Monday is considered the most auspicious day for worshipping Lord Shiva. Performing a proper Shiva Lingam puja, anointing it with water and milk, offering Bael leaves, and chanting the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into life. Scriptures state that fasting and donating on Monday quickly fulfill one's wishes.
Shivling Puja: In Hinduism, Monday is considered the day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that by performing puja and observing fasts on this day, Lord Shiva fulfills all the desires of his devotees. Offering water, milk, and Gangajal to the Shivling, along with Bael leaves and white flowers, on Monday is believed to fulfill desires related to happiness, prosperity, marriage, and children. According to astrology, this day is believed to bring mental peace and positive energy into life.
Why is Monday Lord Shiva's Day?
In Hindu scriptures, the seven days of the week are dedicated to different deities, with Monday being considered Lord Shiva's day. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva specifically listens to the prayers of his devotees on Mondays and blesses them with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
It is said that whoever worships Lord Shiva with a true heart on Monday has all their wishes fulfilled. Observing a Monday fast and performing Shivling puja is considered extremely fruitful for overcoming problems such as delays in marriage, desire for children, or financial difficulties.
Auspicious Significance of Monday Worship
Lord Shiva is called 'Bholenath' because he readily accepts the emotions of his devotees. Worshipping Lord Shiva on Monday brings mental peace and removes negative energy from a person's life.
In astrology, Monday is also associated with the moon planet. The moon symbolizes the mind and emotions, and the moon adorns Lord Shiva's matted hair. Therefore, worshipping Shiva on Monday helps alleviate mental unrest and stress.
Special Rituals to Perform on Monday
According to religious beliefs, performing certain simple rituals on Monday quickly pleases Lord Shiva.
- Bathe in the morning and wear clean, white clothes.
- Offer water, milk, and Gangajal to the Shivling.
- Offer Bael leaves, Akshat (rice), white flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva.
- Chant the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra 108 times.
- Light a lamp and perform Shiva Aarti in the evening.
Performing these rituals with a pure heart brings Lord Shiva's blessings and ushers in happiness and prosperity in life.
What to Offer and What Not to Offer on Shivling
Certain items are considered highly auspicious for Shivling worship. Milk, curd, honey, Bael leaves, Dhatura, and sandalwood are extremely dear to Lord Shiva. Offering these items yields special benefits.
However, some items are forbidden from being offered to the Shivling, such as turmeric, Ketaki flowers, Tulsi leaves, and coconut water. Scriptures state that offering these items on the Shivling is inappropriate.
Special Puja Method for Eligible Youth for Marriage
Those experiencing delays in marriage should specifically perform Abhishek of the Shivling with water and milk on Monday. Afterward, chant the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra 108 times using a Rudraksha rosary. After the puja, meditate on Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and pray for a suitable life partner.
It is believed that doing so helps in finding a suitable life partner and brings stability to marital life.
Correct Method for Shivling Worship
- Morning Bath and Meditation: After bathing on Monday morning, purify yourself with Gangajal.
- Visit a Temple: Go to the nearest Shiva temple and light a lamp.
- Perform Abhishek: Anoint the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and Gangajal.
- Offer Puja Items: Offer flowers, Bael leaves, fruits, Dhatura, and sweets to the deity.
- Mantra Chanting: Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" at least 108 times.
- Aarti and Prayer: Finally, perform Shiva Aarti and pray for the happiness and prosperity of your family.
Donation Enhances Puja's Effectiveness
Scriptures state that donating items like white clothes, milk, curd, sugar, or rice on Monday is highly auspicious. This not only accrues merit but also helps fulfill one's heart's desires.
According to astrology, this practice alleviates lunar afflictions (Chandra Dosha) and mental stress. Additionally, it is believed to help improve financial conditions.
Significance of Monday Fast for Devotees
Observing the Monday fast is considered the simplest and most effective way to receive Lord Shiva's blessings. This fast can be observed for sixteen Mondays or as many Mondays as one desires. On the day of the fast, one should consume sattvic food and remember Lord Shiva throughout the day.
Listening to Shiva Katha, reciting Shiva Chalisa, and performing Bholenath's Aarti at night are considered highly auspicious. It is believed that this fast brings stability to life and removes all kinds of sorrows.
Scientific Benefits of Shivling Puja
While Shivling worship provides spiritual peace from a religious perspective, scientifically, it is considered a symbol of meditation and energy balance. Offering water or milk to the Shivling calms the mind and enhances the flow of positive energy in the body.
The vibrations generated during Shivling worship through mantra chanting and water Abhishek remove negative thoughts from the body and bring stability to the mind. This is why Monday worship is considered extremely beneficial from both a mental and spiritual perspective.
How to Perform Shivling Puja at Home Too
If you cannot go to a temple, you can also worship Lord Shiva at home. Install the Shivling in the north or northeast direction of your home. Before starting the puja, clean the area and light a lamp.
Afterward, offer water, milk, and Bael leaves. Ensure that your mind remains completely calm and devotional during the worship. At the end of the puja, seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva and pray for the happiness and prosperity of your family.
