Question


Why do people offer mustard oil to Lord Shani?

Answer


Source: shanidev.co.in blog.templeyatri.com

One day, Hanuman was performing some duties for Lord Ram. Shani Dev who noticed this wanted to create problems and tried to disturb Hanuman from his work. Hanuman got his angry as his duties towards his master, Lord Ram was getting delayed. Therefore, the powerful Hanuman caught Shani Dev by the tail and kept knocking him against a big stone. He kept on continuing the tasks for Lord Ram at the same time. Finally after his work was over, when Hanuman turned to look at Shani Dev, Shani apologised for his mistakes. Hanuman was gracious enough to accept Shani Dev’s apologies. Shani Dev then promised Hanuman, that he will never obstruct t any task performed for Lord Rama and that he will not hurt the true devotees of Lord Ram and Hanuman during their lifetimes. Hearing this, Hanuman was very happy.

Since Hanuman was continuously knocking Shani Dev against a big stone, the latter suffered severe wounds in his body and was in immense pain. He requested Hanuman for some oil to be applied for his wounds. When he applied the oil that Hanuman gave, on his wounds, all his pain, wound and scars vanished. Shani Dev was very happy as he was relieved from all pain and troubles. This is why, even today, people who worship Shani Dev, offer oil to Him, to make Shani Dev happy.

This is the reason that some people worship Hanumanji on Saturday too, because Lord Shani promised Hanumaji to not make trouble to worshippers of Lord Raam and Lord Hanuman.

There is also one variation of the story where Shani Dev thought of taking test of Hanuman's power and he asked him to move away from the way but Hanumanji didn't change his position. Shani Dev tried by all way to move him but he doesn't even able to move his tail. Then Hanumaji gripped him in his tail and jumped all around the jungles and mountains and making Shani Dev injured. And then Shani Dev asked for making him free and Hanumanji agreed on a promise that he will not make trouble to Rama and Hanuman devotees. And Hanumanji gave him oil for his injuries. (This version of story is heard in Temples and can be read in local books too.)


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