Why Monday /Somvar is Precious to Lord Shiva
Monday, also known as Somvar in Sanskrit, holds special significance in Hinduism, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. Here are the reasons why Monday is considered precious to Lord Shiva:
- Association with the Moon (Chandra) Monday is named after the Moon (Soma/Chandra in Sanskrit). Lord Shiva is also called Chandrashekhara or Somnath, as he adorns the crescent moon on his head. This symbolizes his mastery over time and emotions, as the moon influences the mind and tides. Devotees believe worshiping Shiva on Monday helps balance emotions and brings mental peace.
2. Day of Devotion and Fasting Somvar is a traditional day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe the Somvar Vrat (Monday fast) to seek blessings for health, wealth, and marital bliss. It is believed that those who fast and pray with devotion on Mondays can attain their wishes, including overcoming difficulties and fulfilling personal desires.
3. Significance in Shiva Purana According to the Shiva Purana, Monday is the day Shiva is most receptive to prayers and offerings. It is believed that sincere prayers on this day bring blessings of wisdom, strength, and detachment.
4. Connection to the Story of Sati and Parvati In Hindu mythology, Sati (the first consort of Shiva) performed intense austerities to unite with Shiva. Similarly, Parvati (the reincarnation of Sati) performed penance on Mondays to win Shiva’s love. As a result, Mondays became auspicious for worshiping Shiva, especially for unmarried women seeking a good husband.
5. Role in the Shravan Month Mondays during the month of Shravan (a holy month dedicated to Shiva) are considered extremely sacred. Devotees believe these Mondays magnify the benefits of fasting and worship, as the cosmic energy aligns favorably for spiritual progress.
6. Symbol of Detachment and Blessings Shiva represents vairagya (detachment) and the destruction of ego. Devoting oneself on Mondays is said to help individuals detach from material concerns and focus on their spiritual journey. Praying on Monday is thought to invoke Shiva’s grace, removing obstacles and ensuring well-being.
7. Astrological Importance The Moon is a key planet in Vedic astrology, influencing the mind and emotions. Worshiping Shiva on Monday helps calm the mind, resolve conflicts, and overcome mental stress.
Rituals for Worshiping Lord Shiva on Monday:Abhishekam: Offerings like milk, honey, curd, and Ganga jal are poured on the Shiva Linga while chanting mantras like Om Namah Shivaya. Offering Bilva Leaves: Believed to be one of Shiva’s favorite offerings. Lighting a Lamp: Lighting a diya or lamp in front of the Shiva Linga invokes divine blessings. Reciting Shiv Chalisa or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Enhances spiritual vibrations. Devotees believe that dedicating Mondays to Lord Shiva brings inner strength, clarity, and blessings for a harmonious life.
Performing Abhishekam to Lord Shiva on Monday is a beautiful and auspicious ritual that can be done at home or in a temple. Abhishekam, or ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Linga, signifies purification, devotion, and surrender to the divine. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing Abhishekam to Lord Shiva on Monday:
Preparation Clean the Space:
Ensure the place where you are performing the ritual is clean and peaceful. Clean the Shiva Linga with water. If using a consecrated Shiva Linga, follow traditional guidelines for handling it. Gather Materials: Collect the following items:
A Shiva Linga (can be a small one for home worship). Clean water (preferably Gangajal if available). Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar). Sandalwood paste or powder. Bilva (bael) leaves (in odd numbers like 3, 5, or 7). Flowers, especially white or fragrant ones like jasmine. Incense sticks and a diya (oil lamp). Fruits, coconut, and prasad (for offering). Holy ash (Vibhuti). Dress Appropriately: Wear clean and modest clothing. Ideally, wear white or traditional attire.
Steps to Perform Abhishekam
1. Invocation Sit facing East or North. Light a lamp and incense sticks near the Shiva Linga. Recite a prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles: Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.
2. Purification (Achamana) Sprinkle a few drops of water on yourself and the Shiva Linga while chanting: Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gato’pi Va Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantara Shuchih.
3. Abhishekam Process Water Abhishekam: Pour water over the Shiva Linga while chanting Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
Panchamrit Abhishekam:
Pour Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) over the Shiva Linga. Chant the mantra: Om Namah Shivaya or recite verses from the Rudram Chamakam. After Panchamrit, rinse the Shiva Linga with clean water. Honey and Ghee (Optional):
Offer honey and ghee as they symbolize sweetness and purity. Coconut Water (Optional):
Pour coconut water for auspiciousness. Sandalwood Paste:
Apply sandalwood paste to the Shiva Linga, symbolizing cooling energy and purity. 4. Decoration (Alankaram) Place fresh Bilva (bael) leaves on the Shiva Linga, ensuring each leaf is clean and intact. Offer flowers, especially fragrant ones. 5. Lighting and Offerings Light a diya (oil lamp) and place it near the Shiva Linga. Offer fruits, coconut, and other prasad to Lord Shiva. 6. Chanting and Prayer Recite Shiva-related prayers, such as:
Om Namah Shivaya (108 times using a rudraksha mala). Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat || Read or listen to the Shiv Chalisa or sections from the Shiva Purana.
- Concluding the Ritual Perform aarti with a lit camphor or ghee lamp, rotating it clockwise around the Shiva Linga. Pray with folded hands, offering gratitude and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. 8. Distribution of Prasad Distribute the prasad (fruit, sweets, or food offerings) to family members or neighbors. Key Points to Remember Always handle the Shiva Linga with respect and devotion. Do not place Bilva leaves upside down. Avoid offering flowers like ketaki (pandanus) as they are not considered auspicious for Shiva. Maintain silence or chant mantras during the ritual to keep the atmosphere sacred. By performing this ritual with sincerity and devotion, you invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.