I was curious to know the significance of Saturn in the Western mythology and was pleasantly surprised to chance upon this article.

Saturn was considered as a god of wealth, treasury etc. which is quite a contrast to what Saturn represents in the Indian system. In fact, I remember the Indian story about the time when Shani( Saturn) happens to meet Laxmi ( Goddess of Wealth) and the argument that takes place among of them about who among them is more important. The argument doesn’t get resolved and they seek the opinion of Brahma who doesn’t wanna get embroiled in this situation and passes the buck to Vishnu, who again skilfully passes the the buck to Narada – Narada knows that he cannot escape and thus proclaims that both Shani and Laxmi are very important. Upon hearing this politically correct answer, Shani and Laxmi insist that Narada decide upon one of them as the more important. Narada replies – ” Laxmi you are great when you enter people’s lives and Shani you are great when you exit from people’s lives”. Thus laying the argument to rest and possibly suggesting a very contrasting position to that in the Roman mythology.

Having said that, the Romans also considered Saturn as the Lord of Time and Lord of Liberation and other similarities could be his stern nature, insistence on justice, rituals involving oil and so on.

I must admit that my research on Western mythology is very limited – my readers who are well versed with this are welcome to share their views in this regard!