Ardhnarishwar is an androgynous deity of Shiva and his consort Shakti, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. According to many scriptures, everything in this Universe originates from Ardhnarishwar and goes back into Ardhnarishwar after completion of its lifetime. This view is supported by a lot of arguments.

The Samkhya texts state that there are two distinct fundamental eternal entities: the Purusha and the Prakriti. The Prakriti has three qualities: sattva (purity or preservation), rajas (creation) and tamas (darkness or destruction). When the equilibrium between these qualities gets broken, the act of creation starts. Rajas quality leads to creation. Therefore, Purusha and Prakriti cannot exist independent of each other. They must exist together and in harmony in order to create.

The Devi Bhagwat Purana says that Purusha (Shiva, in material form) worshipped and meditated on Adishakti for thousands of years, using the beej mantra "Kleem".She then incarnated in front of him in the form of Sidhidatri, from the left half of Lord Shiva.

The same purana mentions Parvati, the Goddess of power and beauty, which is considered her Sagun Swaroop (human form). That is to say Parvati is seen as the truest material form of the Goddess, possessing the three qualities (sattva, rajas, or tamas).

From the union of Purusha and Prakriti, emerged all other Gods and Goddesses. Lord Vishnu, thus became the preserver of creation. From the navel of Vishnu emerged Brahma who took a few elements of Prakriti to create life and so He became the creator. Shiva took the role of destroyer to facilitate new creation. Thus, the holy trinity came into existence.

Ardhnarishwar personifies the dissolution of sectarian strains and the adoption of a more holistic, all embracing worldview. Ardhnarishwar signifies "totality that lies beyond duality", that God is beyond the classification of male and female. It unifies all the dichotomies of Universe. It represents two conflicting ways of life which are needed for life to be created. Therefore, none can exist without the other.
Worshipping the Ardhnarishwar form of Lord Shiva and Maa Shakti is considered one of the most auspicious Pujas of Shiva and Shakti. This Puja is mainly dedicated to both the male and female energies of the supreme power.

As per the Scriptures, Ardhnarishwar is a form of Lord Shiva who represents the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The right half is Lord Shiva and the left half is Goddess Parvati.

The Ardhnarishwar form indicates that Shiva and Shakti are one. It represents the synthesis of male and female energies of the Universe.

Ardhnarishwar is a combination of two energies which are responsible for the creation of this universe.

Worshipping the Ardhnarishwar form of Lord Shiva and Maa Shakti is considered one of the most auspicious Pujas of Shiv and Shakti. This Puja is mainly dedicated to both the male and female energies of the supreme power.

Draped in a red sari, bedecked with gold ornaments, seated on a beautiful lotus, flanked by white elephants, this is the image of Goddess Lakshmi that adorns most Hindu homes and business establishments.

Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. She holds the promise of happiness, material fulfillment, and contentment. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu who is the Supreme God in Vaishnavism. She is described as restless, whimsical yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and to grant. For centuries Hindus have invoked her and sought her blessing.

Goddess Lakshmi’s four hands represent four goals of human life considered important to the Hindu way of living – Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha.

In the artworks and sculptures of Goddess Lakshmi, the cascade of coins represents wealth, which she is most known for. The elephants which flank her represent royal power.

Though she is the Goddess of wealth, one should not call on her with greed. There was a time when Lakshmi left the gods because they had become too arrogant & proud and they took their victories against the evil forces and demons for granted which had actually come due to the blessings and presence of Goddess Lakshmi. She was rediscovered during the churning of the milky sea.

Each time Vishnu incarnated, she incarnated with him. This depicts her love and devotion towards her husband. She took the incarnation of Sita while Vishnu took the incarnation of Rama and Lakshmana. Her other important incarnation was that of Rukmini when Vishnu incarnated as Krishna. She is also called “The Goddess who Gives Strength to the Gods”.

Goddess Lakshmi has many names. She is much associated with the flower, Lotus which can be seen in the scriptures and artworks. The lotus she stands on represents the material wealth of the world- like the lotus, it grows from muddy water, but it is not wet by it.

Some of her names associated with Lotus flower are Srija, Kamala, Padma, and Padmapriya. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu are the paradigms for rituals and ceremonies for bride and groom in Hindu weddings. Some states of India such as West Bengal and Odisha believe that Goddess Lakshmi is another form of Goddess Durga.

The red-colored saree which she wears is for continuous activity and positive energy. Some believe that owl is vahana or vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi.

The AshtaLakshmi are the eight manifestos of Lakshmi which reside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the powers of Mahalakshmi. Hindus worship Lakshmi the most on Diwali, the festival of lights. Goddess Kali in Kolkata is worshiped in the form of Mahalakshmi during Diwali.

