Sawan Month: Best Puja Vidhi to Get Shivji’s Blessings
Introduction: Why Sawan is So Important for Lord Shiva Devotees
Sawan, also known as Shravan, is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. This month is packed with spiritual significance, traditional rituals, and immense devotion. But what makes Sawan so sacred for Shiv bhakts? The answer lies in a beautiful blend of mythology, cosmic timing, and centuries-old traditions.
The Mythological Significance of Sawan
Samudra Manthan and Neelkanth Avatar
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), deadly poison called “Halahal” emerged. To save the universe, Lord Shiva consumed this poison and held it in his throat, turning it blue. This divine act occurred during the month of Shravan, which is why it is so intimately linked to his worship.
Parvati’s Tapasya
Goddess Parvati is believed to have performed intense penance during Sawan to win Lord Shiva as her consort. Her dedication and faith became a symbol for devotees, particularly unmarried girls, who observe fasts to find a suitable life partner.
Why Performing Puja in Sawan Brings Divine Blessings
Sawan is not just a period of ritualistic observance; it is a time when spiritual energy is at its peak. During this month, the vibrations of devotion are amplified, making it an ideal time to seek blessings from Lord Shiva for health, prosperity, wisdom, and inner peace.
Daily Puja Vidhi During Sawan Month
Step-by-Step Morning Ritual
Early Morning Bath: Begin your day with a bath before sunrise. Preferably use water infused with Ganga Jal.
Clean the Puja Space: Use cow dung or Ganga Jal to purify the area.
Place a Shivling: Set up a Shivling made of clay, metal, or stone.
Offer Water and Milk: Perform ‘Jalabhishek’ and ‘Dugdh Abhishek’ while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Apply Bhasma (Vibhuti): This represents renunciation and reminds us of life’s impermanence.
Offer Bilva Leaves: Ensure that each Bilva leaf has three petals. They symbolize the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Chant Mantras: Recite “Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra” and “Shiva Tandava Stotram” for spiritual empowerment.
Light Diya and Incense: A diya with ghee and fragrant incense helps purify the atmosphere.
Offer Fruits and Sweets: Include banana, coconut, and jaggery.
Aarti: End the puja with a heartfelt aarti and distribute prasad among family members.
Pro Tip:
Use copper vessels for Abhishek rituals. Avoid offering Tulsi leaves or turmeric to Shivling, as they are considered inauspicious.
Weekly Sawan Somvar Vrat Puja
Every Monday in Sawan is special. Known as “Sawan Somvar,” these days are considered most auspicious for fasting and praying to Shiva.
Puja Procedure:
Wake up early and take a vow for fasting.
Offer jal and milk to Shivling with the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Visit a nearby Shiva temple if possible.
Read the “Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha.”
Perform evening aarti and eat a single satvik meal (if not doing nirjal vrat).
Fasting on Mondays during this month is believed to fulfill desires, remove obstacles, and bring marital bliss.
Special Rituals for Maximum Spiritual Benefits
Rudrabhishek
A powerful ritual where the Shivling is bathed with Panchamrit (milk, honey, sugar, curd, and ghee) while chanting verses from the Rudram. It is believed to eliminate all sins and grant peace and prosperity.
Kanwar Yatra
Millions of devotees collect holy water from the Ganges and carry it barefoot to offer it to Shivlings in prominent temples. Though intense, this yatra is a profound display of devotion.
Akhand Mantra Jaap
Chanting Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” continuously for a fixed number of hours or days during Sawan invites divine energy and clarity of mind.
Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap
This life-saving mantra is particularly beneficial during Sawan. Many perform 1.25 lakh jaaps over the month to seek health and longevity.
Food and Lifestyle Rules During Sawan
To maintain spiritual discipline, devotees often follow specific food habits:
Avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
Prefer fruits, dairy products, and sattvic meals.
Refrain from alcohol and smoking.
Practice celibacy and truthfulness.
These disciplines help in detoxifying the body and mind, creating a pure vessel for divine energy.
Regional Practices and Celebrations
North India:
Haridwar, Varanasi, and Deoghar see a surge in pilgrimages and Shiv temples overflow with devotees. Kanwar Yatra is most prominent here.
Maharashtra:
Nashik’s Trimbakeshwar Temple and Mumbai’s Babulnath Temple are major centers of Sawan worship. Devotees perform elaborate Rudrabhisheks.
South India:
While not as prominently celebrated, temples like Rameswaram and Chidambaram conduct special pujas and festivals dedicated to Shiva.
Nepal:
Pashupatinath Temple witnesses grand celebrations with pilgrims from across the country and even India.
Benefits of Performing Sawan Puja
Spiritual Growth: Develops inner strength and tranquility.
Health: Rudrabhishek is known to have healing vibrations.
Wealth: Removes planetary doshas and brings prosperity.
Marriage: Helps in getting desired life partner.
Mental Peace: Chanting and rituals elevate the mind and spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can women perform Shivling puja during Sawan?
Yes, women can perform puja with full devotion. However, traditionally, touching Shivling during menstruation is avoided.
Q2. How many Sawan Mondays should be observed?
Ideally, all four or five Mondays of Sawan month should be observed for maximum benefits.
Q3. What if someone can’t fast the whole day?
One can observe partial fasting with fruits or a single sattvic meal after sunset.
Q4. Can I do Sawan Puja at home?
Absolutely. Setting up a small Shivling and following the right vidhi is enough.
Q5. What is the best mantra to chant in Sawan?
“Om Namah Shivaya” and the “Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra” are highly recommended.
Conclusion: Unlock Shivji’s Blessings This Sawan
The month of Sawan is not just about rituals; it’s about connecting deeply with Lord Shiva. With sincerity, devotion, and the correct vidhi, you can attract immense spiritual and material benefits. Let every offering of water, every chant, and every fast bring you closer to Shivji’s divine grace.
Make the most of this sacred period and experience how your life transforms with the blessings of the Mahadev.