Sawan, the month of the Hindu calendar, is considered highly sacred and auspicious. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the year 2025, the Sawan month will begin on July 11th and conclude on August 9th. Every Monday that falls within this period holds special significance, with the first Monday being considered the most important and auspicious. On this day, Shiva devotees queue up at Shiva temples from early morning to offer water to the Shivling and pray for the fulfillment of their desires.
Why is Sawan Somvar Special?
Lord Shiva is known as 'Bholenath,' meaning the innocent Lord, who is easily pleased. The month of Sawan is also considered a symbol of the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to mythological beliefs, it was during this month that Goddess Parvati performed severe penance to obtain Shiva as her husband. Since then, this month has become a festival of penance, fasting, and devotion to Shiva for devotees.
Monday is the day of Lord Shiva, and when Monday falls in Sawan, its significance increases manifold. It is believed that offering Jalabhishek (pouring water) on Sawan Somvar purifies one's sins, cures diseases, brings happiness to married life, and removes the fear of untimely death.
Dates of Sawan Somvar 2025
- First Monday - July 14, 2025
- Second Monday - July 21, 2025
- Third Monday - July 28, 2025
- Fourth Monday - August 4, 2025
Auspicious Timings for Offering Water on the First Monday
While every day of the Sawan month is considered holy, certain auspicious timings are especially fruitful from an astrological perspective. These timings will be best for performing Shiva Abhishek on July 14th:
- Brahma Muhurat – 4:42 AM to 5:26 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat – 12:18 PM to 1:11 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat – 7:18 PM to 7:40 PM
- Amrit Kaal – 11:21 PM to 12:55 AM (July 15th)
Offering water, performing puja, and taking a vow to fast during these times is considered especially meritorious.
How to Perform Jalabhishek on the Shivling?
1. Take a bath and wear clean clothes
Purify the body and mind before worship. It is considered auspicious to wear white or yellow clothes.
2. Offer water to the Shivling
Mix Gangajal (water from the Ganges) with the water. First, offer pure water, then Abhishek with milk, curd, honey, and ghee. Finally, bathe the Shivling with water again.
3. Offer Bel leaves, Dhatura, Bhasma, and Bhang
The Bel leaf should have three leaves. Dhatura and Bhang are also very dear to Lord Shiva.
4. Recite Mantras
- 'Om Namah Shivaya'
- 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra'
- 'Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam.
Urvarukamiva Bandhanaanmrityormuksheeya Maamritaat.'
5. Offer Bhog (Offerings)
Offer fruits, jaggery, coconut, and Prasad made from milk to Lord Shiva.
6. Perform Aarti
Perform Aarti of Lord Shiva with a ghee lamp and make your wishes with folded hands.
Rules and Significance of the Fast
Devotees who observe the fast on Sawan Somvar fast throughout the day and eat a light meal or a single meal in the evening. By worshiping Lord Shiva with a sincere heart on this day, wishes are fulfilled. Married women fast for the long life of their husbands, and unmarried girls fast to get a good life partner.
Men also observe the fast to pray for wealth, health, and peace in the family.
Benefits of Sawan Somvar
- Increases mental peace and concentration
- Relief from diseases and troubles
- Enhances sweetness in married life
- Success in jobs and business
- Gain merit and achieve Moksha (salvation)
The first Monday of Sawan (July 14, 2025) is an invaluable opportunity to please Lord Shiva. If you offer water and fast with devotion and according to the rules at the right time, Lord Bholenath will remove all your troubles. This day is not only a religious ritual, but also a festival of self-purification and connecting with God.
