Monday is considered an auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva and Chandra Dev (the Moon God). According to religious beliefs, performing dedicated worship and observing a fast on this day brings mental peace, alleviates Chandra Dosha (malefic effects of the Moon), and brings positive changes in family life, career, and financial well-being.
Somwar Puja Vidhi: In Hinduism, Monday holds special significance for the worship of Lord Shiva, which devotees across the country observe every week. This worship is performed in the morning at home or in a temple before the Shivling, especially by devout Shiva followers, unmarried girls, and those seeking familial happiness. According to religious and astrological beliefs, Monday is associated with Chandra Dev, therefore worshipping Shiva on this day is believed to provide relief from mental unrest, delays in marriage, and financial obstacles.
Why Monday is Special
According to religious scriptures, Monday is considered the beloved day of Lord Shiva. ‘Soma’ means the moon, and Chandra Dev is considered an ornament of Lord Shiva. This is why worshipping Shiva on Monday removes defects related to the moon, such as mental unrest, indecision, and emotional instability.
According to scholars and scriptures, observing a fast on Monday and worshipping Shiva maintains peace and harmony in the family. This fast is also considered beneficial in alleviating financial problems, debts, and issues related to employment. Monday fast also holds special importance for unmarried girls. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati on this day removes obstacles in marriage and leads to the attainment of a suitable life partner.
The Importance and Influence of Chandra Dev
In astrology, the Moon is considered the representative planet of the mind, emotions, and mental state. A weak Moon in the horoscope can cause stress, fear, insomnia, and emotional imbalance. In such cases, fasting on Monday and worshipping Shiva is considered an effective remedy to strengthen the Moon.
It is religiously believed that Lord Shiva is pleased by worship and provides the devotee with mental peace. Offering Arghya (water offering) to the Moon on Monday and chanting the mantra ‘Om Chandraya Namah’ is believed to reduce Chandra Dosha and calm the mind.
Benefits of the Monday Fast
According to beliefs, many benefits are obtained by worshipping on Monday with devotion and discipline. Shiva devotees believe that wishes are fulfilled quickly through worship on this day. Peace and prosperity prevail in the family, and the home environment remains positive.
Additionally, it is said that this fast provides relief from obstacles in employment, delays in promotion, and problems in the workplace. Monday fast is also considered beneficial for people involved in business. It is believed that with the grace of Shiva, the financial situation strengthens and new avenues of income open up.
Things to Keep in Mind During Monday Worship
According to the scriptures, using certain special items during the worship of Lord Shiva on Monday is considered more fruitful. Among these, Bilva Patra (Bel leaf) holds special importance. It is said that Bilva Patra is extremely dear to Lord Shiva, and Shiva worship is considered incomplete without it.
In addition, Akshat (unbroken rice), sandalwood, Dhatura (thorn apple), and Aak flowers are also offered in Shiva worship. All these items are considered pleasing to Shiva. White color is associated with the Moon, so the tradition of offering white sweets or Mishri (sugar candy) as prasad (offering) on Monday is also prevalent.
Monday Worship Procedure
To worship on Monday, wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Wearing white or yellow clothes after bathing is considered auspicious. Then, purify the Shivling established at home or in the temple with Ganga water. If Ganga water is not available, clean water can also be used.
Offer water, milk, or Panchamrit (a mixture of five ingredients) to the Shivling and offer Bilva Patra. Then, chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra or the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra 108 times with a Rudraksha mala. This mantra is considered the root mantra of Shiva devotion, and chanting it calms the mind.
During the worship, Shiva Chalisa or Rudrashtak can also be recited. It is believed that reciting these hymns quickly obtains Shiva’s grace. Finally, perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva and pray for the well-being of the family.
The Importance of Donation and Arghya
Special importance is also given to donation after Monday worship. Offering white sweets, Mishri, or milk-based items to Lord Shiva and donating them to the needy is considered virtuous. This increases the fruit of worship manifold.
Offering Arghya to the Moon at the end of the worship is also considered auspicious. Offer water to the Moon at night while chanting the mantra ‘Om Chandraya Namah’. This remedy is especially done for mental peace and relief from Chandra Dosha.
Maintain Devotion and Discipline
According to religious experts, the Monday fast is fruitful only when performed with devotion, restraint, and discipline. During the fast, eat sattvic (pure) food and stay away from negative thoughts. The core message of Shiva devotion is simplicity, compassion, and balance.
Overall, Monday is considered a very auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva. Worshipping on this day, which is associated with Chandra Dev, not only provides spiritual benefits but is also believed to relieve many practical problems of life. This is why even today, long queues of devotees are seen in Shiva temples on Mondays, and the echo of Shiva devotion is heard all around.
