided to meet King Vikramaditya in Ujjain city on earth. All the nine planets reached the palace of King Vikramaditya. After reaching the palace, they all asked their questions to King Vikramaditya. Hearing their questions, King Vikramaditya also faced a dilemma. He thought in his mind that each planet has unique powers that make them great. Considering someone as superior or inferior could potentially cause trouble for me and my subjects.
In the midst of his contemplation, the king devised a plan. He created nine different types of metals including gold, silver, bronze, copper, lead, iron, zinc, mica and iron and placed each metal on a seat one behind the other. He then asked the gods to take their seats one by one. When all the gods took their seats, King Vikramaditya announced, “The matter is settled. The greatest among you is the one who sits in the front row.” Shani Dev was enraged by this decision and he expressed his displeasure and said, “King Vikramaditya, this is an insult to me. You pushed me back and for this I will destroy you. You underestimate my powers.”Shani Dev further said, “The Sun stays in a sign for one month, Moon for two and a half days, Mars for one and a half months, Mercury and Venus for one month and Jupiter stays in a sign for thirteen months.” But I am different from all these and can stay in any sign for seven and a half years. My anger has afflicted even the most powerful gods. It was my influence due to which Lord Rama had to go into exile for seven and a half years and even Ravana could not escape my influence, it was due to my Sade Sati effect that Ravana died. Now, you will know the effect of my Sade Sati, you too will not be saved from my anger.” Shani Dev left the scene with his anger, while the other gods left satisfied.
Life went on as usual, King Vikramaditya continued his just rule. Time passed, but Shani Dev did not forget the suffering he had suffered. One day, Shani Dev came to the kingdom in the guise of a horse trader with the intention of testing the king. On learning of this, King Vikramaditya sent his horseman to buy horses. The horseman, the hermit, returned and informed the king that the horses were of extraordinary value.
