What is diśā-śūla — should I avoid travelling in some directions on some days?

it is a traditional rule linking weekdays to unfavourable directions for starting a journey; if you must travel, simple customs are said to neutralise it.

The commonly followed table is: Monday and Saturday — east; Tuesday and Wednesday — north; Thursday — south; Friday and Sunday — west. Starting a journey towards the “śūla” (spike) direction on that day is traditionally considered unfavourable. The rule is about the start of the trip from home, and the direction of the destination, not every turn on the road.

Tradition offers easy workarounds: begin the journey a day earlier by moving your bag or yourself a short way in that direction (prasthāna), or eat or carry a specific item before leaving — such as jaggery, curd, or a sip of water — according to the weekday, as your family follows.

For office commutes, flights booked by others and emergencies, don't worry about it at all. A calm prayer before setting out, and safe driving, matter more.

Source: Muhūrta Cintāmaṇi (yātrā section); folk practice · Prasthāna: start a day early symbolically

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