Sawan Somwar Date 2023: Devotees Gear Up To Worship Lord Shiva, Rules For Shravan Somwar Fast

Sawan Somwar 2023: According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Sawan starts on the Pratipada Tithi of Shravan Krishna Paksha.

Shravan Somwar Fasting

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Sawan Somwar: The auspicious month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev, has arrived, filling the hearts of Shiva devotees with anticipation and reverence. Considered a beloved month for Bholenath, Lord Shiva is worshipped with great devotion every Monday during the month of Sawan. Fasting on Mondays is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and the fulfilment of wishes. This year, the month of Sawan holds special significance in several ways.

The Sawan month commences on the 4th of July and will extend till the 31st of August. With a duration of 59 days this time, Sawan will encompass eight auspicious Mondays. The first Monday of Sawan falls on the 10th of July.

Devotees can please Lord Shiva with the following rituals during the month of Sawan:

• Morning Ritual: Wake up early in the morning and cleanse yourself with water containing Gangajal. After this purifying bath, adorn white attire and consume a sattvic meal. Mix Gangajal, Bilva Patra (Bael leaves), and black sesame seeds in water, and offer this sacred mixture to the Shivling. Present flowers of Aak, Datura, and Harsingar to Lord Shiva, while chanting the mantra 'Om Namah Shivay.' Offer Shiva his favourite offerings.
• Recitation and Aarti: Recite Shiv Chalisa or Shiv Tandava Stotram, praising the glory of Lord Shiva. Conclude the worship by performing the aarti and distributing prasad (consecrated food) among all.

Rules For Shravan Somwar Fasting:

Observing the Shravan Somwar fast begins at sunrise and continues until the third hour. Offering Belpatra (Bael leaves) to Lord Shiva during this month is considered highly auspicious. Fasting with one meal during the day is known as Ekasana while abstaining from food and water throughout the day is called Purnopava. According to the Puranas and ancient scriptures, there are three types of fasting specifically associated with Mondays: Sawan Somwar, Sixteen Somwar, and Mon Pradosh. Fasting on the Mondays of Sawan is believed to lead to the swift fulfilment of desires, as per the teachings of Shivpuran.

During this sacred month, devotees across the country come together to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, expressing their devotion and reverence towards the deity of destruction and regeneration.