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The Significance of Offering Mustard Oil to Lord Shani on Saturdays
Gyanhigyan english | March 16, 2026 10:39 AM CST

Understanding the Ritual

Many devotees visit Shani temples on Saturdays to offer mustard oil to Lord Shani, believing it brings significant benefits. This practice is rooted in various mythological tales and scientific reasoning. In Hinduism, Lord Shani is revered as the deity of Saturday, also known as 'Shanichar' or 'the leader of the righteous'. Worshipping him on Saturdays is considered particularly auspicious, as it is believed to yield special blessings. Devotees dress the deity in blue garments, and his vehicle is a black horse, with a weapon called 'Shikanga' in one hand.


Mythological Background

The Tale of Hanuman and Lord Shani: According to an ancient story, during a battle, Ravana's son Meghnath defeated Lord Shani and injured him. To alleviate his pain, Hanuman applied mustard oil all over his body, which provided relief and helped him recover quickly. Since then, offering mustard oil to Lord Shani has been considered highly significant. The color black is associated with Lord Shani, and mustard oil, being dark in color, is offered to him.


Scientific Explanation

Mustard oil possesses numerous medicinal properties. It enhances blood circulation, alleviates joint pain, and is beneficial for the skin. Lord Shani is known as the 'God of Justice', and it is believed that offering mustard oil pleases him, helping to relieve devotees of their troubles.


How to Offer Mustard Oil to Lord Shani

On Saturday, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Fill a lamp with mustard oil and light it, placing it in front of the idol of Lord Shani. While offering the oil, chant the mantra 'Om Shanidevaya Namah'. Additionally, offer blue flowers, black sesame seeds, and urad dal. Sing the aarti and express your wishes before the deity.


Offering oil on Saturdays keeps the idol of Lord Shani shining. Burning mustard oil purifies the atmosphere and dispels negative energy. The ritual of offering mustard oil is supported by both mythological and scientific reasons, believed to please Lord Shani and relieve devotees from their hardships.



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