Sawan month (normally comes in July or August) holds the highest spiritual significance, as it is believed to be infused with divine energies. Sawan 2024 start date and end date is 22 July and 19 August respectively.
During this sacred period, devotees can tap into these potent forces through dedicated rituals and worship of Lord Shiva, leading to a profound purification of the mind, senses, body, and soul.
Sawan 2024 start date and end date
Sawan month is entirely devoted to honoring Lord Shiva, with devotees observing the occasion with utmost devotion and offering heartfelt prayers to the revered deity.
Sawan start date 2024 - 22 July
Sawan end date 2024 - 19 August
Sawan somwar 2024 - All Dates
In 2024, the month of Sawan aligns with a Monday-to-Monday cycle, harmonizing with the weekly worship of Lord Shiva.
This auspicious month holds great significance for Lord Shiva devotees, with Monday fasting, known as Sawan Somwar Vrat, considered especially meritorious.
This year, five Mondays fall within the Sawan period, each deemed sacred for observance. The key dates for Sawan Somwar in 2024 are:
- July 22: First Sawan Somwar fast
- July 29: Second Sawan Somwar fast
- August 5: Third Sawan Somwar fast
- August 12: Fourth Sawan Somwar fast
- August 19: Fifth Sawan Somwar fast
Sawan significance or sawan month significance
A pivotal episode in Hindu mythology, as recounted in the Puranas, unfolds during the month of sawan.
The legendary churning of the milky ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, took place in search of the elusive amrit.
This monumental event yielded 14 precious gems, with 13 being distributed among the gods and demons. However, the 14th gem, Halahal, a deadly poison capable of destroying the universe, remained untouched.
Lord Shiva courageously consumed the poison, storing it in his throat, which turned blue as a result. This remarkable act earned him the name Neelkantha.
To mitigate the poison's effects, Lord Shiva adorned a crescent moon on his head, and the gods offered him water from the sacred Ganges River.
Both events are deeply connected to the Shravan month, making it highly auspicious to offer holy Ganga water to Lord Shiva during this time.
Why is Sawan month special?
The month of Sawan (Shravan) marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month span dedicated to spiritual pursuits and devotion.
According to ancient texts, during this time, Lord Vishnu is said to enter a state of deep meditation (Yoga Nidra - योग निद्रा), entrusting Lord Shiva to oversee the universe.
This symbolic transition represents the cyclical nature of existence, where creation, preservation, and transformation eternally succeed one another.
Devotees observe a disciplined and pure way of life, seeking the blessings and protection of Lord Shiva through dedicated worship and devotion.
Sawan and Shravan - is sawan and shravan same?
- The month of Shravan gets its name from the prominent Shravan Nakshatra, a star that exerts its influence during this time.
- According to ancient beliefs, the Shravan Nakshatra dominates the sky on the full moon day (Poornima) or at various times throughout the month.
- As a result, the month has been named after this significant star, honoring its celestial importance.
Sawan festival
Often we have question - what are the festivals of Sawan month? Below is the list of festivals that happens during Sawan month.
Shravan Shivratri
- Falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in Sawan
- Devotees fast, perform puja, and seek Lord Shiva's blessings
Nag Panchami
- Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha)
- People worship snakes and seek protection from snake bites
Hariyali Teej
- Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, usually falls during Sawan
- Married women fast for their husbands' well-being and perform rituals
Raksha Bandhan
- Coincides with Sawan, but not exclusive to the month
- Siblings celebrate their bond by tying rakhi (a protective thread) and exchanging gifts
Kajari Teej
- Observed on the third day of the dark fortnight
- Celebrates the monsoon season with women singing folk songs and praying for a good harvest
Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtami)
- Commemorates Lord Krishna's birth
- Falls on the eighth day of the dark half of Sawan month, according to Hindu mythology.
FAQs
Why shravan is two months?
The main reason behind why shravan is two months is Malamas.
Now again question comes what is Malamas? Lets understand malamas now.
- The Hindu Calendar includes an extra month every three years, known as Malamas or Adhikmas.
- This additional month occurs when the Sun changes zodiac signs, a transit celebrated as Sankranti.
- With 12 Sankrantis in a solar year, the month without one is considered inauspicious.
- Malamas is believed to be unfavorable for:
- Starting new tasks
- Performing auspicious rituals
- Initiating important activities
What happens in Sawan month?
During the sacred month of Sawan, devotees of Lord Shiva perform various rituals to seek blessings and demonstrate their devotion. Some significant rituals include:
- Kanwar Yatra: Devotees carry sacred water from the Ganges River in kanwars (special containers) and walk barefoot to Shiva temples, symbolizing Lord Shiva's journey to calm the poison with Ganga water.
- Spiritual Discourses (Shiva Kathas): Devotees attend spiritual talks and listen to stories related to Lord Shiva, organized during this sacred month.
