The month of Sawan is entirely dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this auspicious month, there is a large influx of devotees in Shiva temples. Especially when it comes to Sawan Shivratri, Shiva devotees immerse themselves in worship and fasting day and night. In the year 2025, the festival of Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on July 23rd, which falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Sawan month.
According to the Panchang, when is Shivratri?
According to the Vedas and astrological calculations, the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Sawan month will begin on July 23rd, 2025, at 04:39 AM and will end on July 24th at 02:28 AM. Therefore, the fast, worship, and Jalabhishek (offering of water to the deity) will be primarily performed on July 23rd.
Key Muhurats for Puja
The time for worship during the Shivratri fast is very important. Several auspicious muhurats are also forming for special worship on this day.
- Brahma Muhurat: From 04:15 AM to 04:56 AM
- Vijaya Muhurat: From 02:44 PM to 03:39 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: From 07:17 PM to 07:38 PM
- Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurat: From 12:07 AM to 12:48 AM
Nishita Kaal is considered the most sacred time for Shiva Puja, and it is considered meritorious to anoint Lord Shiva with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar during this time.
Why is Shivratri celebrated in Sawan?
According to religious beliefs, Sawan Shivratri is related to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). When poison emerged during the churning, Lord Shiva consumed it to save creation. His throat turned blue due to this poison, which is why he is also called 'Neelkanth' (the blue-throated one). To pacify the heat of this poison, the gods and sages performed a special Jalabhishek on Shivratri in the month of Sawan. Since then, this festival is celebrated with great reverence every year.
Shivratri becomes the final destination of the Kanwar Yatra
During the month of Sawan, lakhs of Shiva devotees bring Ganga water with Kanwars and offer it to Shiva temples. The main objective of the Kanwar Yatra is to offer water on the day of Shivratri. Especially in North India, a large crowd of devotees gathers in Haridwar, Varanasi, Deoghar, Garhmukteshwar, Ujjain, and the Baba Dham of Jharkhand.
How to worship Shiva on Shivratri
On the day of Sawan Shivratri, after taking a bath in the morning, a fast is observed. After this, water, milk, Bel Patra (wood apple leaves), Datura, Bhasma (ash), Bhang (cannabis), and Ak flowers are offered to the Shivling. Specifically, the Shivling is bathed with Panchamrit, which is made by mixing milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. During the puja, Shiva Chalisa, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, and Rudrashtakam are recited.
Devotees throng Shiva temples across the country
On the occasion of Sawan Shivratri, a sea of devotees gathers in Shiva temples across the country. Night vigils and special worship are performed in famous Jyotirlingas like Kashi Vishwanath, Baidyanath, Somnath, Mahakaleshwar, Tryambakeshwar, Omkareshwar, and Rameshwaram. Devotees stand in queues for hours, offering water and seeking blessings from Bholenath (Lord Shiva).
The importance of night vigil and four prahar puja
Performing Shiva Puja in four prahars (time periods) on the night of Shivratri is considered to be of special significance. The Lord is anointed with different items in each prahar.
- First Prahar: Water
- Second Prahar: Curd
- Third Prahar: Ghee
- Fourth Prahar: Honey and Sugar
It is also considered very auspicious to perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva and chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' at the end of each prahar.
A day for the welfare of the family and fulfillment of desires
Sawan Shivratri is considered especially important for unmarried girls and newly married women. By observing a fast on this day, they seek a suitable groom and happiness and good fortune in married life.
