Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and observing proper worship and fasting on this day brings happiness, peace, prosperity, and health benefits to life. The use of black sesame seeds in worship is considered particularly beneficial. According to religious beliefs, this practice provides relief from debts, diseases, and family problems.
Shiva Worship: In Hinduism, Monday is considered a special day for Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes, perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Bholenath with Panchamrit, and offer water mixed with black sesame seeds to him. According to the worship method, Aarti (ritual of waving lamps) of Lord Shiva is performed with flowers, Bilvapatra, bhang, and a lamp. Religious belief holds that worship and fasting on this day bring happiness, peace, financial benefits, and freedom from diseases in life.
Significance of Monday Worship
In Hindu scriptures, Monday is considered extremely auspicious for Lord Shiva. Observing a fast and performing worship diligently on this day brings many benefits to Shiva devotees. It is said that if a person regularly worships Lord Shiva on Mondays, happiness and prosperity prevail in their home. Worship and fasting fulfill all the desires of the devotee and bring sweetness to marital life.
Miraculous Effects of Black Sesame Seeds
According to devotees, offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to Lord Shiva during worship yields miraculous results. Devkinandan Thakur states that if a person is suffering from any disease, they should offer water with black sesame seeds to Lord Shiva. This frees the person from illness and improves their health. Scriptures also state that health is the greatest wealth in this world, and receiving Lord Shiva's blessings through black sesame seeds ensures this.
How to Perform Monday Worship
Worship on Monday should begin with a morning bath. After bathing, wear clean clothes and perform the Abhishek of Bholenath with Panchamrit according to the prescribed rituals. At the worship altar, spread a red cloth on a chowki (small table) and place an idol of Lord Shiva. Apply a white sandalwood paste (tilak) on the idol and offer white flowers, Datura, bhang, and Bilvapatra to Mahadev.
During the puja, Lord Shiva should be bathed with clean water, which can also contain black sesame seeds. After this, light a lamp of pure ghee and perform Aarti of Lord Shiva. Reciting or listening to the Monday Vrat Katha (fasting story) is also considered auspicious. At the end of the worship, offer Kheer, fruits, and sweets as bhog, and later distribute it as Prasad among people.
Benefits of Shiva Worship
Monday's worship not only brings religious and spiritual benefits but also instills positive energy and mental peace in the devotee's life. Through Lord Shiva's grace, the worshipper gains freedom from financial crises and maintains happiness and peace in their home. This day's worship also provides benefits in matters of progeny, marital life problems, and difficulties encountered in jobs or businesses.
The use of black sesame seeds particularly attracts Lord Shiva's blessings. Worshipping by offering water mixed with black sesame seeds cures diseases and improves a person's health. Religious belief holds that this practice also helps bring prosperity, happiness, and peace to the home.
Importance of Fasting and Story
Observing the Monday fast pleases Lord Shiva and fulfills all the desires of the devotee. Listening to or reading the Vrat Katha is considered auspicious. The person who fasts during the Vrat also receives mental and physical benefits. By following the rules of the fast and worshipping Lord Shiva, the devotee undergoes spiritual development and experiences positive changes in life.
Correct Method of Worship
- Bath and Clothing: Take a morning bath and wear clean clothes.
- Abhishek: Perform Abhishek of Lord Shiva diligently with Panchamrit.
- Placement: Place the idol of Lord Shiva on a red cloth.
- Offerings: Apply white sandalwood paste (tilak) on the idol, and offer flowers, Datura, bhang, and Bilvapatra.
- Water and Sesame: Bathe Lord Shiva with water mixed with black sesame seeds.
- Lamp and Aarti: Light a lamp of pure ghee and perform Aarti of Lord Shiva.
- Bhog and Prasad: Offer Kheer, fruits, and sweets as bhog, and distribute Prasad among people.
Monday's worship is a symbol of reverence and devotion towards Lord Shiva. The use of black sesame seeds is considered particularly important for health, prosperity, and mental peace. Performing worship diligently on this day not only brings spiritual benefits but also leads to success and happiness in many areas of life. According to religious beliefs and scriptures, Monday is an extremely auspicious and fruitful day for Shiva devotees.
