Devotees Flock to Pashupatinath and Shiva Temples on First Monday of Saun

Kathmandu. On the first Monday of Saun, the holy month for Hindus, a large crowd of devotees has gathered at Pashupatinath and Shiva temples across the country since early morning.

The first Monday of Saun, considered very dear to Lord Shiva, is being celebrated with special devotion and reverence.

Since ancient times, there has been a tradition of observing fasts, worshiping, chanting, meditating, performing charity, and making donations on every Monday of Saun. It is a scriptural belief that observing fasts and worshiping Shiva on Saun Mondays fulfills desires, washes away sins, brings mental peace, and bestows happiness, peace, and prosperity upon the family. In religious texts, this month is considered an extremely auspicious time for penance, chanting, fasting, charity, and devotion to Shiva.

The religious belief that Saun month is dear to Lord Shiva is linked to the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). According to the Puranas, when gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain nectar, the Halahal poison emerged first. As the poison threatened all creation, Lord Shiva consumed it for the welfare of the world, and this occurred during the month of Saun. To alleviate the heat of the poison, the gods continuously offered water to Shiva, and this event led to the tradition of offering water (Jal Abhishek) to the Shivalinga throughout Saun.

Monday is considered the day of Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit, the word 'Som' means moon. Lord Shiva, who wears the moon on his matted locks, is also known as 'Chandrashekhar'.

As the moon is considered a symbol of coolness, mind, and peace, it is a religious belief that worshiping Shiva on Mondays brings peace of mind, reduces mental stress, and imparts positive energy. Especially, the Mondays of Saun are considered more fruitful than the Mondays of other months.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library