In the Hindu calendar, the seven weekdays have special significance. Each day is dedicated to a special God, who in turn, has a special prayer for himself or herself. Monday or Som Var is dedicated to Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity of Hindu Gods. The mantra for Shiva is simply "Om Namah Shivaya". Another famous Shiva mantra is the Maha Mrityunjay Stotra.
Tuesday or Mangal Var is dedicated to Hanuman. In Maharashtra, people consider it the day of Ganesha, who is known as "mangal karta". The 40 stanza Hanuman Chalisa is the prayer for Hanuman. Wednesday or Budh Var is dedicated to Krishna, and his favorite tulsi leaves are offered.
Thursday or Vir Var is dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba in the north, and Murugan, as Shiva's son Kartikeya is known, in the south. Sai Baba has many bhajans dedicated to him. Friday or Shukra Var is dedicated to all forms of goddesses, including Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Many Mahalaxmi mantras exist.
Saturday or Shani Var is dedicated to none less than Saturn, the planet. Various Shani Bhagwan stotra are recited to appease the God and Sunday belongs to another planet, the planet we see every day and which sustains us namely, Surya, the sun god.
