Shiva Monday worship guidelines outline rituals and common mistakes

Monday is regarded in Hindu tradition as a day devoted to Lord Shiva, with devotees believing that sincere worship on this day can fulfill wishes and bring prosperity. Priests advise bathing early, wearing clean clothes, and offering specific items such as bel leaves, ganga water, milk, curd, honey and white sandalwood while avoiding tulsi leaves and ketaki flowers on the Shiva lingam.

Common errors to avoid include performing the puja in a hurry, offering stale flowers or dirty water, and circumambulating the entire lingam. In the evening, lighting an oil or sesame oil lamp and reciting chants like the Shiva Chalisa, the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, or “Om Namah Shivaya” is recommended. Observing these practices is believed to remove marital obstacles, promote harmony in family life, and bring favorable results in career and business.