Friday is the best day to worship Goddess Lakshmi. Lotus flower, sandalwood, betel leaves, and nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice, and coconuts are used to worship to appease Goddess Lakshmi.

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Hindus believe in putting a different face on a form of God. In Hinduism, Various forms of God are given a particular day for reverence. Also, a follower or a devotee can appease to certain dosh in his stars through diligent puja and devotion to God on particular days.

Let’s start from Sunday or Ravivar, as Sunday is considered the first day in Hindu Calendar.

Sunday (Ravivar)
Ravivar, or Sunday, is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana. Upvaas or fasting on the day is dedicated to the Sun God. Red is the color of the day. Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food once that too before sunset. Salt, oily and fried food items are avoided.

Red color flowers are offered while praying. Red color sandalwood paste is applied as tilak on forehead. Extra care is given on cleanliness of the body and surrounding. It is believed that Ravivar Vrat will help in fulfilling desires. People with skin diseases observe the Vrat to get relief. Many devotees also give alms on the day.

Monday is dedicated to Mahadeva or Lord Shiva. People visit Lord Shiva shrines and conduct pujas, especially, Ardhanarishwara puja. The mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is chanted continuously. Shiva devotees also read Shiva Purana.

Monday is also dedicated to Chandra Deva, Moon. Unmarried women observe the Vrat to get good husbands and married life. Others observe it for happy and prosperous family life. Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays, begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. On the day, food is only eaten after evening prayer. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on the day. The fasting on Mondays in the Shravan month is considered even more auspicious.

Any Upvaas or Vrat is directly or indirectly connected with some sort of material comfort. This is a sweet lure used by ancient saints to attract a devotee to the concept of Brahman. The concept of Brahman in Sanatana Dharma is not easily digestible to many people. And they are least bothered about Brahman concept all they need is material comfort. For this many devotees are ready to go to any extent. They are ready to observe any harsh vow. Ancient wise men used this tendency among the common people to spread the awareness of Brahman. During each upvas, there are occasional flashes when a person thinks beyond material comforts. This is a realization of Brahman. Gradually many devotees begin to think beyond material comforts

When Amavasi, or no moon day, falls on Monday it is considered highly auspicious and the day is known as Somavati Amavas. Mondays in Shravan month (July – August) in North India, Gujarat and Maharashtra is considered highly auspicious. Special pujas are offered to Lord Shiva on Mondays in temples and homes. Mondays are auspicious in Kartik month (October – November) in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Mondays in Karthigai Masam (November – December) is also auspicious in Tamil Nadu.

Tuesday
Tuesday is dedicated to Mangal or Mars, Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali, and Lord Hanuman. Most devotees visit Devi and Hanuman shrines. Those people who fast avoid taking food containing salt at night.

It must be noted here that the Hanuman might not be worshipped on Tuesday in all regions. Some communities might be worshipping some other deity. For example, in South India, the day is dedicated to Skanda or Muruga or Kartikeya (Kartik). But generally, Tuesday is dedicated to Hanuman.

Wednesday
Wednesday is dedicated to planet Mercury and Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna. In some regions, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. The day is highly auspicious for starting new ventures and it is believed that those who observe the Vrat are bound to get blessed with fortunes. People also give alms on the day.

Those people who believe in Astrology propitiate Mercury as He is compassionate and generous and helps in worldly pursuits and blesses with wisdom. Budha is believed to have a sharp intellect and is proficient in all sciences. He is worshipped for good intelligence, education, success in business and commerce.

Thursday
Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Thursday is also popularly known as Gurubar or Guruvar. In some areas, people make it a point to visit Hanuman Temple on Thursdays.

Pujas are conducted using milk, ghee, etc. Food is only eaten once and that too containing milk products. People read Srimad Bhagavad Purana on the day.

Friday
Friday is dedicated to Shukra (Venus), Mother Goddess – Mahalakshmi, Annapuraneshwari, and Durga. Sweets are distributed on the day. Those devotees observing the Vrat make it a point to eat at night.

Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be the most productive and luckily period.

Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India and Nepal attract a large number of devotees on this day. Devotees wear a white-colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset.

Saturday
Saturday is dedicated to alleviating the bad influence of Lord Shani. The Vrat on this day is mainly observed by those people who believe in Hindu astrology. Black is the color of the day and people visit Shani shrine or Navagraha shrines. Food is only consumed once on the day.

Shani is dreaded by Hindus, especially by those who believe in astrology. Many people observe an Upvaas or fast to avoid the adversities and misfortunes on Shanivar or Saturday. It is believed that those who have the blessing of Lord Hanuman are protected from the wrath of Shani. Therefore many people make it a point to worship Hanuman at home or in temples. Black is the preferred color on Saturday.