Each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week. So, if you want to worship all avatras and forms of god in particular, you get one whole day to shower your devotion to the god! This day is ruled by the celestial deity Chandra, the goddess of the moon. Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shloka of the day :
मंदाकिनीसलिलचन्दनचर्चिताय नन्दीश्वरप्रमथनाथ महेश्वराय ।
मण्दारपुष्पबहुपुष्पसुपूजिताय तस्मै मकाराय नम:शिवाय ॥
Mandaakinii Salila Chandana Carcitaaya,
NandIshvara-Pramatha-Naatha-maheshvaraaya.
MandaaraPushpa-BahuPushpa-SuPuujitaaya,
Tasmai “Ma”kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya.
Meaning:
Who is Worshipped with Water from the River Mandakini and Smeared with Sandal Paste, Who is the Lord of Nandi and of the Ghosts and Goblins, the Great Lord, Who is Worshipped with Mandara and Many Other Flowers, Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Ma”, The second syllable of the Panchakshara mantra.
Fasting on Mondays in the month of Shravan is considered even more auspicious. Hindus believe that observing a fast or ‘upvaas’ on Mondays will satisfy Lord Shiva who will grant them wisdom and fulfill all their desires. Devotees visit Lord Shiva shrines and conduct pujas, especially, Ardhanarishwara puja.
So devotees visit any Shiva temple nearby and offer Betel Leaf, White flowers to the Shivling. The Moon (Chandra) rules Monday.
|| Om Namah Shivaya ||
