The holy month of Sawan begins on July 30th. This month is considered the dearest to Lord Shiva. According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva himself descends to Earth during Sawan to dwell among his devotees. Throughout the month, Shiva temples teem with devotees. The *Shivling* is worshipped through *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) using water and *Belpatra* (wood apple leaves), accompanied by the chanting of mantras. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan yields swift results.

According to astrology, planetary afflictions (*Graha Dosh*) in our birth charts can cause obstacles, illness, financial constraints, and relationship troubles. Lord Shiva is regarded as the supreme lord of all planets; therefore, worshipping Him during Sawan can help mitigate the adverse effects of the nine planets. Let us explore the specific forms of Shiva worship recommended for different planetary afflictions during this month.

**Surya Dosh (Sun Affliction)**
*Surya Dosh* is associated with one's father. A weak Sun in the birth chart can lead to strained relations with one's father, a loss of honor and respect, professional difficulties, and diminished self-confidence. To alleviate the effects of *Surya Dosh*, one should offer water to the *Shivling* daily using a copper vessel (*lota*) during Sawan.

**Chandra Dosh (Moon Affliction)**
An affliction of the Moon (*Chandra Dosh*) deprives an individual of mental peace. The Moon is considered the significator of the mind; a weak Moon can cause stress, fear, insomnia, and estrangement from one's mother. If you are experiencing such issues, offer raw milk and white flowers to the *Shivling*.

**Mangal Dosh (Mars Affliction)**
*Mangal Dosh* can lead to obstacles in marriage, excessive anger, susceptibility to accidents, and falling into debt. To ward off these issues, offer red flowers, jaggery (*gur*), and red sandalwood paste to Lord Shiva during Sawan.

**Budh Dosh (Mercury Affliction)**
An afflicted Mercury (*Budh*) can cause difficulties in studies, speech impediments, and business losses. To remedy this, offer green flowers and *Belpatra* to Lord Shiva on every Wednesday of Sawan. This remedy is highly beneficial for students.

**Guru Dosh (Affliction of Jupiter)**
If there is a *Guru Dosh* in your horoscope, you will inevitably face obstacles in your career, no matter how hard you work. Jupiter is associated with knowledge and fortune; when it is weak, progress stalls. You become unable to make the right decisions and fail to achieve advancement. To remedy this, offer yellow flowers to the *Shivling* every Thursday during the month of *Sawan*.

**Shukra Dosh (Affliction of Venus)**
If an individual is facing issues in their married life, or experiencing a lack of love, wealth, and material comforts—or if they are suffering from infections or problems related to hair and skin—it is a clear indication that Venus is not well-placed in their horoscope. Worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati every Friday throughout the month of *Sawan* can yield significant benefits.

Therefore, worshipping Lord Shiva with a sincere heart during *Sawan* certainly brings rewards, as He is *Bhola Bhandari* (the benevolent and simple-hearted Lord) who cannot bear to see His devotees in distress.

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