Sawan Somwar: Sawan Vrat and Puja Vidhi
Sawan Somwar 2024
Sawan – the most auspicious month! It is dedicated to Mahadev. On this day, Bhagwan Shiva drank vish (poison) to save the world. The Shravan month is also known as Sawan month in North India. As per the Shiv Purana, all Mondays, or Somwars, that fall during this month are considered especially significant for fasting, known as Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar Vrats. Many devotees observe sixteen Mondays, or Solah Somwar, fasting starting from the first Monday of the Sawan month.
In 2024, the first Somwar of Shravan will be on July 22.
Significance of the Sawan Somwar Vrat
It is believed that observing the Sawan Somvar fast is highly beneficial for unmarried girls, as they get the desired var (groom).
The Sawan Somvar Vrat is also considered significant because it is believed to fulfill personal desires and make dreams come true. Devotees who observe the Sawan Somvar fast and worship Bhagwan Shiva are thought to achieve their desired results and aspirations.
How to Observe the Vrat for Sawan?
Devotees observing the Sawan Somvar Vrat should follow these practices:
- Wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath to purify yourself.
- Sprinkle holy Gangajal around the house to purify the space.
- Visit a Bhagwan Shiva temple and offer milk to the Shiva Lingam.
- Clean the puja place at home and prepare yourself spiritually to welcome Bhagwan Shiva.
- Place an idol or an image of Bhagwan Shiva in the northeast direction of your house.
- Take an oath (Sankalp) to perform the Sawan Somvar Vrat with devotion and sincerity.
- Perform the Shiv Puja twice a day, once in the morning and once after sunset. Ensure that you are clean before performing the evening puja.
- Recite the Solah Somvar Vrat Katha or Sawan Vrat Katha on each Monday of the Sawan month.
- After completing the puja, distribute Prasad among friends and family members.
- If you are observing the vrat, consume the fasting food only after performing the Sandhya Aarti.
Shiva Mantras to Be Chanted During Shravan Somvars
- First Somvar Mantra To Fulfill Desires
ॐ ह्रौं महाशिवाय वरदाय ह्रीं ऐं काम्य सिद्धि रुद्राय ह्रौं नमः
Om Hraum Mahashivay Varday Hreem Aim Kamya Sidhi Rudray Hraum Namah
- Second Somvar Mantra For Getting Rid of Loans
ॐ श्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मी प्रदाय ह्रीं ऋण मोचने श्रीं सर्व सिद्धि देहि देहि शिवाय श्रीं श्रीं नमः
Om Shreem Shreem Lakshmi Praday Hreem Rin Mochne Shreem Sarva Siddhi Dehi Dehi Shivay Shreem Shreem Namah:
- Third Somvar Mantra to Destroy Enemies
ॐ रुद्राय शत्रु संहारय क्लीं कार्य सिद्धाय महादेवाय फट
Om Rudray Shatru Sanharya Kleem Karya Siddhay Mahadevay Phat
- Fourth Somvar Mantra to Accomplish All Goals
ॐ भं भवाय देव देवाय सर्व कार्य सिद्धिं देहि देहि कामेश्वराय भं नमः
Om Bham Bhavay Dev Devay Sarv Karya Sidhim Dehi Dehi Kaameshwaray Bham Namah:
Apart from these, devotees can also chant 1 mala of “Om Namah Shivaya” on Rudraksha Mala.
Dos and Don’ts for Sawan Vrat
Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind to observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat correctly:
What You Can Do for Sawan Vrat
- Take only a Satvik (pure) diet, which includes fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, and certain permitted vegetables.
- Many devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, consuming Satvik meals only after sunset.
- Some devotees have a single light vegetarian meal consisting of fruits, milk, milk-based products, dry fruits, and permissible foods.
- Drink freshly homemade fruit juices, water, coconut water, and buttermilk. Tea is also acceptable.
- Use rock salt instead of table salt for cooking, if salt is used. Many devotees avoid all types of salt.
- Spices like cumin seeds, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and black pepper can be used, depending on personal and family beliefs.
What You Should Not Do on Sawan Vrat
- Do not consume grains, including wheat, rice, and lentils.
- Avoid non-vegetarian foods, such as meat, fish, and eggs, at all costs.
- Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and other tamasic products.
- Avoid onions, garlic, and anything that is Rajasik or Tamasik.
- Certain foods to avoid include mustard oil, sesame oil, masoor dal (red lentils), and brinjal (eggplant)
- Avoid packaged juices, as they contain taste enhancers and preservatives. Instead, go for freshly prepared, homemade juices.
- Avoid wearing black. According to the scriptures, black clothing can attract negative energy, which might counteract the positive effects of the fasting period.
- Do not indulge in physical relationships.
- According to the religious Puranas, it’s advised not to sleep during the day while fasting. Instead, devotees should engage in Bhajan-Kirtan. This practice is believed to keep the mind and spirit focused and uplifted during the fasting period.
- When reciting Shiva Kavach or Shiv Chalisa during the Sawan fast, it is advised not to speak to anyone in between the recitations. It is believed that uninterrupted recitation enhances the effectiveness of the worship and helps in removing negative energies
Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha
According to the Puranas, the Samudra Manthan occurred during the Shravan month. This event involved the Dev and Asur churning the ocean, resulting in the emergence of fourteen divine items. Among these was Halahal (Kalakuta Vish), a deadly poison. To save the world from destruction, Bhagwan Shiva consumed the poison, which turned his throat blue. This is when Devatas started pouring water and milk on his head to give Mahadev relief from the burning sensation that he was experiencing in his throat after consuming the poison. The practice continues even today. Since then, he has also been known by the name Neelkantha, meaning “blue throat.” The Sawan Somvar Vrat, observed during the month of Sawan, honors Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Sawan starting in 2024?
A: July 22- Savaan month will start on July 22nd, 2024. This year, Shravan Mahina will be having five Mondays-
- July 22 (Sawan starts in 2024)
- July 29
- August 5
- August 12
- August 19
Q: When was the first Sawan Somwar?
A: The first Sawan Somwar is on July 22, 2024.
Q: How many Mondays are there in Sawan Month?
A: In 2024, there will be 5 Mondays in the Hindu month of Sawan.
