भगवान शिव श्रावण के सोमवार के बारे में कहते हैं- मत्स्वरूपो यतो वारस्ततः सोम इति स्मृतः। प्रदाता सर्वराज्यस्य श्रेष्ठश्चैव ततो हि सः। समस्तराज्यफलदो वृतकर्तुर्यतो हि सः।।   अर्थात सोमवार मेरा ही स्वरूप है, अतः इसे सोम कहा गया है। इसीलिये यह समस्त राज्य का प्रदाता तथा श्रेष्ठ है। व्रत करने वाले को यह सम्पूर्ण राज्य का फल देने वाला है। भगवान शिव यह भी आदेश देते हैं कि श्रावण में सोमे मत्पूजा नक्तभोजनं कृष्णे नाचरितं पूर्वं सोमवारव्रतं शुभम्   अर्थात सोमवार को मेरी पूजा और नक्तभोजन करना चाहिए। पूर्वकाल में सर्वप्रथम श्रीकृष्ण ने ही इस मंगलकारी सोमवार व्रत को किया था। लिङ्गपुराण के अनुसार उपवासात् परं भैक्ष्यं भैक्ष्यात्परमयाचितम्।। आयाचितात्परं नक्तं तस्मान्नक्तेन वर्तयेत्।। उपवास की अपेक्षा भिक्षा श्रेष्ठ है, भिक्षा की अपेक्षा बिना माँगे प्राप्त भोजन श्रेष्ठ है और बिना माँगे प्राप्त भोजन की अपेक्षा नक्तव्रत श्रेष्ठ है। अतः नक्तव्रत करना चाहिए। हविष्यभोजनं स्नांन सत्यमाहारलाघवम्।। अग्निकार्यमधःशय्यां नक्तभोजी समाचरेत्।। अर्थात रात में भोजन करने वाले को हविष्यान्न ग्रहण ...

Belpatra, also known as Bilva or Bilwa leaves, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology, particularly in the worship of Lord Shiva. The sacredness of Belpatra lies not only in its religious symbolism but also in its natural properties. In this article, we will explore the profound connection between Belpatra and Lord Shiva, uncovering the reasons why it is regarded as dear to the deity. Let's delve into the rich history and deep-rooted significance of Belpatra in Lord Shiva's worship. Mythological Significance: In Hindu mythology, the story of Belpatra's association with Lord Shiva dates back to ancient times. Legend has it that during the great churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison named Halahala emerged, threatening to destroy the universe. To save all beings, Lord Shiva consumed the poison. The immense heat of the poison made his throat turn blue, giving him the epithet "Neelkantha" (one with a blue throat). To alleviate the bu...

Shravan, also known as Sawan, is a sacred month in the Hindu lunar calendar that holds immense religious significance. It is considered an auspicious time to perform various spiritual activities and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. One of the most revered rituals during this month is Rudrabhishek, a profound ceremony involving the pouring of holy water and other sacred offerings on the Shiva Lingam. In this article, we will explore the best days for Rudrabhishek during Shravan, the stories behind each day, the preparation for the puja, why Rudrabhishek is performed, mantras to chant, and the auspicious muhurat associated with it. Shravan Somvar Shravan Somvar, or Mondays of the month of Shravan, hold a special place in the hearts of devotees. Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and during Shravan, they become even more significant. Devotees observe fasts and perform Rudrabhishek on these days to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The story behind this devotion dates back to ancient ti...

The Kanwar Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage in which devotees walk barefoot to collect holy water from the Ganges River and other sacred rivers and streams. The water is then carried back to their home temples, where it is used to bathe and worship the god Shiva. Some of the significance of the Kanwar Yatra: The Kanwar Yatra is a way for devotees to seek the blessings of Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. By carrying the holy water from the Ganges River, devotees believe that they are purifying themselves and their surroundings. The Kanwar Yatra is a physically and mentally demanding journey. The long walk, the heat, and the carrying of the heavy kavad are all seen as a way to cleanse the body and soul. The Kanwar Yatra takes place in some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of India. The journey through the mountains, forests, and rivers is a way for devotees to connect with nature and to appreciate its beauty. Date : The Kanwar Yatra 2023 will start on Tuesday, July 4,...

Introduction Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival observed on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. This auspicious occasion holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period , during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep slumber for four months. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi, its rituals, and the spiritual observance associated with this sacred day. Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated to commemorate the cosmic union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, his divine consort. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and protector of the universe, reclines on the cosmic serpent, Shesha, in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk). On this day, he enters a deep slumber and remains asleep for the next four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi, wh...

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottama Maas or Malamasa, is an extra month that occurs in the Hindu calendar every three years. It is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu to compensate for the time he spent asleep during Chaturmas. The 2023 Adhik Maas will begin on July 18, 2023, and end on August 16, 2023. It will coincide with the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, making this year's Shravan month a 59-day long one. Muhurat This year, Adhik Maas will begin on the 18th of July and will conclude on 16th August. Adhik Maas will start with the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and will be followed by the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). The Krishna Paksha of the month of Sawan and the Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas will span a duration of one month. Subsequently, the Krishna Paksha of Adhik Maas and the Shukla Paksha of Sawan will also last for one month. In this way, the month of Sawan in this year will extend to a duration of two months. Significance Adhik Maas is considered to be a hol...

Introduction: Tantra, a profound spiritual tradition rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, holds a prominent place within Hinduism. Its rich tapestry of practices, rituals, and philosophies has captivated seekers for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various tantra traditions within Hinduism, shedding light on their significance, stories, and unique aspects. Kashmir Shaivism: Kashmir Shaivism stands as a beacon of non-dualistic tantra within Hinduism. Originating in the picturesque Kashmir region, it places profound emphasis on recognizing the divine consciousness (Shiva) within oneself. Through practices such as meditation, mantra recitation, visualization, and rituals, followers of Kashmir Shaivism seek to unveil their true nature and merge with the supreme consciousness. Shaiva Siddhanta: Shaiva Siddhanta is a prominent tantra tradition within Shaivism, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Embracing the path of devotion (bhakti), practitioners of this tradition...