Devotees throng on the first Monday of Shrawan — what is its significance?

Shrawan Somvar 2025: Shrawan, also referred to as Shravana or Sawan Maas, holds a significant spiritual importance in the Hindu calendar. Traditionally observed during the monsoon months of July and August, this period is regarded as deeply auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees across India observe various rituals throughout this month, which is associated with inner purification, dedication, and spiritual elevation.

Dedicated solely to Lord Shiva, this month is observed by fasting, special prayers, and ceremonial offerings. Mondays, in particular, known as Shravan Somwar, are considered highly sacred. On Mondays, followers perform rituals such as abhishekam, where offerings like water, milk, curd, or ghee are poured over a Shiva Linga. Meditation, yoga, and other spiritual disciplines are also commonly practiced, reinforcing the focus on self-discipline and divine connection during this holy month.

 Hindu devotees have marked the first Monday of Shrawan today by worshipping Lord Shiva at the Pashupatinath temple. The first Monday of Shrawan is considered to be highly auspicious for Hindu devotees. Many Hindu women observe fasting on this day, to show devotion to Lord Shiva.

What is the significance of Sawan?

Sawan offers devotees a chance to strengthen their spiritual bond with Lord Shiva. Widely observed across India, the month features significant religious events, like Shravan Shivratri and the Kanwar Yatra, which is a ritual pilgrimage where Kanwariyas fetch sacred water from the River Ganga to offer at Shiva temples. Another notable observance is Hariyali Amavasya, which marks the new moon day of this month, which is also considered propitious for religious offerings and environmental worship.

Sawan Shivratri 2025 Timings

The most important day of Sawan celebrations is Sawan Shivratri, which falls on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha. According to the Hindu calendar, it begins at 04:39 am on July 23, 2025, and concludes at 02:28 am on July 24, 2025. The Nishita Kaal Puja, the midnight ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be performed on Wednesday, July 23, which is also the official day of fasting and worship.

Do’s and don’ts of Shiva Puja during Shrawan

-Begin with cleansing the body and wearing fresh clothes.

-Avoid wearing torn or black garments during worship.

–Always sit facing the east or north while performing rituals.

-Offer Ganga Jal or clean water to Lord Shiva, followed by other sacred items like milk, curd, ghee, Belpatra, Shamipatra, Dhatura, Bhang, sandalwood paste, ash (bhasma), clothes, and flowers.

-End the offerings with satvik items such as fruits and sweets.

-While meditating, chant the sacred mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ internally.

-End the ritual with Shiva’s aarti, distribute the prasadam among others, and partake of it as well.

This holy period is observed as an opportunity to attain peace, cleanse karmic burdens, and deepen spiritual awareness through devotion and discipline.