Kathmandu. Today is the first Monday of Shrawan, a day of special importance for Hindus. Since morning, devotees have thronged major Shiva temples across the country, including Pashupatinath.

The month of Shrawan is considered a special month for Lord Shiva, and Monday is Shiva’s favorite day. On this day, devotees observe a fast and follow the tradition of offering water to the Shivalinga, offering bel leaves, and chanting mantras. It is especially customary for women to participate in Shiva Puja wearing green clothes, bangles, and mehndi.

According to the scriptures, it is believed that worshipping Shiva in the month of Shrawan destroys sins, fulfills desires, and achieves mental purification. As described in the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking the poison released from the churning of the ocean in this month.

Astrologically, Shrawan is also considered special because when the Sun is in the sign of Cancer, the Moon becomes strong, which helps in mental peace. This is why there is a religious saying that Parvati received Mahadev by fasting on Monday.

Monday fasting can be observed in various ways, such as waterless fasting, fruit eating, or just one meal of sattvic food. It is customary for the fasting person to wake up in the morning at Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, wear clean clothes, anoint Shiva with Panchamrit and water, chant mantras, and perform aarti. Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtak, or Monday Vrat Katha are also read or listened to.

Meanwhile, free bus service has been provided this year for easy access to devotees who come to visit the Pashupatinath Temple on Mondays in the month of Shrawan. According to Subash Chandra Joshi, member secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Fund, four buses will travel around the ring road and take devotees to the temple.