In Hinduism, the month of 'Sawan' or 'Shravan' holds great significance as a time devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva. On each Monday, or 'Sawan Somvar', during this holy month, devotees visit the temple and present offerings of milk, flowers, holy water, and bael leaves to Lord Shiva. It is believed that those who observe fasting on Sawan Somvar receive blessings from Lord Shiva, bringing happiness, health, wealth, and the fulfillment of all their desires.
Sawan 2023: Check Out Shubh Muhurat
This year, the month of Sawan will commence on Tuesday, (July 4). The Mondays that fall within Sawan are known as Sawan Somvar. Typically, there are five Mondays in the month of Sawan, but in 2023, there will be only four Mondays. The month will conclude on Thursday, (August 31).
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Sawan 2023: Sawan Shivratri Date
Sawan Shivratri, observed during the sacred month of Sawan, will take place on July 15. On this day, devotees perform the Maha Rudra-Abhishek puja to invoke peace, marital bliss, prosperity, and good health.
Sawan Shivratri is particularly popular in the northern states of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, where the Purnimant Lunar Calendar is followed. In the southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Sawan Shivratri aligns with Ashadha Shivratri as they adhere to the Amavasyant Lunar Calendar.
Sawan 2023: Puja Vidhi
Worshippers observe fasting and consume only fruits and water. They offer Panchamrut, a mixture of milk, yoghurt, ghee, gangajal (water from the Ganges), and honey, along with bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. Devotees wear rudraksha malas and recite the Shravan Somwar Vrata Katha every Monday.
Devotees chant 'Om Namah Shivay' and the 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra'. Additionally, people perform the Shiv aarti (ritual of offering light) on this auspicious day.