Jaipur. The holy month of Shravan, dedicated to the worship of Lord Mahadev, has begun. This year, the first Monday of Shravan falls on August 3rd, which is considered very special and fruitful. This day marks the rare coincidence of Monday and Nag Panchami. To mark this special occasion, extensive preparations have been completed for Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, Dudhbhishek, Panchamrit Abhishek, and special pujas at all the major Shiva temples in the capital, Jaipur.
There is immense enthusiasm among Shiva devotees regarding the first Monday of Sawan. Advance bookings for special religious rituals have been completed in the city’s temples. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” will resonate in Shiva temples from early morning. Throughout the day, Rudrapath, bhajan-kirtan, Sahastradharabhishek, and Jalabhishek with holy water brought by Kanwariyas will continue.
According to Astrologer Dr. Mahendra Mishra, the coincidence of Sawan Monday and Nag Panchami is extremely rare. Monday is dear to Lord Shiva, and the serpent god adorns his neck. In the scriptures, this is called the “Akshaya and Sanjeevani Mahayoga.”
Dr. Mishra advised that those whose horoscopes are affected by Kaal Sarp Dosh, Manglik Dosh, or the inauspicious influence of Rahu and Ketu should offer water, milk, and Panchamrit to the Shivalinga on this day. Also, offer Bel leaves, Datura, cannabis, and a pair of silver snakes and chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. This pacifies planetary defects and bestows eternal virtuous results.
When Lord Shiva swallowed the Halahal poison, which emerged from the churning of the ocean, the gods anointed him with water, milk, yogurt, ghee, and honey (Panchamrit) to soothe the intense burning sensation. Since then, the tradition of performing Jalabhishek in the month of Sawan has been established. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati performed rigorous penance during the month of Sawan to win Lord Shiva as her husband.
All four Mondays of the month of Sawan will be especially fruitful for Shiva devotion. The first Monday will begin on August 3rd with the rare Mahayoga of Nag Panchami. This will be followed by the second Monday on August 10th, the third Monday on August 17th, and the fourth and final Sawan Monday on August 24th. On these dates, devotees will observe fasts, perform Abhishek, Rudrapath, and perform special pujas. Religious events and Kanwar Yatras will continue uninterrupted in Shiva temples throughout the month of Sawan.