Monday (Somvar) is traditionally dedicated to Shiva. The day is linked to Chandra, the Moon, who is shown on Shiva's matted locks, and devotees often visit a Shiva temple or perform a short puja at home.
What a simple Monday puja involves
- Bathe and prepare a clean space. A Shiva linga or an image is enough.
- Abhishek. Pour water over the linga, followed by milk if your family does so, then water again. Do this while chanting.
- Offerings. Bilva (bel) leaves are the best-known offering; white flowers are also common. Offer with a calm mind. The quantity matters less than attention.
- Mantra. Om Namah Shivaya, the five-syllable Panchakshari mantra, is chanted 11, 21 or 108 times. Shorter practice with attention is as good as a long one done mechanically.
- Aarti. Close with the Shiva aarti.
The Somvar vrat
Many devotees fast on Mondays, either until evening or eating a single sattvic meal. A well-known version is the Solah Somvar vrat of sixteen consecutive Mondays. The month of Shravan, with its Mondays, is especially important for Shiva worship. As with any fast, adapt it to health; it is not required to worship Shiva.
Pradosh and Monday
Pradosh Vrat falls on the thirteenth tithi of each fortnight and is observed in the evening twilight. When Pradosh falls on a Monday it is often called Soma Pradosh and is widely regarded as especially auspicious. Check the panchang for the date.
Rudrabhishek
Rudrabhishek is a longer ritual in which the Shri Rudram is recited while the linga is bathed. It is commonly arranged on Mondays, Pradosh, Maha Shivaratri and in Shravan, usually with a priest.
Frequently asked questions
Can women worship the linga at home? Yes; practices vary by family tradition, and this is a matter for your family and priest.
Is milk required? No. Water alone is a complete abhishek.
Related on Darshya
This guide describes common tradition. Practices differ by region, sampradaya and family; if your family follows a different custom, follow that, and ask your family priest when in doubt.