- Fasting (Sawan Somwar): Many observe fasts on Mondays, abstaining from food and water until evening, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Abhishek (Ritualistic Bathing): Devotees bathe the Shiva Linga with sacred substances like water, milk, honey, and more, representing purification and devotion.
- Mantra Chanting: Reciting Shiva mantras, especially the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, is a common practice during Sawan, believed to bring protection and healing.
- Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples, offering bilva leaves, flowers, and lighting incense, with some performing circumambulation (pradakshina) around the Shiva Linga.
What is prohibited during Sawan?
During the sacred month of Shravan, devotees are advised to refrain from consuming tamasik foods, which are considered impure and detrimental to spiritual growth.The following food items are specifically prohibited:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Non-vegetarian food (meat, fish, poultry)
Abstaining from these foods is believed to help devotees maintain spiritual purity and focus on their devotion to Lord Shiva during this auspicious month.
shravan month do's and don'ts
- Observe Fast
- Devotees should fast during Shravan and perform rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings.
- Maintain Celibacy
- Celibacy is recommended during Shravan to create a sacred environment and gain control over the senses.
- Adopt a Sattvik Lifestyle
- Those fasting and performing rituals should follow a sattvik lifestyle, fostering purity and peace.
- Engage in Charity
- Charity and donations are encouraged as acts of compassion and kindness, which are favored by Lord Shiva.
- Ensure Cleanliness and Purity
- Cleanliness is essential for performing puja rituals, including hawan and preparing prasad. Keeping the puja room clean is necessary.
- Chant Mantras
- Mantra chanting is a significant ritual during Shravan, offering numerous spiritual benefits.
- Practice Meditation and Prayer
- Many devotees engage in meditation and yoga during this sacred period for spiritual growth.
- Avoid Tamasik Food
- Devotees should refrain from consuming tamasik food items like onion, garlic, eggs, and meat.
- Visit Temples
- Visiting temples daily during Shravan brings positivity and is a way to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
- Consumption of alcohol and tobacco should be avoided as it is considered inauspicious.
- Speak Kindly
- Refrain from speaking ill or harshly to others, especially loved ones, to maintain a positive and auspicious atmosphere.
- Avoid Dairy Products
- It is advised to avoid consuming curd, milk, buttermilk, and other dairy products during Shravan.
How to do pooja in Sawan month?
Below can be followed to peform pooja in Sawan month
- Morning Routine
- Wake up early in the morning and clean the house.
- Take a proper bath and purify the house by sprinkling Gangajal (water from the Holy Ganga).
- Preparation for Puja
- Clean and prepare Lord Shiva’s idol or Shivalingam for the puja.
- Perform Rudra Abhishek using milk, water, ghee, Gangajal, rose water, etc.
- Continuously chant the holy mantra ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’ along with other Shiva mantras while meditating.
- Prayer Schedule
- Offer prayers twice a day:
- Early in the morning
- After sunset
- Light a lamp with gingelly oil or ghee for the puja.
- Offer prayers twice a day:
- Dietary Rules During the Day
- Consume allowed foods after sunset.
- Have one regular daily meal during this holy month.
Sawan somwar vrat vidhi / Rules
- Morning Routine
- Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Meditate (Dhyana) and take a pledge (Sankalpa) to sincerely observe the fast.
- Fasting Rules
- Seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
- Maintain celibacy (or sexual restraint if married) on the fasting day.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
- Refrain from milk, leafy vegetables, brinjal, onion, garlic, spicy foods, and meat.
- Puja and Rituals
- Perform Lord Shiva puja and/or Rudrabhishek.
- Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Participate in community service activities.
- Worship Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati.
- Use Chandan (sandalwood) instead of Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion) during Abhishek.
- Offer Bilva or Bel Patra, Datura fruits and flowers, raw milk, akshat, and chandan for the puja.
- Conclude the puja by performing Aarti.
Foods to Eat During Sawan Mass
- Meal Guidelines
- Eat just one meal a day, avoiding foods with salt, spices, garlic, and onions.
- Follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, allowing milk and dairy like yogurt, cheese, paneer, unsalted homemade butter, and ghee.
- Allowed Foods
- All kinds of fruits and certain vegetables like arbi, lauki, parval, potatoes, ratalu, or suran.
- Tapioca, rajgeera, foxnuts, buckwheat, and singhara.
- Use black pepper, green chili, coriander, ginger, clove, cardamom, and cumin as spices.
- Jaggery (brown raw sugarcane) can be consumed.
- Additional Foods
- Lemon, dry fruits, all kinds of nuts, sugar, rock sugar (mishri), and coconut can also be included.
- Foods to Avoid
- All kinds of grains, including rice and lentils.
- Vegetables like onion, garlic, and radish due to their tamasic nature.
- Traditional Indian spices like red chili, methi, turmeric, and other seeds.
