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Puja
Sawan somwar is one of the most revered and auspicious time in the Hindu calendar. During this time, households across India fill the air with the devotion of Lord Shiva. According to some ancient legends, Sawan is considered the holiest month to receive Lord Shiva’s divine grace. It is said that during Sawan, the universe radiates with the energy of Shiva. Mondays during this month hold special significance. In 2025, Sawan begins on Monday, July 11, making this year’s Sawan even more spiritually significant.
According to legends, Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, sacrificed her life after hearing her father’s insults toward Shiva. She later took rebirth as Parvati in the house of King Himavat. Parvati undertook severe penance to attain Lord Shiva and remained unfed while offering intense prayers. It is believed that during the month of Sawan, Shiva appeared to her and granted her the boon to become his wife. Therefore, Sawan, beginning on July 11 this year, holds immense spiritual value. In many places, devotees also conduct night-long vigils to worship Shiva.
In some regions, the legend of Shiva’s worship in Sawan is associated with the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). When Shiva drank the deadly Halahal poison to save the universe, his body started to burn from within. To relieve this burning sensation, the gods performed Jalabhishek (water offering) to cool his body. This happened during the month of Sawan. Since then, devotees have honored Shiva in this month with water offerings.
“Som” means the moon. In astrology, the moon governs the mind and sits on Lord Shiva’s head. It is believed that Lord Shiva grants mental strength and clarity to his devotees. He once saved the moon from decay and adorned it on his head. Worshipping the Shivling on Sawan Mondays strengthens the mind and grants success in all endeavors through Shiva’s grace.
Offer Rudrabhishek while chanting mantras, or if chanting is difficult, recite any Shiva Stotra. Sit in the east or northeast direction. Pour pure water on the Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” continuously. Offer Akshat, sacred thread, and Bilva (Bel) leaves to the Shivling.
