Saturday (Shanivar) The sixth day of the Hindu week, with
Saturn as its ruling planet (Shani).
Saturn is the most dreaded of all the planets, and Saturday
is often regarded as the most unlucky day of the week.
Saturn is pictured in Hindu art as a fearsome dark figure
with a sword and riding a buf falo; he is also known for being easily affronted
and ruthless in his vengeance.
Any misery brought by Saturn will endure fourteen years, a
figure derived from Saturn's orbital period of fourteen years.
Hindus combat this threat by avoiding ance and protective
ceremonies, much as they do on Tuesday, the other day considered to be unlucky
in general.
On Saturday, movement and activities are often limited, and
some activities, such as purchasing items made of iron (whose dark hue is
connected with Saturn), are avoided unless absolutely necessary.
People worship protective deities and donate commodities
linked with Saturn as charity (dana) on Tuesday.
These include iron, mustard oil, black sesame seed, black
linen, and black lentils.
Giving away Saturn-related objects is said to shift any
possible inauspiciousness from Saturn to the receiver, allowing one to free
oneself of ill luck.
