The month of Sawan is nearing its end, and the last major opportunity to worship Lord Shiva is at hand. This time, the last Monday of Sawan will be observed on August 4th, a day of great religious significance. For devotees of Shiva, this is the final chance to receive the special blessings of Lord Bholenath. If you also desire that Shiva's grace remain in your life, performing certain special deeds on this particular Monday can prove to be highly beneficial.
When is the Last Monday of Sawan?
The fourth and final Monday of the month of Sawan falls on August 4th. This day brings with it a combination of Ekadashi Tithi and several auspicious Yogas. Every Monday that falls in the month of Shravan is considered to bestow auspicious results, but the significance of the last Monday is many times greater. It is believed that by observing a fast, performing puja, and meditating on Lord Shiva with due rituals on this day, desires are quickly fulfilled.
How to Please Bholenath
To please Shiva on the last Monday of Sawan, there is no need for any complicated procedure. Just a little faith and a few simple measures done with a sincere heart can change the direction of your life.
अवश्य Observe a Fast
The tradition of fasting on this sacred day has been going on since ancient times. Those devotees who could not fast for the entire Sawan should at least observe a fast on this last Monday. On this day, consume fruits and meditate on Lord Shiva, and chant his name throughout the day.
Perform Abhishek with Gangajal and Panchamrit
The Abhishek of the Shivling is the most important part of this day. After bathing in the morning, go to a Shiva temple or establish a Shivling at home. After this, first perform Abhishek with Gangajal (Ganges water). Then bathe the Shivling with Panchamrit, made by mixing milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar. While doing this, chant the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Special Significance of Bilvapatra, Dhatura and Aak
In Sawan, Belpatra (Bilva leaves) are most dear to Lord Shiva. On Monday, write the names of Shri Ram, Shiva, and Parvati on three Belpatra and offer them on the Shivling. Also, offering Dhatura, Aak flowers and fruits, white flowers, cannabis, etc., in Shiva Puja gives special results. Keep in mind that all these things should be pure and fresh.
Recite Shiva Chalisa and Aarti on this Day
Be sure to recite the Chalisa and Aarti of Lord Shiva at the end of the puja. This purifies the atmosphere and awakens the feeling of devotion in the mind. If possible, participate in the collective Aarti by going to the temple on this day.
Charity will also Bring Auspicious Results
Donating food, clothes, water, or Shiva-related items such as Rudraksha, religious books, or puja materials to the needy on the last Monday of Sawan is considered very meritorious. This act not only gives merit but is also an easy way to get the blessings of Shiva.
Also be sure to do this
- Burn camphor on the Shivling and light a lamp
- Recite or listen to Shiv Purana
- Feed the poor
- Light a lamp with pure ghee and place it in front of Shiva
- Go to the Shiva temple and offer water
Why is the Last Monday of Sawan Special?
The month of Shravan is said to be the favorite month of Lord Shiva, and Shiva devotees perform special pujas on every Monday of this month. But for those who could not perform puja or fast on the previous Mondays, the last Monday is of special importance. It is believed that the puja, Abhishek and fasting done on this day gives results equal to the merit of the entire Sawan.
In addition, the coincidence of Ekadashi and auspicious Yogas falling on the last Monday this time is making this day even more fruitful. According to astrologers, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga will make this day extremely auspicious, in which every work done moves towards success.