Today marks the first Monday of the month of Sawan. Sawan holds special significance, and each Monday during this month is considered important. Observing fasts on Mondays in Sawan and performing special worship and abhishek (ritual bath) of Lord Shiva is believed to be highly beneficial. This year, a total of 8 Monday fasts will be observed during Sawan, which will last until August 31st.
Dates for Sawan Somvar in 2023
- First Monday of Sawan: July 10th
- Second Monday of Sawan: July 17th
- Third Monday of Sawan: July 24th
- Fourth Monday of Sawan: July 31st
- Fifth Monday of Sawan: August 7th
- Sixth Monday of Sawan: August 14th
- Seventh Monday of Sawan: August 21st
- Eighth Monday of Sawan: August 28th
Why Sawan Somvar fasts
In Hinduism, fasting on Sawan Mondays is considered auspicious for a happy married life. It is also recommended for those who face difficulties in getting married or lack marriage yoga in their horoscope. Additionally, fasting on Sawan Mondays is believed to promote longevity and better health.
Chanting Shiva Mantras
- Om Namah Shivay
- Om Shankaraya Namah
- Om Maheshwaraya Namah
- Om Rudray Namah
Benefits Of Worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan
According to – Fasting on Mondays in Sawan and offering worship is believed to alleviate problems and bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the family, as stated in Shivpuran.
- Devotees believe that worshipping Mahakal (Lord Shiva) during Sawan protects them from accidents and untimely death.
- This year, the month of Sawan will extend for 58 days due to the occurrence of an extra month, starting from July 4th and ending on August 31st.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva during this extended month is considered highly fruitful.
- The month of Sawan is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
- To please Lord Shiva, various rituals are recommended, such as offering 11 or 21 bilvapatra (leaves of the bilva tree) on Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivay” using sandalwood paste.
- It is believed that following these rituals can fulfill all desires.
Some major fasts and festivals In Sawan
Sawan month includes Kamika Ekadashi on July 13th, Masik Shivratri on July 15th, Amavasya of Shravan month on July 17th, Hariyali Teej on August 19th, Nag Panchami on August 21st, and Raksha Bandhan on August 30th.
According to Shivpuran, there are certain items that should never be offered to Lord Shiva, including the Ketaki flower, sweet Basil, turmeric, water from a conch shell, kumkum (vermillion), and broken rice.
Powerful Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: “Om Trimbakam Yajamahe Sugandhi Pushtivardhanam. Urvarukamiv Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ॥”
Zodiac-based Worship Rituals
- – Capricorn: Anoint Lord Shiva with Panchamrit (a mixture of five sacred substances).
- – Aquarius: Abhishek of Lord Shiva with sesame oil is considered auspicious.
- – Pisces: Mix saffron in milk and anoint the deity, followed by applying yellow sandalwood tilak and offering yellow flowers and fruits.
- – Libra: Bathe the Shivling with curd, fragrant perfume, and sugarcane juice.
- – Scorpio: Anoint Lord Shiva with Panchamrit.
- – Sagittarius: Anoint Lord Shiva with a mixture of saffron and jaggery in cow’s milk, and offer yellow flowers with Ashtagandha sandalwood.
- – Cancer: Anoint Lord Shiva with milk, curd, ghee, Ganges water, and sugar candy. Donate white items at the Shiva temple.
- – Leo: Anoint Lord Shiva by mixing jaggery in water. Bathing Bholenath with pure desi ghee is also considered fruitful.
- – Virgo: Anoint Lord Shiva with sugarcane juice, and offer milk, honey, belpatra (leaves of the wood apple tree), madar flowers, dhatura (thorn apple), and cannabis.
- – Aries: Anoint Lord Shiva by mixing jaggery in water. Write the name of Ram with white sandalwood on a Belpatra leaf and offer it on Shivling.
- – Taurus: Offer Abhishek with milk-curd and a garland of Harshringar flowers on Shivling, and apply Tripund (three horizontal lines) with white sandalwood.
- – Gemini: Anoint Lord Shiva with sugarcane juice. Perform Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva with honey.
Among all the gods and goddesses, Lord Shiva is easily pleased. Even offering a simple glass of water with a true heart can fulfill devotees’ wishes. Ashes are considered a significant worship material in Lord Shiva’s rituals.