Sawan Shivratri, observed on the 'Chaturdashi tithi' of Krishna Paksha in the Sawan month, typically falls during the monsoon season in July or August. According to Sanatan Dharam, fasting and offering prayers on this auspicious occasion bring blessings from Lord Mahadev.
Sawan Shivratri Importance
The sacred month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds great significance for Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Shiva. It is a period marked by spiritual devotion, fasting, and joyous celebrations.
What is the difference between Sawan Shivratri and Mahashivratri?
According to the Panchang, there are 12 Shivratri observances throughout the year.
पंचांग के अनुसार वर्ष भर में 12 शिवरात्रि आती हैं।
One of these occurs in the month of Phalgun, known as Mahashivratri, and another in the month of Sawan, celebrated as Sawan Shivratri.
इनमें से एक फाल्गुन माह में आती है, जिसे महाशिवरात्रि के रूप में जाना जाता है, और दूसरी सावन माह में आती है, जिसे सावन शिवरात्रि के रूप में मनाया जाता है।
This festival is a night of vigil and awakening, dedicated to worshipping and seeking the blessings of Mahadev.
Sawan Shivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals for Hindus, holding significant religious and spiritual importance.
The name "Shivratri" combines "Shiv," referring to Lord Shiva, and "Ratri," meaning night. Celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month, this festival commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
What is Masik Shivaratri? - मासिक शिवरात्रि क्या है?
The fourteenth (14) lunar day of the dark fortnight, known as Chaturdashi Tithi, is celebrated as Masik Shivaratri or Masa Shivaratri.
कृष्ण पक्ष के चौदहवें (14) चंद्र दिवस, जिसे चतुर्दशी तिथि के नाम से जाना जाता है, को मासिक शिवरात्रि या मास शिवरात्रि के रूप में मनाया जाता है।
Devoted followers of Lord Shiva observe a fast and pay homage to the Shiva Linga on this day, which occurs twelve times a year, corresponding to each month's lunar cycle
What do you do on Sawan Shivratri?
You can do fast. By fasting and worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Sawan Shivratri, devotees can receive their grace and blessings.
Many also participate in the Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage of great religious significance, where they offer Ganga Jal to Lord Shiva.
Sawan shivratri vrat vidhi
Trayodashi Observance
- Single Meal: On the day before Shivaratri, typically Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one meal.
Sankalp (संकल्प)
- Morning Rituals: After completing the morning rituals on Shivaratri day, devotees should take Sankalp, a vow to observe a full day fast and to eat food only on the next day.
Pledge: During Sankalp, devotees commit to self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek Lord Shiva's blessings to complete the fast without any obstacles.
Mantra Chanting
To connect with Lord Shiva's divine energy, it is recommended to recite various sacred mantras, including:
Panchakshari Mantra: A five-syllable mantra revered for its spiritual significance
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivay
Mahamrityunjay mantra | महामृत्युंजय मंत्र: A powerful mantra believed to ward off negativity and bestow protection
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat.
Repeating these mantras with devotion can help deepen your spiritual practice and foster a stronger connection with Lord Shiva.
Read - Shiva Mantra - Powerful mantra of Shiva - शिव जी के शक्तिशाली मंत्र
Shivaratri Day Observances
Evening Bath and Puja
- Second Bath: Devotees should take a second bath in the evening before performing Shiva Puja or visiting a temple.
- Night Puja: Shiva Puja should be performed at night.
Breaking the Fast
Parana (पारण)
- Morning Bath: Devotees should break the fast the next day after taking a bath.
- Timing: The fast should be broken between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi for maximum benefit. There is an alternative belief that the fast should be broken only after Chaturdashi Tithi ends. However, it is generally accepted that both Shiva Puja and Parana should be completed within Chaturdashi Tithi.
