Sawan, also known as Shravan or Sawan Maas, is a very special and sacred month in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls in July or August and is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. People believe that this month brings spiritual growth, peace, and blessings.
Why is Sawan Important?
Sawan is a month when people focus on their faith and devotion to Lord Shiva.
During this time:
Devotees observe fasts, especially on Mondays (called Shravan Somwar).
People perform pujas (prayers) and Abhishekam (offering water, milk, etc. to the Shivling).
They chant mantras, Jaap and practice meditation, yoga, and self-reflection.
Many festivals also happen during Sawan, such as:
Shravan Shivratri – a very important day for Shiva worship.
Kanwar Yatra – where people carry holy water from the Ganga to offer to Lord Shiva.
Hariyali Amavasya – another special day in this month.
Important Sawan Dates in 2025:
- Sawan Starts: Friday, July 11, 2025
- First Shravan Somwar (Monday Fast): July 14, 2025
- Second Somwar: July 21, 2025
- Sawan Shivratri: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Third Somwar: July 28, 2025
- Fourth Somwar: August 4, 2025
- Sawan Ends: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Sawan Shivratri 2025: Special Day of Worship
Sawan Shivratri is the most important day of this month. It falls on July 23, 2025 (Wednesday).
- The special fasting and worship will happen on this day.
- Shivratri Tithi: Starts at 4:39 AM on July 23, ends at 2:28 AM on July 24.
- Midnight Puja (Nishita Kaal): Will be done on July 23 night.
6 Simple Steps to Worship on Sawan Shivratri
- Morning Bath & Sankalp: Take a bath and make a (Sankalp) promise to fast for the day.
- Abhishekam: Offer water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar (Panchamrit) to the Shivling, photos.
- Offer Items: Give Belpatra, bhang, dhatura, white flowers, fruits, and incense to Lord Shiva.
- Chant Mantras: Recite ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Night Puja: Stay awake, sing bhajans, and read from Shiva Purana.
- Breaking the Fast: End your fast the next morning at a good time.
How to Offer Prayers During Sawan
- Take a bath, wear clean clothes (not black or worn-out clothes).
- Face east or north while praying.
- Offer Ganga water or clean water, milk, flowers, Belpatra, dhatura, sandalwood, bhang, fruits, and sweets.
- Chant Shiva’s name and think of him in your heart.
- Do aarti with full devotion and share prasadam with family and others.
Most important if possible don’t forget to visit Mandir.
