How to observe Shravan Monday Puja

* How to observe Shravan Monday Puja *

Mondays in the month of Shravan is considered highly auspicious for praying to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the worship of Shiva during Shravan month is 108 times more powerful than worshipping during normal days. Millions of devout Hindus observe the Shravan Somwar Vrat – fasting and performing Pujas on Mondays in Sawan Month.
Here is a brief procedure to observe Shravan Somvar Vrat

After the morning bath and other purification rituals.

Lord Ganesha is first prayed to.

Next, Lord Shiva is prayed to by chanting Om Namah Shivaya.

The offerings that are made are Bilva leaves, white flowers, water, honey and milk.

If you have Shivling at home you can do abhishek with water, honey or milk.

Fasting on the day is from sunrise to sunset.

You can chant Maha Mritunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya on the day.

Those who observe fast on Mondays in some regions wear only white clothes.

Those observe partial fast eat fruits.

Some devotees read the Shiva Purana on the day.

Those people who live along the banks of Ganga use water from Ganga to perform abhishek on the Shivling.

The fast is broken in the evening after praying to Lord Shiva. Some devotees visit a Shiva Shrine during the period. Some devotees opt for a 24-hour fast and they break the fast on the next day morning.
It is believed that those who observe Somwar vrat will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with wisdom. In some areas, fasting on Mondays is observed by unmarried women to get a good husband.
It must be noted that Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are devout Hindus who observe vrat on all Mondays in a year.