Sawan 2025 -Devotees Prepare for First Monday of Sawan: Rituals Timings and Prayers to Please Lord Shiva
As the holy month of Sawan begins millions of devotees across India are getting ready for one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar and that is the first Monday of Sawan. This year it falls on July 14 and for many it marks the start of weeks of fasting prayers and devotion to Lord Shiva.
People believe that Sawan is the time when Lord Shiva showers blessings on those who remember him with a clean mind, says Dr Rajesh Sharma who is a priest in Varanasi. Fasting on Mondays in this month is seen as very sacred.
What Makes Sawan Special
Sawan which comes during the monsoon is dedicated fully to Shiva who is lovingly called Bholenath or the simple hearted one. It is believed that in this month Shiva stays closer to the earth so he listens to prayers more quickly.
Ritika Verma who is 28, has been keeping Sawan fasts for five years and says it is not just about not eating. For me it is about discipline and staying grounded in faith. I wake up before sunrise and light a lamp and do my puja at home.
How to Worship on Sawan Monday
On the first Monday devotees wake up early and take a bath and clean their home temples. Lighting a small oil lamp is the first step. Many pour sacred Ganga water on the idols and especially the Shivling and then offer fresh cow milk.Fresh flowers and Bel leaves are offered as these are said to be dear to Shiva. The puja ends with an aarti and a simple offering of sweets and fruits which should be pure and vegetarian.
In Hindu tradition the right time is very important so people look for the best hours to perform the rituals. On July 14 the best hours are early morning or during these special muhurat.
- Brahma Muhurat – 4:11 AM to 4:52 AM
- Morning Sandhya – 4:32 AM to 5:33 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat – 11:59 AM to 12:55 PM
- Vijay Muhurat- 2:45 PM to 3:40 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat -7:20 PM to 7:40 PM
- Evening Sandhya – 7:21 PM to 8:22 PM
- Amrit Kaal – July 15, from 11:21 PM to 12:55 AM
- Nishita Muhurat – July 15 from 12:07 AM to 12:48 AM
Most families keep a simple list ready. Common things include fresh flowers five kinds of fruits five kinds of dry fruits sacred water sandalwood paste tulsi leaves Bel leaves incense sticks camphor and sweets for offering. Many also use sugarcane juice barley shoots and herbs like dhatura and bhang which are linked to Shiva worship.
Powerful Mantras
Chanting mantras is the heart of this puja so the most common one is Om Namah Shivaya which means I bow to Shiva. Many also say the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for good health and safety.
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”.
Another prayer is the Shiva Gayatri
“Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat”.
Devotees finish the worship with the Om Jai Shiv Omkara aarti which praises Shiva’s many forms and his place in the world.
As the monsoon rains fall people feel every drop is like a blessing from Shiva. For many families Sawan brings them closer so it is a time to pray together and remember that simple prayers matter the most.
If your heart is pure Shiva listens, Dr Sharma says with a smile. That is the real secret of Sawan.