The month of Sawan is considered the most sacred time for devotion to Lord Shiva. The Shivaratri that falls in this month is known as Sawan Shivaratri, which is extremely important for Shiva devotees. On this day, devotees of Bholenath across the country observe fasts, perform night vigils, and receive blessings by offering water to the Shivling.
This year, in 2025, the festival of Sawan Shivaratri will be celebrated on July 23rd. A significant aspect is that this time, Shivaratri will also be affected by Bhadra. In such a situation, it is very important to be careful about the timing of worship. Let's find out what the auspicious times are on this day and what is the best time to offer water to Lord Shiva.
When is Sawan Shivaratri 2025?
Sawan Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Sawan. This year, this date is starting on July 23rd at 4:39 AM and will last until 2:28 AM on July 24th. According to the Panchang, the Tithi that prevails at the time of sunrise, i.e., Udaya Tithi, is considered valid. Therefore, Sawan Shivaratri will be celebrated on July 23, 2025.
Bhadra's Influence on Shivaratri
This time, the Yoga of Bhadra is also being formed on Shivaratri, which may affect the worship for some time. It is believed that no auspicious work should be done during Bhadra Kaal because the chances of getting auspicious results from worship during this time are reduced.
According to the Panchang, the influence of Bhadra will remain from 5:37 AM to 3:31 PM on July 23rd. Shiv Puja or Jalabhishek is considered forbidden during this time. Therefore, devotees are advised to worship only after this time.
Auspicious Time for Shivaratri Puja
Shivaratri Puja is performed in the four Prahars (segments) of the night. Lord Shiva is worshipped in different ways in each Prahar. The Puja timings for the four Prahars are given below:
- First Prahar: From 6:59 PM to 9:36 PM
- Second Prahar: From 9:36 PM to 12:13 AM
- Third Prahar: From 12:13 AM to 2:50 AM (late night)
- Fourth Prahar: From 2:50 AM (late night) to 5:27 AM
It is considered very meritorious to anoint Bholenath by offering water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, and Belpatra on the Shivling in these Prahars.
Best Time to Offer Water
The tradition of offering water on the Shivling on Shivaratri is very old. It is said that Bholenath becomes pleased even if just a pot of water is offered with devotion. This time, the period of Bhadra will last till 3:31 PM, so it will be best to perform Jalabhishek in the Brahma Muhurta in the morning.
Brahma Muhurta Time: From 4:15 AM to 4:56 AM on July 23rd
It is considered extremely fruitful to offer water on the Shivling during this time with the chanting of Shiva mantras in a peaceful environment.
Sawan Shivaratri Vrat Parana Time
For the devotees who observe the fast on this day, the breaking of the fast (Vrat Parana) also has special significance. The time to break the fast is also determined according to the Panchang.
Time for Vrat Parana: After 5:27 AM on July 24, 2025
After this time, the fast can be concluded by eating fruits or food.
Beliefs and Importance of Sawan Shivaratri
According to the Puranas, Shiva and Parvati reunited on the day of Sawan Shivaratri. For this reason, this day is considered very auspicious for the happiness of married life. Unmarried girls observe fast on this day and wish for a good groom, while married women offer water on the Shivling for the long life of their husbands.
Reciting Shiv Purana, chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Shiva Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) on this day is also very fruitful. Shiva devotees perform night vigils and remain immersed in devotion throughout the night.
What to do and what not to do in Bhadra
Auspicious works are forbidden during Bhadra Kaal. Especially, any kind of worship, Abhishek or Yagya etc. should not be done at this time. Therefore, one should also be careful about the time of Bhadra on Sawan Shivaratri and it is appropriate to perform worship in the evening or night Muhurta only.
Sea of Faith will Gather in Shiva Temples
Like every year, this time too, a huge crowd of devotees will be seen in Shiva temples across the country on Sawan Shivaratri. Especially in major Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Baidyanath Dham, Mahakaleshwar and Somnath, long queues of devotees will be seen from morning itself. Devotees will anoint the Shivling with Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, Ganga water and flowers.
In many parts of the country, Kanwar Yatra is also at its peak on this day, where Shiva devotees bring Ganga water and offer it on the Shivling. The administration also makes elaborate arrangements for security and order regarding Sawan Shivaratri.
