According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Sawan is considered one of the most sacred and religious months. It is especially important for devotees of Lord Shiva, as special prayers and worship are offered to Him during this month. In 2025, Sawan began on July 11th, and now this holy month has reached its final stages.
This year, Sawan will conclude on August 9, 2025. However, there is some confusion among people regarding the date of Shravan Purnima. Many sources state the full moon to be on August 8th, while some almanacs consider the date to be August 9th. In such a situation, it has become important to know the correct time and method of worship.
When is Shravan Purnima, Which Day Will It Be Observed?
The date of Shravan Purnima this time starts on August 8, 2025, at 2:12 PM and will last until 1:04 PM on August 9th. Due to this, the date is recorded for two days in the almanacs, but according to Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), most religious activities will be performed on August 9th.
However, devotees who worship the moon observe a fast on August 8th itself and offer Arghya (water offering) to Lord Chandra (moon) after moonrise at night. Since the Purnima Tithi will only last until noon on August 9th, the fast and worship will be considered valid on August 8th.
The Last Day of Sawan and the Festival of Raksha Bandhan Will Be on August 9th
According to the calendar, the day the Purnima Tithi ends is also considered the end of the month of Sawan. This year, Shravan Purnima will end on August 9th, and the festival of Raksha Bandhan will also be celebrated on the same day. On this day, sisters will tie Rakhi on their brothers' wrists, and brothers will promise to provide them with happiness, respect, and protection.
Offering Arghya to the moon is also said to have special significance on Raksha Bandhan, so this day has become extremely important religiously. On the same day, the month of Bhadrapada will also be considered to begin.
Importance of Moon Sighting and Worship on Shravan Purnima
The tradition of offering Arghya to the moon on the day of Shravan Purnima has been going on for years. On this day, especially Shiva devotees offer Arghya after seeing the moon. It is religiously believed that offering water to the moon brings mental peace and prosperity. Since Lord Shiva has adorned the moon on his forehead, moon worship becomes even more important on Sawan Purnima.
Time of Moonrise: When to Offer Arghya on August 8th
This year, the moon will rise on Shravan Purnima on August 8th at 6:42 PM. It is considered auspicious to offer water (Arghya) after seeing the moon at this time. It is considered particularly fruitful to offer sweets to the lunar deity after the worship and pray for the happiness and peace of the family.
Auspicious Time for Bathing and Donation
There is also special significance to charity and bathing on the occasion of Shravan Purnima. Those who do not fast also bathe and donate on this day. The time from 4:22 AM to 5:04 AM on August 9th will be auspicious for bathing and donating. Bathing in holy rivers and donating during this period is considered particularly meritorious.
Many Religious Rituals Are Performed on the Full Moon of Sawan
Shravan Purnima not only signals the end of Sawan, but many religious activities and festivals also take place on this day.
- Shravani Upakarma: On this day, people of the Brahmin class make a new beginning in the study of the Vedas and take a pledge for Yagyopavit (Janeu).
- Satyanarayan Vrat Katha: In many homes, the story of Lord Vishnu is organized and fasts are observed.
- Raksha Bandhan: This holy festival of brother and sister is celebrated with joy all over the country.
- Shiva Puja: There is a tradition of offering Jalabhishek and worshiping Lord Shiva especially on the last day of Sawan.
Religious Significance of the Month of Sawan
The month of Sawan is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. Throughout the month, there is a crowd of devotees in Shiva temples. Offering Jalabhishek to Shivji on Monday and offering Belpatra, Dhatura etc. is considered particularly fruitful. At the same time, the day of Sawan Purnima is special for all those devotees who have taken a vow of fasting or worship throughout the month.
On this day, people conclude their fast and offer Arghya to the moon along with special worship of Shivji. In some places, religious events are organized on a large scale on this day, which also includes events like Katha, Kirtan and Bhandara.
Bhadrapada Month Will Start From August 9th
After Sawan, the month of Bhadrapada begins, which is also known as Bhado. Important festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, Hartalika Teej, Ganesh Chaturthi fall in Bhadrapada. The end of Sawan and the beginning of Bhadrapada is considered a new beginning religiously. Therefore, Shravan Purnima is not only a symbol of conclusion but also marks the beginning of a new chapter.
