Sawan Somwar: Fasting Do’s and Don’ts
Shravan (श्रावण) or Sawan (सावन) is the most sacred month for Hindus across the world. It is believed to be the favourite month of Bhagwan Shiva. The reason devotees of Mahadev enthusiastically celebrate throughout the month by worshipping their deity (आराध्य) Mahadev and following a very restricted and purified diet and activities. Neelkanta Mahadev, Shankar, and Bholenath are some of His other names by which His devotees love calling him. It is believed, that devotees of Mahadev are blessed with many benefits if they worship Bhagwan Shankar in the month of Shravan, especially on Monday (सोमवार), as Monday is believed to be his day.
This year Shravan started on July 4 in some parts of India (North Indian states) and will start on July 18 in some (mostly South Indian states, Gujarat and West Bengal).
Due to अधिक मास/मलमास/खरमास (one extra/leap month will be followed according to the Sanatan Hindu calendar) this year, Sawan will expand to 59 days from the usual 30/31 days (that is almost 2 months). The month will end on Thursday, August 31 2023 (for Purnimanta Shravan followers) and on Friday, September 15 2023 (for Amanta Shravan followers). The Mondays of the Sawan month are called Sawan Somwar.
To know the dates, tithi, significance and history behind the Shravan celebration and Shravan 2023 in detail click here
Sawan Somwar holds special significance for devotees of Bhagwan Shiva in Hindu dharma. During this holy month, many devotees of Shiva observe fasts on Mondays, to show their gratitude and devotion, seek blessings and spiritually connect to their deity. It is believed, that Sawan Somwar Vrat not only purifies our body but also brings peace and prosperity in the life of the devotees.
Sawan Somwar Fasting Do’s and Don’ts
Devotees from different regions in India practise different rules during Sawan Somwar Vrat. Here are some commonly observed fasting rules:
- Abstain from consuming grains. It includes wheat, rice, and lentils
- Do not consume non-vegetarian food that is, meat, fish, eggs, etc.
- Consume only a Satvik (pure) diet, like – fruits, milk, yoghurt, nuts, and certain permitted vegetables.
- Have controlled meal timings
- Many devotees begin their fast at sunrise and conclude after sunset, and during this time they do not consume anything. They eat Satvik meals only after sunset
- Many believe in consuming only fruits, nuts and milk products the entire day but only after offering their puja to their deity, Bhagwan Shankar.
- Some devotees often consume a single meal during the day, a light, vegetarian meal. This meal consists of fruits, milk, milk-based products, dry fruits and some permissible foods
- Abstain from alcohol, tobacco and all other products that come under this category
- Abstain from consuming onion, garlic or anything that is Rajasik (elaborate rich and sumptuous meals) and Tamasik (non-vegetarian) in nature.
- Additionally, certain foods like mustard oil, sesame oil, masoor dal (red lentils), and brinjal (eggplant) should be avoided.
- Keep yourself hydrated during fasting. Consume freshly homemade fruit juices, water, coconut water and buttermilk. You can also drink tea.
- Use rock salt instead of table salt for cooking (if you take salt). Most devotees avoid all types of salts.
- You can use cumin seeds, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and black pepper. But this may depend on your family and personal belief
- Avoid packaged juices, as they contain taste enhancers and preservatives.
- Consume only freshly prepared homemade juices and homemade meals.
How to Spend Your Sawan Somwar?
- Fasting in the month of Sawan is not limited to abstaining from certain foods. It also involves engaging in intense and sincere spiritual practices.
- Devotees should meditate, recite mantras dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati, and offer puja with all the favourite items of Mahadev and Mata Parvati to seek their blessings.
- Visit Shiva mandir to offer puja and perform Shiva-Parvati puja rituals.
- When you observe fast, give priority to cleanliness and personal hygiene.
- Take an early morning bath, wear clean clothes, visit Shiva mandir, and offer puja.
- Always think good, your mind should be focused on Shiva-Parvati puja.
- It is said cleanliness is next to Godliness, so, it will help you in the purification of your body and soul.
Sawan Somwar fasting is all about intense devotion, self-discipline, purification of body, mind and soul and strengthening of spiritual connection with Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is time to enhance your spiritual understanding and experience the divine connection with the Almighty during this holy month.
Be informed that the fasting rules of Sawan Somwar may vary according to regional customs, personal and family beliefs and the health conditions of individuals.
To know the exact significance of Somvar Vrat and Puja, chat with our online astrologers and pandits here.
