Disha shool · दिशा शूल
Disha shool today: the direction to avoid
Today is Tuesday: disha shool is in the North (उत्तर).
On each weekday one direction is traditionally avoided for setting out on a journey. Here is the full week, and what families do when travel cannot wait.
| Weekday | Avoid travelling | If travel cannot wait (common practice) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday रविवार | West पश्चिम | Eat a little ghee or daliya before leaving |
| Monday सोमवार | East पूर्व | Look in a mirror or drink a little milk before leaving |
| Tuesday मंगलवार | North उत्तर | Eat a little jaggery before leaving |
| Wednesday बुधवार | North उत्तर | Eat a few sesame seeds or a little coriander before leaving |
| Thursday गुरुवार | South दक्षिण | Eat a little curd before leaving |
| Friday शुक्रवार | West पश्चिम | Eat a little curd or barley before leaving |
| Saturday शनिवार | East पूर्व | Eat a little ginger or urad before leaving |
How disha shool is used
Disha shool is about the direction of a journey from where you start. Many families keep it for long or important journeys and do not worry about it for everyday travel. It is one of several checks: for an important start, also look at the day's panchang, a good choghadiya or hora, and Rahu kaal.
Questions about disha shool
What is disha shool?
Disha shool (दिशा शूल) is the direction considered unfavourable for starting a journey on a given weekday: West on Sunday and Friday, East on Monday and Saturday, North on Tuesday and Wednesday, and South on Thursday.
What if I have to travel in that direction?
Many families do a small practice before leaving, such as eating something associated with the day, and some start the journey a little earlier, stepping out in another direction first. These customs vary by family and region.
Does disha shool apply to the return journey?
It is usually considered for setting out, not for coming home. For a long trip, families look at the day of departure.
Is disha shool enough to plan an important journey?
It is one simple check. For an important journey, families also look at the day’s panchang, a good choghadiya and Rahu kaal, and Namieta can suggest a muhurat.