The month of Sawan or Shravan is considered the most auspicious of the months in the Hindu calendar. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and this year the month of Sawan begins from July 28. Each Monday in this month is important and devotees observe fasts to please the Lord. The Shravan Somavar as it is called is said to give you a lot of good blessings and prosperity. Know the Significance and Shravan Somwar Fasting Schedule of The Holiest Hindu Maas

Dates of Shravan Mass and Shravan Somavar Vrat

The dates of Shravan Mass vary from region to region. The Northern states of the country have a different calendar wherein the Sawan month starts earlier compared to the one followed by the Western and Southern India. The Shravan Somvar Vrat Dates are July 30, August 6, August 13 and August 20. The Sawan Mass ends on August 26 for the Northern states.

Sawan Puja Vidhi

Performing a Puja of Lord Shiva is an important traditional ritual in the month of Shravan. Fasting or the Shravan Somvar Vrat is of utmost importance and it is done religiously by everyone.

Look at the steps to perform the Somvar Vrat Puja Vidhi:

  • One should get up early morning on the day of the fast and be ready with proper bath for the puja and wear clean clothes.

  • Clean the place where you will organise the puja. Since many people do not keep the Shivalinga at home, they go to a Shiva temple to perform the puja.

  • While visiting a temple, keep your offerings ready- 5 fruits along with bel leaf and white flowers. Carry a bowl of milk if you want to perform Abhishek on the Shivaling.

  • Apply Chandan and a garland if you have carried. Chant the Lord Shiva mantra, offer prayers and seek blessings from the Lord.

  • While you are praying or performing the puja, your mind should be free of any negative thoughts. Feel positive and have good thoughts in your mind throughout the day.

Unmarried women do it to pray for a good life partner, married women do it for the health and long life of their husband. Farmers pray to Lord Shiva for good crop and rains. Devotees pray for spiritual bliss and overall well-being. While the entire month is considered holy, the Mondays are considered more auspicious. We hope you have fruitful fasting this Shravan Maas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2018 05:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).