Why Is Washing Clothes on Thursday Considered Inauspicious?
Should you wash clothes on Thursday? Know why this day is considered inauspicious for laundry and what Hindu traditions say.
Why do most Hindu households refrain from washing their clothes and using soap on Thursdays? Is it just a superstition or does this practice carry any deeper religious significance? The day of Thursday is called Guruvar in Hindu religion. This day is associated with Lord Vishnu and Guru Brihaspati. Find out the religious significance and the reasons why you should not wash your clothes on this day.
Why Is Thursday Considered a Sacred Day?
In Hindu culture, Thursday is also called Guruvar because this day is dedicated to the divine teacher of gods named Guru Brihaspati and also for worshiping Lord Vishnu.
Guru Brihaspati symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, education, good luck, and spirituality. Hindus keep Thursday vrat, pray to Lord Vishnu and participate in philanthropic acts in order to earn his blessings and divine favors.
As per tradition, it is believed that Thursday is a special day when people can spiritually grow, thank God, and seek blessings from him. Therefore, there are certain customs which people follow to make this day more sacred.
One such practice is to avoid washing clothes, using soap, and doing other types of household chores.
Why Should Clothes Not Be Washed on Thursday?
The belief that clothes should not be washed on Thursday is usually linked to the Brihaspativar Vrat Katha story.
In most versions of this vrat story, the sage tells that certain household chores should not be done on Thursday because they can lead to money problems or disturb prosperity. Household chores include washing clothes and washing one's hair.
Thus, according to this tradition, not washing one's clothes is a way of paying homage to Brihaspati Dev, as well as observing the fasting tradition of Thursday.
Sometimes, there is an idea that not doing unnecessary chores on Thursday enables one to pray and perform religious rituals and meditate.
But it is essential to keep in mind that this tradition is mainly based on traditional stories about vrats.
Why Do Some People Avoid Using Soap on Thursday?
Other than washing their clothes, the members of those families do not use soap to wash themselves or wash their hair on Thursdays.
This practice usually stems from the tradition of the Brihaspativar vow. Since the tradition of not washing clothes and hair is observed in some versions of the vrat, the tradition of not using soap becomes a custom in the family too.
For those devotees, it is not just avoiding the use of soap but following a particular religious discipline.
However, this is not an absolute Hindu practice. Some families continue their normal bathing and washing process on Thursdays too.
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What Does the Bhagavad Gita Teach About Discipline?
The Bhagavad Gita does not refer to the restrictions of washing clothes on Thursdays. Yet, it stresses the significance of discipline and balance in one's daily activities.
The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 16 says:
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन॥
Yoga is not possible for someone who eats too much or too little, sleeps excessively or stays awake for too long.
This verse emphasizes the significance of moderation, discipline, and balance in our lives.
The lesson can thus be taken as a suggestion for us to cultivate mindful practices and refrain from any excess. Similarly, the traditional practices also emphasize the importance of discipline and devotion that one should practice in their routine life every week.
These principles have their place within the Sanatan Dharma and the eternal wisdom that it teaches.
Avoiding washing clothes on Thursdays is a traditional practice that originates from Guru Brihaspati and Lord Vishnu. It is a practice that is observed by many Hindus out of respect and discipline; however, it is not a universal commandment.
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