Saturday is considered the day of Lord Shani in Hindu tradition, but astrology and religious texts advise certain people to avoid applying oil on their head on this very day. Many people apply oil to their hair on Saturday night thinking they will wash it off on Sunday, but according to scriptures this habit can turn out to be harmful for some specific groups of people. Here is the religious reasoning behind this belief and exactly who should stay away from oiling their hair on Saturdays.
Why Saturday Is Linked To Lord Shani
Saturday is regarded as the day dedicated to Lord Shani. Devotees offer mustard oil, black sesame seeds and several other items to Lord Shani on this day as part of special worship. Lord Shani is considered the deity of justice and karma, which is why people perform prayers on Saturday seeking forgiveness for their misdeeds and to please him. This is precisely why following the rules associated with Lord Shani on Saturday is considered important.
The Padma Purana Mentions This Rule
The rules tied to the worship of Lord Shani have been laid out in detail in religious scriptures. Chapters 33 and 34 of the Uttarakhand section of the Padma Purana describe the rules for worshipping Lord Shani. These same chapters also mention that devotees of Lord Shani should not apply oil on their head on Saturdays. In other words, this rule holds particular significance for those who regularly worship Lord Shani.
Three Groups Of People Who Should Avoid Oil On Saturdays
Those Going Through Sade Sati
According to astrology, if a person's horoscope shows Shani's Sade Sati running, they should avoid applying oil on their head on Saturday. During this phase, a person is already under Shani's influence, so applying oil on Saturday is believed to increase mental stress, create obstacles in work and add to financial troubles.
People Born On Saptami Tithi
People born on Saptami Tithi who are also going through Shani's Mahadasha, Sade Sati or Dhaiya should also avoid applying oil on their head on Saturday. Surya Dev is considered the ruling deity of Saptami Tithi, and Surya and Shani are believed to share an old rivalry, which is why such people are advised to be especially careful.
Those Who Make Donations To Pacify Shani Dosh
People who donate oil, black sesame seeds, urad dal or iron items on Saturday to pacify Shani Dosh are also advised not to apply oil on their own head that day. It is believed that whatever item has been donated should not be used by the donor on the same day, otherwise the merit of the donation is said to reduce. This is exactly why devotees who make such donations are told to keep this particular detail in mind.
