Koti Somavaram Vratam, observed on November 9th this year, is a dedicated Monday fasting ritual observed during the auspicious Hindu month of Kartika. This vratam (fast) holds religious significance as it aligns with auspicious days and constellations like Shravana Nakshatra, associated with Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Devotees who perform this vratam with faith are believed to have immense spiritual merit, which helps in overcoming sins accumulated over lifetimes, leading to peace and prosperity. Here are some key points mentioned:
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Significance of Koti Somavaram Vratam
- During Kartika, devotees observe fasting every Monday to honor Lord Shiva, and each day is considered special for worship.
- The ritual includes fasting, lighting lamps, chanting names like “Om Namah Shivaya“, and offering prayers with sacred items like Bilva leaves for Lord Shiva and Tulsi for Lord Vishnu.
- On specific days, such as November 9th 2024, when Shravana Nakshatra coincides with Saturday, making it especially beneficial for both Shiva and Vishnu devotees.
- This month also holds additional significance because both Shiva and Vishnu are pleased with rituals performed during this time, often called the Damodara month for Vishnu, with this Shravana Nakshatra alignment, which have spiritual importance.
Also Know – Tulsi Puja Rituals in Kartika Month
Daily Rituals and Offerings:
- Devotees should begin their worship in the early morning, fast through the day,lighting lamps (Deepam) and offer evening prayers.
- They can also contribute through donations and offerings like clothes, food, and and even auspicious items like gold or cows, for the vratam’s positive outcomes.
- Specific days are highlighted, such as Mondays, Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day), and Purnima (full moon), each offering unique benefits when observed with fasting and devotion.
How to Worship Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu?
- On Koti Somavara Mondays, Rudrabhisheka, a ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Linga, is performed, signifying the washing away of karmic impurities.
- Special mention is given to making offerings in the form of sacred items, and the benefits are amplified if done with a Parthiva Linga (a sacred Shiva Linga made of clay).
Cow Worship on Govardhan Puja
- On Govardhan Puja, Offering food to cows is seen as a way to honor all deities, bringing spiritual purity and blessings.
Benefits of Koti Somavaram Pooja
- Observing the Koti Somavara pooja is said to bring blessings of longevity, peace, prosperity, and even liberation from cycles of rebirth.
- Observing this fast with devotion during Kartika is believed to enhance one’s spiritual progress and attract divine grace.
Importance of 365 Shiva Lingas ( 365 Vattulu) and Worship
The Ritual of preparing and worshipping with 365 small Shiva lingams (365 Vattulu) , is said to provide the benefits equivalent to offering worship for an entire year. These 365 lingams are crafted using materials like clay or other available natural resources.
Preparation: Make 365 small lingams using clay, cow dung, or even turmeric paste. This can be done at home or in a place of worship. After creating these lingams, they are arranged respectfully for the ritual.
Before starting the puja, it is advised to take a holy bath and wear clean, traditional clothes. Light a lamp and offer fresh flowers and fruits. Decorate the area around the lingams with symbols or flowers if possible.
Chant prayers such as Shiva Mantras or the Kartik Damodara prayers. You can offer Tulsi leaves and Bilva (Bael) leaves, both considered sacred to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Some people also offer naivedya (food offerings) like jaggery and bananas, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Significance: It is suggested to recite specific shlokas, such as Vishnu Sahasranama, for a special blessing. This ritual, done with a pure heart, is believed to cleanse past sins and invite divine blessings for peace and prosperity.
After chanting and offerings, perform a final prayer and deepa aradhana (offering of lights) before each lingam. If possible, this should be done each day in Kartika month, or at least on significant days like Kartik Ekadashi, Mondays, and Poornima (full moon day).
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Conclusion
- Observing the “Koti Somavara Vratam” on auspicious days in Kartika, including Kartika Purnima and Govardhan Puja, is emphasized as these days bring additional spiritual benefits.
- Devotees are encouraged to fast throughout the day, perform evening rituals, and observe strict self-discipline.
- By offering 365 Shiva Lingams to God , people believe they receive the blessings of all deities and can resolve issues such as Rahu, Shani, and Ketu-related challenges, among other karmic influences.