Last Monday of Sawan: Perform worship in this manner to attain immense merit

Astrology News: The month of Sawan is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a special tradition of worshipping Bholenath and performing religious rituals like Jalabhishek (offering water) and Rudrabhishek during this month. Devotees observe fasts, especially on the Mondays of Sawan, and visit temples to offer water, milk, Belpatra (wood apple leaves), and flowers to the Shivling. It is believed that worshipping Mahadev with a sincere heart on the Mondays of Sawan brings His blessings and alleviates life’s hardships. This year, there are four Mondays in Sawan, and each holds its own distinct religious significance. In 2026, the last Monday of Sawan falls on August 24. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped according to prescribed rituals. Notably, not just one or two, but five auspicious astronomical alignments are occurring on this day. Consequently, worshipping Bholenath and performing Rudrabhishek on this occasion can yield immense spiritual merit. If you are planning to observe a fast on the last Monday of Sawan, please take note of the auspicious timings (Muhurat) mentioned below.
**The fourth Monday of Sawan falls on August 24, 2026. A special feature of this day is the formation of several auspicious alignments alongside the Sawan Monday. According to astrological beliefs, these alignments further enhance the significance of worshipping Lord Shiva and performing Rudrabhishek. Furthermore, it is believed that Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash on this day, making it particularly significant for His devotees.
Five auspicious alignments forming on the fourth Monday

1. Sawan Putrada Ekadashi Paran Day: The Paran (breaking of the fast) for Sawan Putrada Ekadashi will take place on August 24. This offers a unique opportunity to worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva on the same day. According to religious beliefs, worshipping both deities is considered highly auspicious.
2. Priti Yoga: Priti Yoga will prevail from the morning of the last Monday of Sawan until 7:04 AM. In astrology, this is considered an auspicious and positive Yoga (astrological alignment). It is believed that auspicious activities performed during this time yield favorable results. 3. Ayushman Yoga: Ayushman Yoga begins at 7:04 AM and lasts throughout the day. According to astrological beliefs, this Yoga is associated with good health, longevity, and positivity.
3. Shiva’s Abode on Kailash: On this day, Lord Shiva is believed to be seated on Mount Kailash. According to religious traditions, performing Rudrabhishek while Shiva is on Kailash is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to bring happiness, peace, and a positive atmosphere to the home.
4. Hansraj Yoga: Hansraj Yoga is also forming on this day. According to astrological calculations, Jupiter is in an exalted position in the Cancer zodiac sign. Additionally, the Moon will be in Sagittarius and the Sun in Leo. Hansraj Yoga is considered favorable for progress and auspicious outcomes.
   Auspicious times for Jalabhishek (the ritual of offering water)
   On the last Monday of the month of Sawan, the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva can begin as early as Brahma Muhurat. There are several auspicious times throughout the day when you can perform Jalabhishek or Rudrabhishek according to your convenience.
   The auspicious timings are as follows:
   Brahma Muhurat – 4:27 AM to 5:11 AM.
   Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat (Excellent/Nectar-like time) – 5:55 AM to 7:32 AM.
   Shubh-Uttam Muhurat (Auspicious/Best time) – 9:09 AM to 10:46 AM.
   Abhijit Muhurat – 11:57 AM to 12:49 PM.
   Pradosh Kaal (Evening worship) – 6:55 PM to 7:15 PM.
   However, it is not considered necessary to wait for a specific auspicious time to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. During the month of Sawan, water can be offered with full devotion at any time of the day. How should one perform Jalabhishek (ritual bathing with water) for Lord Shiva? First, bathe and wear clean clothes, then face the Shivling and meditate on Lord Shiva. Next, take water in a clean vessel, mix a little Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) into it, and slowly pour the water over the Shivling. Depending on one’s devotion, the Abhishek can also be performed using milk, curd, honey, and other substances. Afterward, pour clean water and offer Belpatra (wood apple leaves) and flowers. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ during the worship and conclude by performing the Aarti of Lord Shiva.
   What should be offered to Lord Shiva on the last Monday of Sawan?
   On the last Monday of Sawan, one should offer Gangajal, Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, white flowers, and sandalwood paste to Lord Shiva. Additionally, offering honey, sugarcane juice, or tender coconut water is considered highly auspicious for seeking special blessings. Given the auspicious and divine celestial alignments occurring on this day, it is considered very special for devotees of Shiva. Those who have been observing the Sawan Monday fast throughout the month can also perform the Udyapan (concluding ritual) of the fast on this day.