Sacred month of Sawan starts today! Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do
The holy month of Sawan (Shravan) has begun and will conclude on August 9, 2025, with Sawan Purnima. Deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, Sawan holds immense spiritual importance, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that worshipping Mahadev during this time brings peace, good health, and fulfilment of desires.
According to Hindu mythology, it was in the month of Sawan that Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife after she performed intense penance. Thus, the entire month is dedicated to the worship of Shiva, and devotees observe fasts, perform special rituals, and seek his blessings.
This year, the month begins under the Purvashada Nakshatra
Sawan somwar (Monday) fasting dates 2025:
- July 14
- July 21
- July 28
- August 4
- Sawan Purnima (Conclusion) August 9
What to do during Sawan:
- Offerings to Lord Shiva: Worship with sacred items like belpatra (bilva leaves), Datura, bhang and white flowers.
- Daily worship: Perform regular prayers and abhishek (liquid offering) of the Shiva Linga using milk, water, yoghurt, ghee, and honey.
- Fasting: Observing Somwar (Monday) fasts is considered highly beneficial.
- Charity and good deeds: Engage in acts of donation, especially to the needy and underprivileged.
- Live simply: Devotees are encouraged to sleep on the ground and maintain a modest lifestyle during this time.
- Avoid non-veg and tamasik food: Stick to sattvic (pure) foods and avoid meat, garlic, and onion.
- Chant mantras: Reciting Shiva mantras like Om Namah Shivaya brings peace and spiritual growth.
What to avoid in Sawan:
- Cutting hair or shaving: Avoid trimming hair, beard, or nails.
- Using harsh words or anger: Maintain calm and avoid arguments or negativity.
- Applying oil: Refrain from using oil on the head or body during this period.
- Using forbidden items on the Shivling: Never offer tulsi leaves, kumkum, turmeric or ketaki flowers on the Shivling.
- Circumambulating Shivalinga: Do not complete full parikrama (circumambulation) around the Shivling, always stop at the rear.
- Offering coconut water: Avoid pouring coconut water on the Shiva Linga.
- Drinking milk: Consumption of milk is traditionally discouraged during Sawan.
Spiritual significance:
Scriptures state that during Sawan, Lord Shiva himself governs the universe, making it an ideal time for spiritual growth, inner cleansing, and devotion. Even offering simple water on the Shivling with a pure heart is believed to please the deity and fulfill one’s wishes.