As the month of Sawan arrives, the devotion of Lord Shiva's devotees is filled with renewed energy. This year, Sawan 2025 began on July 11th, and the first Sawan Monday falls on July 14th. Throughout the month, special worship and fasting are observed on every Monday in honor of Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing a fast on Sawan Mondays pleases Lord Shiva and fulfills the devotee's every wish.
This fast is considered complete only after listening to the story and performing the Shiva Aarti. Therefore, it is essential for those observing the fast to read the story and perform the Aarti with full devotion on the day of the fast.
How the Sawan Monday fast began
According to mythological stories, the Sawan Monday fast is linked to a devotee, a merchant. This story depicts the epitome of devotion and reverence towards Lord Shiva. It is said that once, there was a wealthy merchant who had all the comforts but no children. Desiring a son, he observed a fast every Monday and worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Goddess Parvati's Recommendation
Even after fasting for many years, when his wish was not fulfilled, Goddess Parvati said to Lord Shiva that the merchant worships you with great devotion, please remove his suffering. Then Lord Shiva said that this devotee is indeed extremely devoted and his sorrow is that his desire for a son has not been fulfilled. He gave the boon that he would be blessed with a son, but this son would live only for 12 years.
Son's Death and Unwavering Faith in Shiva
Knowing this, the merchant was still happy that he would get the joy of having a son. As time passed, when his son turned 12, he suddenly died. The merchant and his wife were plunged into deep sorrow, but they did not lose their devotion to Lord Shiva. They began to fast every Monday again.
Shiva-Parvati came in the guise of a Brahmin
After some time, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati arrived at the merchant's house in the form of a Brahmin and a Brahmin woman. They told the merchant that your son could be alive, but for this, you have to observe a fast for 16 Mondays. The merchant and his wife observed the fast for 16 Mondays with all the rituals.
When the fast was completed, their dead son came back to life. Since then, it is believed that by observing the Sawan Monday fast, Lord Shiva fulfills every wish, no matter how difficult it may be.
Merit is obtained from Shiva Ji's Aarti
The Sawan Monday fast is considered complete when the devotee performs the Aarti of Lord Shiva after the fast story. Through the Aarti, the grace of Shiva is quickly obtained, and purity is communicated in the atmosphere. The words of the Aarti fill the devotees with devotion.
The main words of Shiva Ji's Aarti are as follows:
Om Jai Shiva Omkara, Prabhu Jai Shiva Omkara
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva, Ardhhangi Dhara
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Ekanana Chaturanan Panchanana Raje
Hansasana Garudasana Vrishvahan Saje
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Ati Sohe
Teeno Roop Nirakhte Tribhuvan Man Mohe
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Aksamala Banmala Mundmala Dhari
Chandan Mrigamad Chanda, Sohe Tripurari
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Swetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange
Brahmadik Sanadik Bhutadik Sange
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Kar Ke Madhya Kamandalu Chakra Trishool Dharta
Jagkarta Jagharta Jagpalanakarta
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva Janat Aviveka
Pranvakshar Ke Madhye Ye Teeno Eka
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Trigun Shivji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave
Kahat Shivanand Swami Manvanchhit Fal Pave
Om Har Har Har Mahadeva
Why are Sawan Mondays special?
During the month of Sawan, Shiva devotees please Lord Shiva through Jalabhishek, fasting, and storytelling. It is believed that this month is the most sacred for worshiping Lord Shiva. Sawan Monday is considered particularly fruitful because it is the day when devotees get closest to Lord Shiva. Long queues form in Shiva temples across the country, and Shiva is pleased by performing Abhisheka with water.
