The month of Sawan holds a special place for devotees of Lord Shiva, as it is considered the most auspicious time for worship and seeking blessings. Offering prayers, observing fasts, and chanting mantras are believed to bring immense benefits during this sacred month. In 2025, Sawan begins on July 11, and the opportunity to observe four Sawan Somwar fasts will be available for Shiva devotees.
It is widely believed that those who observe these fasts with devotion have their wishes fulfilled. These fasts are particularly beneficial for unmarried women, as they are believed to aid in finding a suitable life partner. Let’s explore the specific date for the first Sawan Somwar, the puja rituals, and auspicious timings.
**When is the first fast and what is its significance?**
The month of Shravan is considered to be Lord Shiva’s favorite month. It is believed that during this entire month, Lord Shiva resides on Earth, showering his blessings upon his devotees. Therefore, fasting and worshipping on the Mondays of Shravan are considered particularly fruitful. This year, the first Sawan Somwar, also known as ‘Pratham Shravani Somwar’, is on July 14, 2025. It is believed that anyone who worships Lord Shiva with devotion on this day will have their wishes fulfilled. This day is especially auspicious for those seeking to achieve any goal in life or seeking freedom from difficulties. The first Sawan Somwar marks the auspicious beginning of the entire month’s worship, hence, the worship on this day holds special importance.
**Auspicious Timings for the First Monday’s Puja**
* Brahma Muhurat: 4:16 AM to 5:04 AM
* Abhijeet Muhurat: 12:05 PM to 12:58 PM
* Amrit Kaal: 12:01 PM to 1:39 PM
* Pradosh Kaal: 5:38 PM to 7:22 PM
**Sawan Somwar Puja Vidhi**
1. On Sawan Somwar, wake up before sunrise during Brahma Muhurat. Take a bath to purify your body and mind. Wear clean, light-colored clothes, especially white or yellow, considered auspicious. Clean the place of worship in your home and sprinkle it with Gangajal or Gomutra.
2. Place the idol or picture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha at the place of worship. Arrange all puja materials on a plate, such as flowers, Akshat (rice), water, Panchamrit, Belpatra, Datura, Bhasma, fruits, and sweets. Keep a lamp and incense sticks ready.
3. Before beginning the puja, hold water, flowers, and Akshat in your right hand, meditate on Lord Shiva, and take a vow to observe the fast.
4. Now, perform the Abhishek of the Shivalinga. First, bathe it with Gangajal, then offer Panchamrit made of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Again, bathe it with Gangajal. After this, offer Belpatra, Datura, bhang, sandalwood, and flowers. Worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
5. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at least 108 times. You may also chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Reciting the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Shiva Purana is considered highly meritorious. Perform aarti for Lord Shiva, showing incense and a lamp.
6. Offer fruits, sweets, or whatever you can prepare to the Lord. After the aarti, distribute the Prasad among all family members.
7. If you have observed a waterless fast, break the fast after sunrise the next day. Consume sattvic food and donate food or clothes to the needy.