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Karthigai Somavaram refers to the Mondays in the Tamil month of Karthigai (mid-Nov to mid-Dec). These days are considered highly auspicious to connect with Lord Shiva and gain his graceful blessings to absolve your sins and attain transcendental bliss.
It is believed that Lord Shiva’s energies are available in abundance during the Karthigai month. According to sacred texts, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of infinite fire during this month. Also, Moon has a special association with Shiva, whose matted hair he adorns. Moon is the ruling planet of Mondays, and since Mondays are also auspicious for Lord Shiva, Karthigai Mondays are highly revered for the worship of the Supreme Lord.
According to legend, Chandra (Moon) was cursed by King Daksha, as he did not treat his 27 wives (Daksha’s daughters) equally and hence his powers and luster began to fade. When he was in the last waning stage, he ardently prayed to Lord Shiva to save him. Pleased with his prayers, Shiva relieved him from the curse and placed him on his head as a crescent moon. Lord Shiva, with the crescent moon adorning his head, is called “Chandramouleeswarar” or “Someshwara.” It is believed that Chandra was blessed with this boon by Lord Shiva on a Monday in Karthigai month. Hence, Mondays of Karthigai month are ideal to worship and receive blessings from Lord Shiva.
Most Shiva devotees observe Karthigai Somavaram Vrat (fasting) and perform special Poojas for Lord Shiva on all Mondays. Fasting is begun in the early morning and is broken with the sighting of the moon. Through the day, devotees chant Shiva mantras including ‘Panchakshari mantra’ and other prayers praising Lord Shiva. Cooked rice and flowers are offered to Lord Shiva. It is highly believed that this rigorous worship on Mondays will please Lord Shiva who would grant all your earnest wishes.
Performing Archana (Pooja) with Vilva leaves to Lord Shiva on Karthigai Somavaram is believed to promote mental strength and clarity. Since Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a ferocious fire during this month, Sangu Abishekam (hydration Pooja with conch shells) is widely performed in all Shiva temples, to cool him down and receive his abundant blessings.
Appeasing Lord Shiva on the auspicious Karthigai Somavaram days and observing Vrat (fasting) can bless you with the following benefits:
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
Lord Shiva is the archetype of Universal Consciousness, the primordial energy responsible for all possibilities. This homa invokes his blessings to dissolve your karma and bestow health, happiness, and success.
Fear will no more be a road block to your success! Assault all the evil spirits that dominate your positivity. Let the Shiva Yantra unearth the hidden power in you to come out of the ill spell around.