Daily Deity Worship in Hinduism: Significance and Rituals

Junagarh Shiva Temple

Every day of the week is assigned to a particular deity in Hindu mythology and rituals are performed along with offerings and fasting to be blessed with wealth, good health, and happiness. Devotees attend temples, conduct rituals and recite prayers or even worship in their homes in accordance with the place’s culture and their ancestry.

The role of daily worship is connected to the fact that people are sinners, they both knowingly and unknowingly harm others. The holy writings state that through remorse and the act of praying for forgiveness, one could minimize the repercussions of such misdeeds. Prayers and repentance are performed on the specific days for the respective gods and goddesses, so devotees can seek forgiveness and get the results and graces they seek. These are the special dedicated days in Sanatan Dharma and this article will help in explaining how to pray and get the blessings from the gods.

Sunday for Sun God

Sunday is for Sun God or Surya Devta who holds the position of a king among all planets in the science of Astrology. Worshiping Sun God also improves personality, not losing patience and increases strength and positivity. People pour water at the break of the dawn to make them receive his divine power, which enhances the health of the heart and body.

Monday for Lord Shiva

The first day of the week is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is referred to as ‘Dewadhidev’ or the Lord of Gods. Some of the rituals performed here include fasting, offering milk, water, bael leaves as a sign of attaining liberation as well as prosperity and satisfaction. Shiva represents creation, conservation, and dissolution as a deity who gives strength, valor, and serenity.

Tuesday for Lord Hanuman

Tuesday is associated with Lord Hanuman, who is worshipped as ‘Sankat Mochan,’ meaning, one who removes troubles. Prayed to for loyalty, courage, and power, devotees present flowers, vermilion powder and sweets and seek safety from negativity. It is believed that praying to Hanuman Ji, one gets courage and is able to overcome all the hurdles that life throws on us.

Wednesday for Ganesh Ji

Wednesday is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the God who helps to remove all the barriers in life and grants success, good health and wealth. Raw devotees perform puja with durva grass and modakas, getting boons in the form of knowledge, success in undertakings or removal of obstacles symbolized with femininity and prosperity.

Thursday for Lord Vishnu and Guru

Thursday is devoted to the Lord Vishnu who is known as the preserver of the universal forces, and the Guru or the teacher. Offering prayers, yellow apparels, and yellow coloured edibles are known to shower more wealth, happiness, and passing of wishes. All in all, Lord Vishnu is responsible for the preservation of universe, while teachers contribute to preservation of righteousness in this world.

Friday for Santoshi Mata and Maa Lakshmi

Friday is dedicated to a deity known as Santoshi Mata who is considered as the daughter of Lord Ganesha. The ‘Shukrawar Vrat’ is dedicated with garneting the deities by not consuming any non-vegetarian and sour products. After the prayers they are able to break their fast with the ‘Gur-Chana,’ prasad which is served for consumption.

Fridays are also dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi who is also the wife of Shri Vishnu. She offers one the riches, success and all the good things which one can wish for. The followers conduct Lakshmi Puja which involves offerings such as the lotus, sweets, and coins in prayers to acquire material as well as spiritual prosperity.

Saturday for Shani Dev

Saturday is for Shani Dev, who is the Hindu god of justice and punishment, known for being strict and authoritative. Devotees present oil and sesamum as Saturn protects from troubles and removes its evil impact. Worshiping Shani Dev helps people in balancing their past karma and gaining stability. It is said that Shani dev does not harm devotees of Hanuman so some also offer prayers and perform special puja to Lord Hanuman on this day in order to seek additional protection.

Thus, following such practices, devotees intend to live a life of religious satisfaction, asking for blessings and help from their chosen deity to overcome life challenges and repent for sins.