Mantras for the worship of Lord Shiva include 'Om Namah Shivay' among others.
It is worth noting that this year the month of Sawan begins and ends on a Monday, which is unusual after 72 years.
Today marks the beginning of the first Sawan Monday fast of 2024, coinciding with the first day of the month of Shravan, July 22. This day falls on the Pratipada Krishna Paksha date in the month of Shravan. It is noteworthy that this year the month of Sawan begins and ends on a Monday, a rare occurrence after 72 years. On this auspicious day, two important yogas are being formed – Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga and Preeti Yoga. Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, known for ensuring success in endeavours, runs from 05:37 AM to 10:21 PM today, while Preeti Yoga runs till 05:58 PM.
For detailed guidance on fasting and worship on Sawan Monday, Dr Ganesh Mishra, Astrologer at Central Sanskrit University, Puri, provides information on the method, auspicious timings, mantras and deep significance of this auspicious day.
For devotees planning to celebrate Shiva Puja today, the auspicious time begins at sunrise, coinciding with the start of Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga and Preeti Yoga. Also, the Brahma Muhurta, from 04:15 to 04:56, is ideal for preparatory rituals. The Abhijeet Muhurta, considered highly auspicious, is celebrated between noon and 12:55.
Essential elements and rituals of puja
To perform Shiva Puja, essential materials include Ganga water, flowers, sandalwood, belpatra and various offerings like datura, incense and raw cow's milk. Specific items like Rakshasutra, yajnopaveet and cloves are also required. However, the use of vermilion, turmeric, snails, basil leaves, coconut, ketaki flowers etc. is prohibited in the worship of Lord Shiva.
Mantras
The mantras of Shiva worship include: “Om Namah Shivay”, “Nagendraharaya Trilochanay Bhasmangaragaya Maheshwaraya”,
“Nityaya Shuddhay Digambaray Tasmai Nakaray Namah Shivay.”
Procedure
The ritual of puja involves taking a bath in the morning, wearing clean clothes and offering objects one after another to Lord Shiva while chanting mantras. The celebration usually includes reciting Shiv Chalisa, reading the story of Monday's fast and concluding with Aarti and prayers.
Significance of Sawan Monday Fasting
Devotees believe that observing the Sawan Monday fast brings happiness and fulfillment of desires through the grace of Lord Shiva. It is especially recommended for those facing delays or obstacles in marriage as fasting for 16 consecutive Mondays is believed to speed up marriage prospects.
