/
/
/
can we use mustard oil for pooja
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #24629
29 days ago
79

can we use mustard oil for pooja - #24629

Jaxon

I am really curious about something that’s been bugging me! So, I’ve been helping my mom with the pooja preparations for a while now, and one day, I saw her using mustard oil for the diyas. I was like, “Is that okay?” I mean, can we use mustard oil for pooja? I remember hearing different opinions. Some people say it’s fine, while others are like, “No way, stick to ghee or sesame oil.” We usually use ghee, but I think mustard oil is common in some places. Last week, we accidentally spilled mustard oil on the altar while trying to light the diyas, and it just felt wrong, you know? It left me wondering if using mustard oil for pooja is considered disrespectful or something. I mean, our intentions are good, it's just that my mom swears by its strong aroma, and she thinks it actually helps in keeping the space pure and vibrant. Is there any kind of perspective in Ayurveda or traditions on why or why not we should use mustard oil for pooja? Would love to hear what you all think!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

In exploring the use of mustard oil for pooja, it's quite important to understand both traditional preferences and Ayurvedic principles. Generally, in traditional Hindu practices, ghee or sesame oil is commonly used for lighting diyas during pooja. Ghee, in particular, is considered highly auspicious due to its association with purity and sattvic qualities, which help in purifying the environment and attracting positive energies. Mustard oil, on the other hand, carries a pungent aroma due to its heating and penetrating qualities. It's often used in regions where it’s readily available and considered normal. Its sharp aroma is believed by some to ward off negative energies, but it doesn't typically hold the same spiritual reverence as ghee or sesame in pooja rituals. Ayurveda emphasizes the qualities of substances used in rituals, focusing on the harmony they bring. Ghee corresponds with sattva (purity and balance), which aligns with the meditative goals of ritual practices. If your family's tradition allows mustard oil, and it's what you have, then it's unlikely to automatically be seen as disrespectful, though not adhering to widely accepted practices can feel out of sorts. Should you choose mustard oil based on regional acceptance or availability, be aware of its qualities. It heats and stimulates, which might not be the energies typically desired in the serenity of pooja. That said, using it won’t nullify your intentions, but understanding the associated energies and the environment it creates is essential. If mustard oil spills, as you experienced, cleaning it properly and repurposing will help maintain the sanctity of the altar. Encourage mindful handling. Ultimately, if ghee is feasible, it remains a preferable choice for its auspicious qualities. Intentions, after all, matter deeply in spiritual practices, so as long as they remain pure, your practice holds value.
26113 answered questions
17% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions