Why is Mustard Oil Offered to Shani Dev? Know the Scientific and Religious Reasons, You’ll Be Amazed

Lucknow: Many people visit Shani temples on Saturdays to improve their Saturn’s influence and offer mustard oil to Lord Shani. Offering mustard oil to Shani Dev on Saturday is considered very fruitful. There are both mythological stories and scientific reasons behind this practice. In Hinduism, Shani Dev is considered the deity of Saturday. Shani Dev is also called “Shanaishchar,” which in Hindi means ‘leader of the gentlemen.’ Worshipping Shani Dev on Saturday holds special significance, and performing puja on this day is believed to yield particularly auspicious results. By worshipping and appealing to him on Saturdays, devotees receive his blessings. Shani Dev is adorned with blue clothes, and his vehicle is a black horse. He holds a weapon, also known as a pincer, in one of his hands.

On the Occasion of Shani Jayanti:

The stories of Shani Dev often describe his origin and his curses. His curses are known to have terrible consequences, but if Shani Dev’s grace falls upon someone, they can even attain liberation (Moksha). Through the worship of Shani Dev, devotees try to pacify his anger and desire to receive auspicious results from him. Additionally, chanting the mantras of Shani Dev is also helpful in obtaining his grace. Shani Dev is always remembered with respect and devotion, so that his blessings always remain upon his devotees.

Mythological Reason:

The Story of Hanuman Ji and Shani Dev: According to an ancient story, once during a war, when Ravana’s son Meghanada defeated and injured Shani Dev, Hanuman Ji intervened to stop the war and applied mustard oil all over Shani Dev’s body to alleviate his pain. This gave Shani Dev relief from the pain, and he recovered quickly. Since then, mustard oil has been considered very dear to Shani Dev. It is believed that this is why the tradition of offering mustard oil to Shani Dev began. Shani Dev’s color is considered black, and mustard oil is also black in color; therefore, mustard oil is offered to Shani Dev.

Scientific Reason:

Properties of Mustard Oil: Mustard oil has several medicinal properties. It improves blood circulation, provides relief from joint pain, and is beneficial for the skin. Shani Dev is known as the ‘God of Justice.’ It is believed that offering mustard oil pleases Shani Dev and alleviates the sufferings of devotees.

How to Offer Mustard Oil to Shani Dev:

On Saturday, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Fill an earthen lamp with mustard oil and light it. Place the lamp in front of the idol of Shani Dev. Offer mustard oil to Shani Dev while chanting the mantra “Om Shanidevaya Namah.” Also, offer blue flowers, black sesame seeds, and black lentils (urad dal) to Shani Dev. Sing the Aarti (devotional song) of Shani Dev and express your wishes to him.

Offering oil to Shani Dev on Saturday keeps his idol shiny. Burning mustard oil also purifies the atmosphere and removes negative energy. There are both mythological and scientific reasons behind offering mustard oil to Shani Dev. It is believed that this pleases Shani Dev and liberates devotees from their troubles.