The Significance and Rituals of Shravan Somvar Vrat
In the sacred month of Shravan, devotees of Lord Shiva engage in profound worship and observances, demonstrating their unwavering devotion. The Rigveda extols the importance of worshipping Shiva during Sawan, a time when the atmosphere is charged with spiritual fervour, and Shiva temples are thronged with devotees performing Jalabhishek with water brought from distant places.
The Sacred Month of Shravan: A Time of Devotion
The month of Shravan symbolizes deep faith and devotion to Lord Shiva. In 2024, Shravan begins on July 22nd. This period is marked by the auspicious journey of Kanwar to collect holy water, which is used for Jalabhishek. Fasting and worshipping Shiva on Mondays during Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar Vrat, are considered especially beneficial.
Shravan Somvar 2024 Dates for Vrat
- First Shravan Somvar Vrat: July 22, 2024
- Second Shravan Somvar Vrat: July 29, 2024
- Third Shravan Somvar Vrat: August 5, 2024
- Fourth Shravan Somvar Vrat: August 12, 2024
- Pancham Shravan Somvar Vrat: August 19, 2024
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Shravan Monday 2025 Fast Dates
- First Shravan Monday Fast: July 14, 2025
- Second Shravan Monday Fast: July 21, 2025
- Third Shravan Monday Fast: July 28, 2025
- Fourth Shravan Monday Fast: August 4, 2025
The Rituals of Shravan Somvar Vrat
The Shravan Somvar fast begins early on Monday morning. Devotees bathe, clean their homes, and purify the space with Ganges water. An idol or picture of Lord Shiva is placed in the northeast direction, and a vow is taken for the month. The entire family, including Lord Shiva, Shri Ganesh ji, Goddess Parvati, Nandi Dev, and Nagdev Mooshak Raj, are worshipped.
Shrawan Somvar Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
Devotees offer various items including water, milk, curd, sugar, ghee, honey, Panchamrit, moli, cloth, sandalwood, roli, rice, flowers, betel leaf, cannabis, aak-datura, lotus, prasad, betel nut, cloves, cardamom, dry fruits, and Dakshina. The aarti is performed with camphor and incense lamps.
Observing the Fast
The fast lasts from sunrise to sunset, and the fasting story should be heard during the day. Devotees eat only once after sunset. Observing the Shravan Somvar Vrat is believed to bring relief from sorrows and grant happiness and prosperity.
The Importance of Shravan Somvar
Shravan is a month beloved by Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva on Mondays during this month is said to bring immense happiness. According to mythology, fasting on Shravan Mondays fulfils all desires and bestows blessings equivalent to visiting all Jyotirlingas. The fast can be observed for various reasons, including the well-being of one’s married life, the prosperity of children, or finding a suitable groom.
Worshipping Lord Shiva with Bilvapatra during this month is especially auspicious, as it is believed that Shiva resides in the Bilva tree. This worship is said to yield the benefits of bathing in all holy places.
Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha
The Story of the Devout Sahukar
There was a wealthy Sahukar who was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Despite his wealth, he was unhappy due to the lack of a child. He prayed daily at Shiva’s temple, lighting a lamp in devotion. Moved by his devotion, Parvati requested Shiva to bless the Sahukar with a son. Shiva revealed that although the Sahukar was destined to remain childless, Parvati’s insistence led him to grant the Sahukar a son who would live for only 12 years.
The Sahukar’s Continued Devotion
The Sahukar accepted the blessing and continued his worship. His wife bore a son, and as the child approached the age of 12, the Sahukar sent him to Kashi with his maternal uncle to study, instructing that yagyas be performed along the way. During their journey, the boy was temporarily married to a princess due to a circumstance, and upon reaching Kashi, he died.
Divine Intervention and Blessings
The boy’s uncle, devastated but composed, completed the Yagya. Moved by their plight, Parvati persuaded Shiva to restore the boy’s life. The boy revived, and upon returning home, the family rejoiced. That night, Shiva appeared in the Sahukar’s dream, blessing him for his unwavering faith.
Conclusion
The month of Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with Mondays and the observance of fasts being particularly significant. These practices are believed to overcome life’s challenges, improve financial conditions, and enhance career success. Devotees are encouraged to fast on Sawan Mondays and read the Vrat Katha for blessings and fulfilment of wishes.
For more detailed guidance on observing Shravan Somvar Vrat and its significance, devotees can consult astrologers to enhance their spiritual practices and ensure all rituals are performed accurately.
