Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon, holds immense significance in the hearts of his devotees. The month of Sawan (July-August) is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva, and every Monday falling in this month, known as Sawan Somwar, holds particular importance. Devotees observe fasts, perform special worship, and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. In this blog, we will explore the rituals associated with Sawan Somwar and the significance of providing ashes and performing Jalabhishek on the Shivling.
The Significance of Sawan Somwar
Sawan Somwar, the first Monday of the month of Sawan, marks the beginning of a sacred period. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that by observing fasts and performing special rituals, devotees can attain his divine grace and blessings. The Sawan month also witnesses several important festivals and fasts, including Kamika Ekadashi, Masik Shivratri, Amavasya of Shravan month, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan.
Puja Vidhi and Mantras
To worship Lord Shiva on Sawan Somwar, devotees follow specific rituals and chant powerful mantras. The following mantras are commonly recited:
- “Om Namah Shivay”
- “Om Shankaraya Namah”
- “Om Maheshwaraya Namah”
- “Om Rudray Namah” Additionally, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is chanted: “Om Trimbakam Yajamahe Sugandhi Pushtivardhanam. Urvarukamiv Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ॥”
Auspicious Time for Worship
On the first Monday of Sawan, an auspicious time for worship is present. Today, Lord Shiva will be worshipped in the Revati Nakshatra and Sukarma Yoga. The Abhijeet Muhurta, considered highly auspicious, is from 11.59 am to 12.54 pm. For those who prefer to worship Lord Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious time for evening worship is from 5:38 pm to 7:22 pm.
Offerings for Different Zodiac Signs
Based on their zodiac signs, devotees can offer specific materials to Lord Shiva for favorable outcomes. Here are some recommendations:
- Aries: Anoint Lord Shiva with jaggery mixed in water and offer Belpatra inscribed with the name of Lord Ram.
- Taurus: Perform Abhishek of Shivling with milk curd and a garland of Harshringar flowers.
- Gemini: Anoint Lord Shiva with sugarcane juice and perform Rudrabhishek with honey.
Similar instructions are provided for other zodiac signs, including Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These rituals help devotees seek promising results and blessings from Lord Shiva.
The Significance of Offering Ashes
Ashes hold a crucial place in the worship of Lord Shiva. According to Shivpuran, the worship of Lord Shiva is considered incomplete without offering ashes. This tradition has a mythological origin. Once, during a yagya organized by King Daksha, Lord Shiva was insulted in front of Goddess Sati. Unable to bear the insult, Sati immolated herself in the Havan Kund. Enraged by this, Lord Shiva wrapped the ashes of Sati’s funeral pyre all over his body. Since then, offering ashes to Lord Shiva has become a significant aspect of his worship.
The Significance of Jalabhishek
Jalabhishek, the act of pouring water on the Shivling, is a common ritual performed during Sawan Somwar. Its significance lies in an ancient tale. During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a pot of poison emerged. No deity or demon wanted to handle the deadly poison. To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, turning it blue. This act caused his body temperature to rise significantly. To cool Lord Shiva’s body, the gods and goddesses poured water on him. Thus, the tradition of Jalabhishek began, symbolizing the devotee’s offering of water to Lord Shiva.
Sawan Somwar
Sawan Somwar the auspicious Monday in the month of Sawan, provides a sacred opportunity for devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. By observing fasts, performing worship, chanting mantras, and engaging in specific rituals, devotees express their devotion and reverence towards the mighty deity. The offering of ashes and the act of Jalabhishek hold deep symbolic and mythological significance, representing devotion, purification, and seeking divine blessings. May this Sawan Somwar bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to all devotees who embark on this sacred journey of devotion to Lord Shiva.
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