Every year, the arrival of the month of Sawan brings special enthusiasm and reverence for devotees of Lord Shiva. This month, particularly in North India, is filled with devotion and religious events. The most prominent event during this time is the Kanwar Yatra, in which millions of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) fetch Ganges water to perform Jalabhishek (water offering) to Mahadev.
Sawan 2025: When will this auspicious month begin?
According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the month of Sawan, also known as Shravan Maas, begins after the Ashadh Purnima (full moon). As per the Vedic Panchang, Sawan 2025 will commence on July 11th, late at night, at 02:06 AM, and conclude on August 9th, 2025. During this month, the worship of Lord Shiva holds special significance. This is the time when Shiva devotees engage in special rituals such as fasting, Rudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya Jaap, and the Kanwar Yatra to worship Lord Shiva.
Kanwar Yatra 2025: When will it begin?
The Kanwar Yatra begins with the start of the Sawan month. In 2025, the Kanwar Yatra will also commence on July 11th, coinciding with the start of Sawan. The Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage where devotees fetch Ganges water from Haridwar, Gangotri, Gomukh, or other sacred places and offer Jalabhishek to Mahadev at their nearest Shiva temples. This journey is considered a symbol of devotion, commitment, and spiritual purification.
Date of Sawan Shivratri 2025
Shivratri falling in the month of Sawan is considered particularly auspicious. In 2025, the festival of Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on July 23rd. According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Sawan Maas will begin on July 23rd at 4:39 AM and end on July 24th at 2:28 AM. On this day, Shiva devotees observe a day-long fast, perform an all-night vigil (jagran), and perform Rudrabhishek to please Lord Shiva.
Religious Significance of Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is not merely a religious journey; it is a devout penance. This pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that Lord Parashuram first initiated the Kanwar Yatra. Since then, this tradition has continued uninterrupted. Millions of devotees fill water from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gomukh, Deoghar, and other places and, upon returning home or to their Shiva temples, perform Abhishek of Lord Shankar.
The Kanwar Yatra symbolizes self-restraint, service, cooperation, and devotion to Shiva. Devotees undertake this journey barefoot, without any amenities, observe fasts, and strive to please Shiva with their devotion.
Dates of Sawan Monday Fasts in 2025
The Monday fast during Sawan is considered particularly fruitful. It is believed that devotees who observe the Monday fast during Sawan have all their wishes fulfilled. There will be four Monday fasts in the month of Sawan in 2025:
July 14th – First Monday Fast
July 21st – Second Monday Fast
July 28th – Third Monday Fast
August 4th – Fourth Monday Fast
Observing a fast on these days, offering water to the Shivling, offering Belpatra (Bilva leaves), performing Dugdhabhishek (milk offering), and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra earns special merit.
Special Mantras for Shiva Puja
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiv Bandhanan Mrityormuksheeya Mamritat ||
Chanting this mantra is done to please Shiva, gain freedom from diseases, and for long life.
Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotra:
Saurashṭre Somanāthaṃ ca Śrīśaile Mallikārjunaṃ |
Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālaṃ Oṃkāraṃ Amaleśvaram ||
Paralyāṃ Vaidyanāthaṃ ca Ḍākinyāṃ Bhīmaśaṅkaram |
Setubandhe tu Rāmeśaṃ Nāgeśaṃ Dārukāvane ||
Vārāṇasyāṃ tu Viśveśaṃ Tryambakaṃ Gautamītate |
Himālaye tu Kedāraṃ Ghuṣmeśaṃ ca Śivālaye ||
Etāni Jyotirliṅgāni sāyaṃ prātaḥ paṭhennaraḥ |
Saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati ||
This stotra describes the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva; merely remembering them destroys sins.
Precautions to take during Kanwar Yatra
- Bodily purity and mental restraint are essential during the Kanwar Yatra.
- Completely abstain from meat, alcohol, and intoxicants during the journey.
- Avoid quarreling or using harsh words; maintain peace throughout the journey.
- Keep the water pure and safe throughout the journey.
The Kanwar Yatra in 2025 will commence on July 11th, and millions of devotees will participate in this sacred pilgrimage. Every day of the month of Sawan will be filled with devotion to Shiva, with Monday fasts, Shivratri, and Rudrabhishek being prominent. This month is not only religiously significant but also symbolizes self-purification, restraint, and faith. If you are also a devotee of Shiva, perform devotional practices and worship regularly during this Sawan and receive Shiva's grace.
