The month of Sawan is considered a sacred time for devotion to Lord Shiva. Offering water to the Shivalinga, observing fasts, and chanting mantras are believed to be particularly fruitful during this period. In 2025, Sawan begins on July 11th. Devotees will have the opportunity to observe four Sawan Somwar fasts.
It is believed that those who observe these fasts with devotion have their wishes fulfilled. These fasts are especially auspicious for unmarried women, as they are said to help them find suitable husbands. This article will explore the date of the first Sawan Somwar, along with its puja rituals and auspicious timings.
**When is the first fast and why is it so special?**
The month of Shravan is considered the favorite of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Shiva resides on Earth during this entire month, showering his grace upon devotees who call upon him. Therefore, fasting and worship on the Mondays of Shravan are considered particularly fruitful. This year, the first Sawan Somwar, or ‘Pratham Shravani Somwar,’ falls on July 14, 2025. If a person worships Lord Shiva with devotion on this day, it is believed that Shiva fulfills their every wish. This day is especially auspicious for those seeking to achieve a particular goal in life or seeking freedom from problems. It is believed that the first Sawan Somwar marks the auspicious beginning of the entire month’s worship, therefore, the worship performed on this day holds greater significance.
**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 the day of Sawan Somwar, wake up before sunrise during the Brahma Muhurat. Purify the body and mind by taking a bath. Wear clean, light-colored clothes, especially white or yellow, considered auspicious. Clean the place of worship in your 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 the 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 beginning the puja, take water, flowers, and Akshat in your right hand, meditate on Lord Shiva, and make a vow 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 the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at least 108 times. You can also chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Reciting the Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Shiva Purana is also very rewarding. Perform aarti for Lord Shiva by showing incense and lamp.
6. Offer fruits, sweets, or whatever you can prepare to the Lord. After the aarti, distribute the Prasad among all family members.
7. If you have observed a waterless fast, break the fast after sunrise the next day. Eat sattvic food that day and donate food or clothes to the needy.
