In Hindu traditions, Shani, often identified with the planet Saturn, holds a uniquely powerful and sometimes feared position. Revered as the God of Justice, Shani Dev is believed to administer karmic consequences, bringing both delays and blessings based on one’s past and present actions. Saturdays are specifically dedicated to this powerful deity, and over many centuries, a rich tapestry of customs has evolved around this day. These practices go beyond observing fasts and lighting mustard oil lamps; they also include avoiding bringing certain items into the home.
While these restrictions aren’t always explicitly found in ancient scriptures, they are widely respected folk traditions across India. Many consider them crucial for warding off negative influences and maintaining household harmony. Let’s explore seven items that are traditionally avoided on Saturdays, along with the beliefs behind them and any suggested remedies.
Shoes
Bringing new shoes, particularly black leather ones, into a Hindu household on a Saturday is generally discouraged.
- Popular Belief: Folk tales suggest that shoes, which carry the dust of the outside world, might invite bad luck, misfortune, or create obstacles in one’s life if purchased on this specific day.
- Suggested Remedy: If buying new shoes is unavoidable, it’s advised to keep them packed until Sunday. Additionally, donating an old pair of black shoes on a Saturday morning is considered a good remedial action.
Iron, Steel, or Heavy Metal
Astrologers often associate Shani Dev with iron and other metals. Consequently, purchasing iron, steel, or any heavy metal tools and utensils on Saturdays is often advised against.
- Popular Belief: It’s believed that acquiring new metal items on a Saturday can add to Shani’s ‘weight,’ leading to blockages or further delays in one’s endeavors.
- Suggested Remedy: If a purchase is absolutely necessary, performing a small offering, such as mustard oil or sesame seeds, is suggested. Alternatively, simply postpone the use of these new items until a different day.
Brooms
The purchase of brooms on Saturdays is also a strict no-no in a Hindu household. Items like brooms, broken mirrors, and glass are typically not considered auspicious.
- Popular Belief: Acquiring a new broom on a Saturday is believed to invite poverty and create significant blockages in one’s path.
- Suggested Remedy: Instead of buying a broom, it is suggested to donate money to individuals who perform cleaning services, offering a positive karmic exchange.
Mustard Oil, Sesame Oil
While mustard and sesame oils are frequently used in Shani remedies, such as lighting oil lamps (diyas) or performing ‘tail abhishekam’ (oil anointing), buying new cooking oil for daily household use on a Saturday is generally not encouraged in folk practices.
- Popular Belief: This act is seen as potentially inviting health or wealth-related blockages into the home.
- Suggested Remedy: Instead, offer these oils at Shani temples or donate them as a remedy. If you genuinely need oil at home, many families prefer to stock up on another day.
Black Clothes
People from Hindu families often avoid wearing black clothes during auspicious occasions due to the color’s association with mourning and funerals. Similarly, buying new black clothes is discouraged on Saturdays.
- Popular Belief: Purchasing black attire on a Saturday is believed to attract bad luck, sorrow, and potential tragedies.
Ink
The purchase of ink, pens, and paper is another practice that is often discouraged on Saturdays, though the specific reasoning can vary by region.
- Popular Belief: For students especially, acquiring these items on a Saturday is believed to lead to academic failure or poor performance.
Salt
Many Hindus refrain from buying salt on Saturdays, as salt is strongly associated with preservation and stability. Bringing salt into the home on this day is believed to have negative financial implications.
- Popular Belief: It is discouraged to buy salt on Saturdays, as it is believed to invite financial difficulties and overall misfortune for the buyer.
It’s important to remember that these are deeply rooted, age-old practices, and while some may consider them superstitions, they hold significant cultural and spiritual weight for many. If you adhere to these traditions, small, respectful compromises can often suffice. For those experiencing astrologically diagnosed Shani-related issues, traditional remedies such as lighting an oil lamp, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, and reciting Shani beej mantras are commonly recommended for relief and positive energy.