Why Is Cutting Hair and Nails on Tuesday Considered Inauspicious?
- Sonali Singh
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Is cutting hair or nails on Tuesday really inauspicious? Explore the fascinating beliefs, traditions, and facts behind this common Hindu custom.
There are several reasons for not getting a haircut or trimming your nails on Tuesdays as you may know if you are an Indian. Some believe it's superstition, as there are many stories written about this belief in religion and history, while others simply continue their family's long-standing tradition. But what is the origin of this tradition and its relevance to people today?
The Popular Belief Passed Through Generations
Although there have been significant changes to many of the traditions that exist in society due to shifting lifestyles and the adoption of new technologies, this belief remains strong in the cultural conscience of many Indians. The reason for this is found in the combination of factors such as:
The aspects of astrology; The religious beliefs associated with astrology; The cultural traditions passed down through generations; Historical events impacting society.
At Sanatangyan we strive to not only preserve but also to understand ancient cultures so that we may better comprehend the meanings behind practices that tend to be accepted without question.
The Astrological Connection: Tuesday Is Ruled by Mars
According to Hindu belief, Tuesday (Mangalwar) is ruled by the planet Mars (Mangal). Mars represents energy, strength, bravery, blood and war.
Due to the fiery power of Mars, many traditional astrologers will recommend not using sharp items today due to it being a "Mars" day. After all, you may use some type of sharp tool or implement today which could cause disharmony within the energy of Mars.
Haircuts
Shaving
Nail trimming
Other grooming activities involving blades or scissors
Utilizing sharp implements on a day ruled by Mars may disturb the energetic qualities of Mars, thus bringing increases in conflict, accidents, or loss.
It is important to understand that this is only traditional astrology, and not proven scientific fact.
Tuesday and the Worship of Lord Hanuman
A major reason for this belief is the special association between Tuesday and the Hindu god, Lord Hanuman.
Tuesday is considered an auspicious day throughout India for the worship of Lord Hanuman. Many people who worship Lord Hanuman will do so on Tuesdays.
Observe fasts (vrat)
Visit Hanuman temples
Recite Hanuman Chalisa
Practice self-discipline and devotion
One popular verse associated with Hanuman devotion is:
"बुद्धिर्बलं यशोधैर्यं निर्भयत्वमरोगता।
अजाड्यं वाक्पटुत्वं च हनुमत्स्मरणाद्भवेत्॥"
By remembering Lord Hanuman, one gains wisdom, strength, fame, courage, fearlessness, good health, alertness, and eloquence.
Tuesday is considered to be a good day for spiritual activity and self-control because many traditional customs do not permit grooming activities, such as haircuts and nail trimmings on Tuesdays. The traditional thought process is that people should be spending time worshiping and achieving self-discipline instead of beautifying themselves.
Do Hindu Scriptures Actually Forbid It?
Many people believe that Hindu scriptures specifically prohibit the cutting of hair and nails on Tuesday. However, there is no single Hindu scripture that all Hindus agree on that directly prohibits the cutting of hair or nails on Tuesday.
Certain traditional customs, rituals, and later writings about Kshoura Karma (shaving or cutting hair) state some days when one should not groom. Most commonly mentioned in these recommendations are Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, customs vary widely throughout different regions, traditions, and cultures.
The Bhagavad Gita encourages one to practice intellectual self-discipline and devotion through the practice of yoga and devotion to God and does not emphasize observing every traditional social norm.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (भगवद्गीता 2.47)
"You have a right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results, and never become attached to inaction."
This line stresses that sincere actions/ devotion produce spiritual development as opposed to fear of experiencing negative events.
The Importance of Respecting Traditions
Discipline, regularity, and cultural respect are highly regarded in the traditional Indian way of life.
The Bhagavad Gita has many teachings on leading a righteous life.
"यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते॥" (भगवद्गीता 3.21)
Whatever exemplary people do, others follow. The standards they establish become the example for society.
Countless families maintain these customs not from fear but as a means to preserve their heritage and honour their ancestors.
Despite not being forbidden anywhere in major scriptures, many believe that not cutting their hair and nails on a Tuesday is a part of their heritage in addition to astrology, and faith destroys all other beliefs that they follow as children of a sadhu (spiritual teacher) or guru (teacher) or shastra (sacred book) because of the beliefs they've had handed down through generations. In the end, the belief is an expression of an individual's past, present and future/family.
Comments