The month of Sawan is a highly revered time for devotees of Lord Shiva, marked by its sanctity and the blessings associated with it. During this month, prayers, fasting, and chanting of mantras are believed to yield significant spiritual rewards. In 2025, Sawan begins on July 11, giving devotees the chance to observe four Sawan Somwar fasts.
Fasting and praying with sincere devotion is believed to fulfill wishes. These fasts hold special significance for unmarried women, as they are believed to help them find a suitable life partner. Let’s explore the date of the first Sawan Somwar, the puja rituals, and the auspicious timings.
**When is the first fast, and why is it so special?**
The month of Shravan is considered the most beloved month of Lord Shiva. It is believed that during this month, Lord Shiva resides on Earth, bestowing his grace upon his devotees. Fasting and worshipping on the Mondays of Shravan are seen to be especially fruitful. This year, the first Sawan Somwar, or ‘Pratham Shravani Somwar’, will be observed on July 14, 2025. It is believed that anyone who worships Lord Shiva with dedication on this day will have their wishes fulfilled. This day is particularly auspicious for those aiming to achieve goals or seeking solutions to life’s challenges. The first Sawan Somwar represents the auspicious beginning of the month’s devotional activities, and therefore, worship performed on this day is considered exceptionally significant.
**Auspicious Timings for the First Monday’s Puja**
* Brahma Muhurat: 4:16 AM to 5:04 AM
* Abhijeet Muhurat: 12:05 PM to 12:58 PM
* Amrit Kaal: 12:01 PM to 1:39 PM
* Pradosh Kaal: 5:38 PM to 7:22 PM
**Sawan Somwar Puja Vidhi**
1. On Sawan Somwar, wake up before sunrise, during the Brahma Muhurat. Take a bath to purify your body and mind. Wear clean, light-colored clothes, with white or yellow being considered auspicious. Clean the place of worship at home and sprinkle it with Gangajal or Gomutra.
2. Place the idol or picture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha at the place of worship. Arrange all puja materials on a plate, such as flowers, Akshat (rice), water, Panchamrit, Belpatra, Datura, Bhasma, fruits, and sweets. Keep a lamp and incense sticks ready.
3. Before starting the puja, hold water, flowers, and Akshat in your right hand, meditate on Lord Shiva, and make a resolve to observe the fast.
4. Now, perform the Abhishek of the Shivalinga. First, bathe it with Gangajal, then offer Panchamrit made of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Again, bathe it with Gangajal. After this, offer Belpatra, Datura, bhang, sandalwood, and flowers. Worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
5. Chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at least 108 times. You can also recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Reciting the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Shiva Purana is considered very beneficial. Show incense and a lamp while performing the aarti for Lord Shiva.
6. Offer fruits, sweets, or anything you have prepared to the Lord. After the aarti, distribute the Prasad among all family members.
7. If you’ve observed a waterless fast, break your fast after sunrise the next day. Consume sattvic food and donate food or clothes to those in need.