Kartavyam Karaniyam Va Shraavane Masi Sarvatha |
Bilvapatradibhiha Pritya Shrimahadevapoojanam ||149||
Shatanand explains that such worship to Lord Shiva should always be performed with the greatest of love and respect. If you are yourself incapable of such worship then worship through a Brahmin will suffice. Shiva Purana explains, ‘In the month of Shraavana, those who with deep devotion, worship Shiva through Abhisheka (ceremonious bathing) or with Bili Patra (leaves), fulfil all aspirations. There is nothing in this world that they cannot achieve through such worship. Therefore one should never allow Shraavana Maas to pass without worship to Shiva.’
Padma Purana explains, ‘In the month of Kartika, one should worship Lord Vishnu using Tulsi-Patra and in the month of Shraavana they should worship Lord Shiva with Bilva-Patra. Offering the leaves as they chant Gods name, they attain the highest level of devotion and worship.’ Upamanyu explains a method for those incapable of such worship themselves, ‘In the month of Shraavana, those who daily perform Darshan of Lord Shiva in the evening, receive the fruits of performing Poojan of Shiva.’
It is said that during Shravana Maas, Lord Shiva performs great penance and meditation upon God Shree Hari attaining Samadhi state. By performing Poojan of Sada Shiva, we too are able to have Darshan of Paramatma as he himself enjoys in Samadhi State, through his favour. This is the reason for worship of Lord Mahadeva, who is both the greatest of Vaishnavas as well as being one and the same as Narayana.
Worship of Shiva does not in any way hinder our worship to our Ishtadeva but helps to strengthen our devotion for God Supreme. This is the greatness of worship of Shiva in Shraavana Maas.