Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, follows a deep-rooted tradition of associating each day of the week with specific deities. Devotees observe fasting, perform rituals, and chant prayers dedicated to these gods on their respective days to seek blessings, remove obstacles, and attain prosperity. Let’s explore which Hindu gods are worshipped on each day and the significance of these practices.
Sunday – Dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God)
Deity: Lord Surya (Sun God)
Significance: The Sun is considered the source of energy, health, and wisdom. Worshipping Surya on Sundays is believed to bring vitality, success, and a disease-free life.
Rituals: Devotees offer water to the rising Sun, recite the Aditya Hridaya Stotra, and observe fasts with a simple diet of fruits and wheat products.
Monday – Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Deity: Lord Shiva
Significance: Monday, also known as Somvar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Devotees pray for mental peace, well-being, and marital bliss.
Rituals: Fasting (Somvar Vrat), visiting Shiva temples, offering milk, water, and bilva (bael) leaves to the Shiva Lingam, and chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Tuesday – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Kartikeya
Deities: Lord Hanuman and Lord Kartikeya
Significance: Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Rama, symbolizes strength, devotion, and protection, while Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, represents valor and courage. Worship on this day removes fears and grants strength.
Rituals: Observing fast, reciting Hanuman Chalisa, and visiting Hanuman temples. Many devotees also offer red flowers and sindoor (vermilion) to Hanuman.
Wednesday – Dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga
Deities: Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga
Significance: Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, while Goddess Durga represents power and protection. Worship on Wednesdays brings prosperity and intelligence.
Rituals: Chanting Ganesh mantras, offering durva grass, and consuming green-colored foods like spinach and moong dal.
Thursday – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter)
Deities: Lord Vishnu and Guru Brihaspati
Significance: Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is worshipped on Thursdays for wisdom, wealth, and spiritual growth. Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter) is the divine teacher and represents knowledge and righteousness.
Rituals: Fasting, wearing yellow clothes, offering yellow flowers and food items like chana dal and bananas, and chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
Friday – Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Santoshi
Deities: Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Santoshi
Significance: Friday is an auspicious day for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Goddess Santoshi, known for granting wishes and removing financial troubles.
Rituals: Observing fasts, offering sweets, white flowers, and reciting Lakshmi Chalisa. Devotees also avoid sour foods while fasting for Santoshi Mata.
Saturday – Dedicated to Lord Shani, Lord Hanuman, and Kali Maa
Deities: Lord Shani (Saturn), Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Kali
Significance: Saturday is associated with Lord Shani, who represents discipline and karma, and Hanuman, who protects devotees from malefic planetary influences. Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Durga, is also worshipped for spiritual strength.
Rituals: Offering mustard oil, black sesame seeds, and lighting a diya under a Peepal tree. Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Shani Stotra for protection from negativity.
Conclusion
Each day in Hinduism holds spiritual significance and provides an opportunity for devotees to connect with different divine energies. By observing dedicated rituals and prayers, one can seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. Whether through fasting, temple visits, or chanting mantras, honoring these deities according to the traditional weekly cycle can bring immense benefits in life.
May your devotion bring you peace and prosperity! Om Shanti!