Quick Answer
Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva because Monday is ruled by the Moon, called "Soma" in Sanskrit, and Shiva is closely connected with the Moon. Shiva wears the crescent moon on his head, symbolising control over the mind, emotions, and the passage of time. Therefore, worshipping Shiva on Somvar is believed to bring peace and emotional stability.
The Story
The connection comes from both language and symbolism. The Sanskrit word Somvar literally means "the day of Soma (Moon)". In Hindu thought, the Moon influences the mind and emotions.
A well-known story from the Puranas tells us that Chandra (the Moon god) was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. However, Chandra showed special affection towards Rohini, neglecting his other wives. Angered by this, Daksha cursed Chandra to gradually lose his brightness.
As Chandra weakened, the balance of nature was disturbed. Seeking relief, he performed intense penance and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva partially removed the curse, allowing the Moon to wax and wane instead of disappearing completely. To protect Chandra, Shiva placed the crescent moon on his matted hair, earning the name Chandrashekhar ("the One who wears the Moon on his head").
Because of this sacred association, devotees began worshipping Shiva on Monday, the Moon's day, believing that Shiva helps calm emotional turbulence and grants clarity of mind.
Did You Know?
- Somnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, literally means "Lord of Soma (the Moon)".
- Shiva's crescent moon symbolises that time is cyclical, just like the lunar phases.
- In many regions of India, Shravan Mondays are considered especially auspicious for Shiva worship because the monsoon month is traditionally associated with devotion to Shiva.
Why It Matters
The tradition is not only about ritual fasting. It carries a practical spiritual message:
- The Moon represents the mind.
- Shiva represents awareness and self-control.
- Worship on Monday reminds devotees to begin the week with discipline and patience.
Many people observe Somvar Vrat (Monday fast), offer water or milk to the Shiva Linga, chant "Om Namah Shivaya", or spend a few minutes in meditation. The emphasis is on simplicity and sincerity, not on elaborate rituals.
References
- Shiva Purana: Vidyeshvar Samhita (sections describing Shiva as Chandrashekhar and the significance of Shiva worship)
- Skanda Purana: Prabhasa Khanda (narratives connected with Somnath Jyotirlinga and Chandra's penance)
- Linga Purana: chapters describing the glory of Shiva Linga worship and Shiva's association with cosmic time and the Moon
- Other authentic scriptures: Traditional Somvar Vrat Katha preserved in Puranic and regional Hindu ritual literature
