Sawan 2025: Worshiping Lord Shiva has special significance in Hinduism. On Sawan month, Shivaratri, and other holy occasions, Shiva devotees offer prayers to receive the blessings of Bholenath. According to the scriptures and traditions, it is considered mandatory to worship Lord Ganesha, Mother Parvati and Nandi before Shiva Puja.
This tradition is not only important from a religious point of view, but also deep spiritual and classical reasons behind it.
Hindu scriptures such as Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, and Agni Purana mention the rules and order of Shiva worship. According to these texts, Shiva is never worshiped alone, he is worshiped with the whole family. Let us know what is the reason behind this and who is first worshiped?
Lord Ganesha starts
Lord Ganesha is first worshiped. According to chapters 12 Ganesh Khand and Ganesh Purana of Skanda Purana, Lord Ganesha is considered the first revered. They are the removal of obstacles in all tasks and providing accomplishment. If there is an error or obstruction in Shiva worship, then Ganesh ji removes it. Along with this, chapter 12-14 of section 4 of Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana states that Ganesh ji is the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
His worship brings the blessings of the Shiva family. It is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana that the legislation of worshiping Ganesha in all the yajna, havan and puja has been established by the sages so that the work is completed smoothly. Lord Ganesha is the giver of intellect, wisdom and prosperity. His worship concentrates the mind of the devotee, and he is prepared mentally and spiritually for Shiva worship.
Worship like this
Offer Durva, Modak, and Red flowers to Ganesha. Along with this, chant ‘Om Gan Ganpataye Namah’ 108 times. Install an idol or instrument of Ganesha near Shivalinga.
Worship Goddess Parvati after Lord Ganesha
In the Shiva Purana’s Umandhita, Chapter 5 and Goddess Bhagwat Purana, in Chapter 1-3, Mata Parvati has been described as Ardhangini and her power form. Integration of Shiva and Shakti is the basis of creation. For this reason, worship of Goddess Parvati with Shiva Puja is mandatory.
Chapter 11 of the Linga Purana states that Shiva worship is considered incomplete without worship of Parvati, because Shiva and Shakti are complementary to each other. It is also said in the Markandeya Purana that by worshiping Goddess Parvati, devotees get good luck, prosperity and marital happiness, which further enhances the fruits of Shiva worship. Mata Parvati is a symbol of compassion, love and power. By his worship, the heart of the devotee is pure and he is able to surrender to Shiva.
How to worship?
Offer the ingredients of Suhag (vermilion, mehndi, bangles) and red flowers to Mata Parvati. Along with this, chant ‘Om Umaai Namah’ or ‘Om Parvatai Namah’. Install the idol or picture of Mata Parvati on the left side of the Shivling.
Worship Nandi
Nandi is described as the supreme devotee and vehicle of Lord Shiva in Chapter 15 of Shiva Purana. He is the head of Shiva’s gatekeepers and his ganas. The entry into the Shiva temple without worshiping Nandi is considered incomplete. According to chapter 22 of Linga Purana, Nandi obeys Shiva’s command and is always ready to serve him. His worship awakens a sense of devotion and dedication in the devotee.
According to chapter 53 of Agni Purana, worshiping Nandi gives the devotee the privilege of staying near Shiva and his prayer reaches Shiva directly. Nandi is a symbol of devotion, humility and dedication. His worship destroys the ego of the devotee and he becomes worthy of Shiva’s grace. Offer flowers to Nandi with sesame, barley, and green fodder. Along with this, chant ‘Om Nandikeshvaraya Namah’. Worship the idol of Nandi in front of Shivling and say your wish in the ear of his idol.
The order of worship is mentioned in the scriptures
In the Koti Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana, chapter 12 and Agni Purana Chapter 60, the order of worship of Shivling is described. First of all, worship Lord Ganesha and then Mata Parvati and then Nandi. At the end, Lord Shiva should be worshiped. The worship of Shivling alone is not considered complete.
Disclaimer: The information given here is based on religious beliefs and is being given only for information. NH does not confirm this.