The month of Sawan, also called Shravan, is one of the most important months in the Hindu calendar. It is a time when people come together to pray, fast, and celebrate the love and power of Lord Shiva. Many believe that during this month, Lord Shiva is especially close to his devotees and listens to their prayers more deeply.
In 2025, the month of Sawan will begin on July 11 and end on August 9. This period is filled with special days, especially Mondays, which are considered very sacred. Devotees offer water, milk, and flowers to the Shivling, hoping to receive blessings, peace, and success in life.
Whether you’re already familiar with Sawan or just learning about it, this blog will guide you through the meaning, traditions, and special dates of Sawan 2025. Let’s explore why this month is so special and how you can be a part of it.
What is Sawan Month?
Sawan Month, also known as Shravan Maas, is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls between July and August, during the rainy season. The name “Sawan” comes from the Shravan Nakshatra, a special star seen on the full moon day of this month.
This entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the powerful and peaceful god known as the destroyer of evil. People believe that during Sawan, prayers reach Lord Shiva faster and with more power. That’s why many devotees use this time to focus on spiritual activities like fasting, meditation, and temple visits.
This time is about connecting deeply with Lord Shiva and finding peace within ourselves. The sound of temple bells, the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya,” and the peaceful rain all add to the beauty of this sacred month.
Why Sawan is Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Sawan is very special because it is believed to be Lord Shiva’s favourite month. There are many old stories from Hindu texts that explain why this time is so important for him.
One of the most famous stories is from the Samudra Manthan, or the Churning of the Ocean. During this event, a deadly poison called Halahal came out of the ocean. It was so dangerous that it could destroy the whole world. To save everyone, Lord Shiva drank the poison. But the poison created a lot of heat in his body.
To cool Lord Shiva down, the gods and his devotees started pouring water and other sacred items over the Shivling, which is a symbol of Shiva. This is why even today, during Sawan, people offer water, milk, honey, and bilva leaves to the Shivling.
It is also believed that during Sawan, Lord Shiva visits Earth and is more active in listening to the prayers of his followers. Many also believe that this is the month when Shiva went to visit his in-laws, where he was welcomed with water offerings.
So, Sawan is a time filled with devotion, love, and stories of sacrifice that bring people closer to Lord Shiva.
Sawan 2025 Dates & Calendar
The month of Sawan in 2025 will be celebrated at different times across India depending on which lunar calendar is followed. There are two main types:
- Purnimanta Calendar (used in most North Indian states)
- Amanta Calendar (followed in South and Western India)
Let’s break down the Sawan dates region-wise so it’s easy to follow:
Purnimanta Calendar
- Sawan Begins – July 11, 2025 (Friday)
- 1st Sawan Somwar – July 14, 2025
- 2nd Sawan Somwar – July 21, 2025
- 3rd Sawan Somwar – July 28, 2025
- 4th Sawan Somwar – August 4, 2025
- Sawan Ends – August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
Amanta Calendar
- Sawan Begins – July 25, 2025 (Friday)
- 1st Sawan Somwar – July 28, 2025
- 2nd Sawan Somwar – August 4, 2025
- 3rd Sawan Somwar – August 11, 2025
- 4th Sawan Somwar – August 18, 2025
- Sawan Ends – August 23, 2025 (Saturday)
Types of Fasts Observed in Sawan
Fasting is one of the most important ways devotees show their love and respect to Lord Shiva during the Sawan month. Many people believe that fasting in Sawan brings peace, good health, and success in life.
Here are the main fasts people follow during Sawan:
- Sawan Somwar Vrat (Monday Fasts)
Every Monday during Sawan is very special. These days are called Sawan Somwar. On this day, devotees:
- Visit Shiva temples
- Offer milk, water, and Bilva leaves to the Shivling
- Eat only satvik (pure vegetarian) food after sunset or next day
Many people fast every Monday of the month, and some even fast for 16 Mondays in a row, starting from the first Monday of Sawan. This is called the Solah Somwar Vrat and is believed to fulfill deep wishes, especially for marriage.
- Mangala Gauri Vrat (Tuesday Fasts)
Tuesdays in Sawan are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort. This fast is mainly observed by married women who:
- Pray for a happy and long married life
- Perform special pujas at home or temples
- Follow simple meals or fast completely during the day
- Pradosh Vrat
This vrat is believed to remove sins and bring blessings of spiritual growth. On this day, devotees:
- Perform Rudrabhishek (ritual bathing of Shivling)
- Chant Shiva mantras
- Avoid food until evening or the next day
Spiritual Practices and Rituals During Sawan
Here are some of the most important spiritual practices done during this holy month:
Rudrabhishek
In this ritual, devotees bathe the Shivling (symbol of Lord Shiva) with:
- Water from holy rivers
- Milk, curd, honey, and ghee
- Sugarcane juice, coconut water, and rose water
This is done while chanting Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya.”
It is believed that this ritual cleanse negative energy and brings peace, prosperity, and protection.
Offerings to Lord Shiva
Devotees offer several items during Sawan to please Lord Shiva:
- Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) – said to be Lord Shiva’s favourite
- White flowers, fruits, and rice
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Diya (oil lamp) for light and purity
All these are offered with prayers asking for health, happiness, and divine blessings.
Bringing Water from the River Ganga
Many devotees go on a journey called the Kanwar Yatra, where they walk barefoot to the Ganga river, collect water in pots, and offer it at Shiva temples.
Meditation and Chanting
During Sawan, people wake up early, take a bath, and spend time in:
- Meditation
- Reading Shiva Puran or listening to bhajans (devotional songs)
- Chanting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra”
These simple acts help bring peace and focus to the mind.
Conclusion
The month of Sawan is a special time that brings hope, faith, and spiritual strength. It reminds us of the greatness of Lord Shiva, who drank poison to save the world and still blesses his devotees with love and protection.
Whether you’re fasting, meditating, or just offering a simple prayer, every small act of devotion counts during this month. Sawan 2025, from July 11 to August 9, is your time to connect with your inner self, find peace, and offer gratitude.
So, this Sawan, light a diya, chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” and feel the divine energy fill your heart.
Start your Sawan journey this year with devotion and peace. Let Lord Shiva guide your path.
