Today marks the commencement of the first Sawan Monday fast of 2024, coinciding with the first day of the Shravan month on July 22. This day falls on the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha in the Shravan month. Notably, this year’s Sawan month starts and ends on a Monday, a rare occurrence after 72 years. On this auspicious day, two significant yogas are forming: Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga and Preeti Yoga. Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, known for ensuring success in endeavours, spans from 05:37 AM to 10:21 PM today, while Preeti Yoga extends until 05:58 PM.
For detailed guidance on the Sawan Monday fast and worship, Dr Ganesh Mishra, Astrologer of Central Sanskrit University Puri, provides insights into the method, auspicious timings, mantras, and the profound significance of this auspicious day.
For devotees planning to observe Shiva Puja today, the auspicious time begins at sunrise, aligning with the onset of Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga and Preeti Yoga. Additionally, Brahma Muhurta from 04:15 AM to 04:56 AM is ideal for preparatory rituals. The Abhijeet Muhurta, considered highly auspicious, falls between 12 Noon to 12:55 PM.
Puja Essentials and Rituals
To conduct Shiva Puja, essential materials include Ganga water, flowers, sandalwood, belpatra, and various offerings like datura, incense, and raw cow’s milk. Specific items such as Rakshasutra, yajnopaveet, and cloves are also required. However, the use of vermillion, turmeric, conch shell, basil leaves, coconut, Ketaki flowers, etc is prohibited in the worship of Lord Shiva.
Mantras
Mantras of Shiva worship include – “Om Namah Shivay”, “Nagendraharaya Trilochanay Bhasmangaragaya Maheshwaraya”,
“Nityaya Shuddhay Digambaray Tasmai Nakaray Namah Shivay”.
Procedure
The puja ritual involves bathing in the morning, wearing clean clothes, and offering items sequentially to Lord Shiva while chanting mantras. The observance typically includes reciting Shiv Chalisa, reading the Monday fast story, and concluding with Aarti and prayers.
Significance of Sawan Monday Fast
Devotees believe that observing the Sawan Monday fast brings happiness and fulfillment of desires through the grace of Lord Shiva. It is particularly recommended for those facing delays or obstacles in marriage, with fasting on 16 consecutive Mondays believed to hasten matrimonial prospects.