The month of Sawan is a period of intense devotion to Lord Shiva, marked by special significance for his followers. It’s considered highly auspicious to offer prayers, observe fasts, and chant mantras during this time. In 2025, the Sawan month commences on July 11th, presenting devotees with the opportunity to observe four Sawan Somwar fasts.
It is widely believed that those who observe these fasts with sincere devotion have their wishes fulfilled. This is particularly beneficial for unmarried women, as it’s believed to help them find a suitable life partner. Let’s look at the specifics of the first Sawan Somwar, including the puja rituals and auspicious timings.
**The First Fast and Its Importance**
The month of Shravan is especially dear to Lord Shiva. According to tradition, Lord Shiva resides on Earth throughout this month, bestowing his blessings on his devotees. This makes the Mondays of Shravan (Sawan Somwar) and the associated worship particularly fruitful. This year, the first Sawan Somwar, or ‘Pratham Shravani Somwar’, falls on July 14, 2025. It’s believed that those who worship Lord Shiva with dedication on this day have their every wish granted. This day is especially auspicious for those seeking to achieve specific goals in life or to overcome challenges. The first Sawan Somwar is seen as an auspicious beginning to the month’s devotional practices, thus the worship on this day holds a heightened importance.
**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. Wake up before sunrise on Sawan Somwar, during the Brahma Muhurat. Cleanse your body and mind with a bath. Wear clean, light-colored clothing, with white or yellow being particularly auspicious. Clean the place of worship at your home and sprinkle it with Gangajal or Gomutra.
2. Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha at the place of worship. Arrange puja items like flowers, Akshat (rice), water, Panchamrit, Belpatra, Datura, Bhasma, fruits, and sweets on a plate. 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. 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. Then, 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. Reading the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Shiva Purana is also 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.