Importance of Shrawan Monday and Lord Shiva
According to Hindu scriptures, particularly the Shiva Purana, worshipping Lord Shiva on Mondays during Shrawan is extremely auspicious. It is thought that offering Bilva leaves, water, and milk to Shivlinga will wash one's sins and fulfill passionate wishes. Fasting on these Mondays represents devotion, self-control, and surrender to the holy force of Shiva.
Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva represent the process of creation, preservation, and destruction. Worshiping Shiva throughout this sacred month connects the devotee to the global cycle of rebirth and liberation (moksha).
Benefits of Fasting on Shrawan Mondays
Fasting on Shrawan Mondays, which is extensively honored in Nepal and around the Hindu world, has profound spiritual advantages related to Lord Shiva worship. It is believed to promote spiritual upliftment and the elimination of negative karma, allowing believers to cleanse their minds and spirits. This tradition has deep roots in Hindu mythology, with one well-known legend depicting Goddess Parvati's extreme penance and fasting during Shrawan to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Her unrelenting devotion eventually paid off, prompting many individuals, notably single women, to participate in the Solah Somvar Vrat (16 consecutive Monday fasts) in search of a suitable life spouse.
In addition to marriage goals, fasting is supposed to assist people attain their health and success objectives. The month of Shrawan is regarded exceptionally fortunate because the universe is charged with Shiva tattvas (elements), which increase prayers and spiritual practices. Devotees in Nepal frequently visit sacred sites such as Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, to perform Abhishekam (ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Lingam) and pray, believing that their genuine devotion will be heard and their wishes granted.
Furthermore, observing these fasts improves emotional strength and happiness since the purification goes beyond the physical body and into the mind. Fasting, when paired with meditation and the singing of mantras like "Om Namah Shivaya," promotes mental clarity, stress reduction, and emotional stability. This technique allows people to withdraw from outward distractions and focus inward, strengthening their connection to the divine and creating inner calm and serenity. Thus, fasting on Shrawan Monday in Nepal is more than just a ritual; it is a holistic endeavor for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and the manifestation of Lord Shiva's benevolent blessings.
