Why is Lord Shiva Worshiped and Fasting Observed on Monday in Hinduism?
                     Why is Lord Shiva Worshiped and Fasting Observed on Monday in Hi
nduism?
Mahadev, or Shiv Ji, is considered the supreme deity of Hinduism, who is 
worshipped as the creator, destroyer, and the transformation. Lord Shiva fasting 
(Somvar Vrat) is one of the most important traditions for Lord Shiva devotion. In India 
and other parts of the world, devotees spend their Mondays in total devotion to Shiva 
by praying, fasting, and visiting temples. Offerings are commonly offered on a black 
marble Shivling for a temple with Nandi or at home with idols like a Shiv Parivar idol 
in a mandir.
The Mythology Behind Lord Shiva and the Moon
It is said that the Moon (Soma) was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha, that he 
would lose his brightness and fade away every day. Soma was unable to protect 
himself, so he  addressed  Lord  Shiva,  who  heard  his  prayers.  Shiva,  moved  by  
pity,  put  the crescent moon on His matted hair, and gave Soma an honoured seat. 
Shiva has been known since that time as Chandrashekhara (giver of the Moon). 
Monday is the day of the Moon, and so the day most likely to be favorable in this 
worship of Shiva.
Monday Fasting – A Traditional Practice in Hinduism
● Somvar  Vrat  Significance  is  that  faith  is  mixed  with  discipline,  devotion  and 
cleanness of mind.
● Devotees wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean and simple 
clothes.
● Some are strict with their fast during the day between sunrise and sunset, and
others use fruits, milk or other light vegetarian food.
● Shiv  worship  rituals  involve  giving  water,  milk,  honey,  and  beel  leaves  to  a 
sangmarmar Shivling or Shiv murti.
● Families will also maintain a Shiv Ji or Shiv Parivar idol, in their mandir and pray
to it as a source of protection and harmony.
● To complete the worship rituals, devotees recite mantras, light lamps and perform 
evening aarti.
Benefits of Worshiping Shiva on Mondays
Peace and Mental Clarity
The Mondays of worshiping Shiv Ji are their way of pacifying the restless mind. 
Devotees feel less stressed and more focused, and have the feeling of being 
internally balanced.
Harmony in Marriage and Relationships
The marriage couple celebrates somvar vrat in order to enhance love, trust, and 
understanding. Lord Shiva is believed to bring stability in family life and settle 
conflicts with the help of his blessings.
Fulfillment of Marriage Desires
Single men and women practice Solah Somvar Vrat in order to get a partner. This is 
inspired by the story of Goddess Parvati.
Spiritual Growth and Discipline
Somvar Vrat develops self-restraint, patience and devotion. Through fasting and 
singing Shiva mantras, the devotees become spiritual and acquire the art of not 
being attached to material things.
Protection from Negative Energies
Shiva is the destroyer of evil as well. It is claimed that worshipping Him on
Mondays protects worshippers against jealousy, fear and other negative things in 
life.
Family Unity and Blessings
The worshiper, having a Shiv parivar idol for mandir, seeks oneness, affection, 
and blessings of the whole household so that peace may prevail in the 
household.
Types of Monday Fasts
1)Monthly  Somvar  Vrat:  This  is  observed  on  the  1st  day  of  every  month  and  
is followed by simple rituals, fasting, and prayers to Shiva.
2)Solah  Somvar  Vrat:  It  is  a  very  powerful  vow  observed  in  sixteen 
consecutive Mondays and is mostly observed by those people who want to get 
married, bring happiness or achieve a certain desire that they have.
3)Shravan Somvar: The most important Mondays of the month of Shravan (July– 
August) are believed to be holy. Worshippers are moving towards Shiva temples, 
pouring  milk  and  water  over  the  Shivling  and  chanting  mantras  and  bringing 
flowers.
4)Special Mondays: Maha Shivaratri or the Maha Shiva Monday or other days in 
significant Hindu months are also considered extra auspicious and draw masses of 
people to the Shiva temples.
Modern Relevance and Devotion
Though  modern  life  is  so  fast,  Somvar  Vrat is  still very  popular.  Many  city  
dwellers install  sangmarmar  shiv  murti  for  home  and  prayer  rooms  and  perform  
puja  on Monday. The vrat is a ritual and yet a balance, inner peace and anchor of 
spirituality to the working people. The practice gives insight into discipline, mind-
awareness, and separation from material distractions. For the new generation, they 
can find a way to develop themselves by adopting this tradition.
Conclusion
The mythology, spirituality, and devotion are perfectly merged through the tradition of 
fasting and  worshipping  Lord  Shiva  on  Mondays.  Since the time of the  story  of  
the crescent moon up to the Somvar Vrat significance, timeless, this practice still 
brings peace,  prosperity  and fulfillment  to  the devotees.  Be  it  big temples or  
simple  Shiva devotion with Shivling and Nandi at home, the love for Lord Shiva has 
no end and it gives strength and peace to millions of people.
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