Topic: sun-in-lagna

Shani Dev is dark because his mother, Chhaya, performed intense penance (Tapasya) and fasting under the hot sun while she was pregnant with him. The heat and austerity influenced his complexion.

Today is a highly sacred day marking Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat (also known as Bheem Ekadashi or Namani Ekadashi), which is considered the most powerful of all Ekadashis. Today is also Gayatri Jayanti (the manifestation day of Goddess Gayatri) and Rukmani Vivah.

The Sun (Surya) and Moon (Chandra) are always in Direct motion (Margi). They never go Retrograde. On the other hand, Rahu and Ketu are almost always Retrograde and never move in Direct motion.

Today marks the auspicious observance of Yogini Ekadashi specifically for the Smarta Vaishnava community. The Nimbarka and other Vaishnava communities will observe it tomorrow (11 July).