The month of Sawan this year will run from July 30 to August 28. The festival of Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the lunar month Krishna in the month of Sawan. On this day, special religious events are held in the temples of Lord Shiva, and a large number of devotees perform Jalabhishek (bathing) of the Shivlinga. Devotees of Mahadeva observe a fast and worship him with deep reverence.
There is confusion among people regarding the exact date of Sawan Shivaratri. According to the Dik Panchang, the Chaturdashi this time will begin on August 11 at 04:54 AM and end on August 12 late at night at 01:52 AM. Since it is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva during this night holds special significance for four Prakaras, devotees should observe Shivaratri on August 11.
The time for worship in the first Prakara is scheduled from 07:04 PM to 09:45 PM. The second Prakara will take place from 09:45 PM to 12:26 AM. The third Prakara is planned from 12:26 AM to 03:07 AM, and the fourth Prakara will be held from 03:07 AM to 05:49 AM.
There will be four Mondays in the month of Sawan: the first on August 3, the second on August 10, the third on August 17, and the fourth on August 24.
It is believed that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on Sawan Shivaratri fulfills heartfelt desires. On this day, one must wake up early, take an oath, and begin worship. Clean clothes should be worn, and images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati should be placed on the altar. First, worship is performed at home, and then devotees visit the temple to perform Jalabhishek of the Shivlinga. During this ritual, devotees offer water, Ganges water, milk, yogurt, honey, Bellapata leaves, dhatura, and bhanga to the Shivlinga.
Furthermore, to appease Lord Shiva, it is recommended to perform Rudrabhishek, recite the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, or read the Shiva Chalisa. In the evening, from Sandhyakal until the next morning, worship is conducted for four Prakaras, which includes proper worship of Lord Shiva, nocturnal wakefulness, and chanting of Mahadeva mantras. After this, one can donate funds to the needy and poor as per their ability.
The beginning of the sacred month of Shravan, dedicated to the worship of the deity Mahadeva, is approaching. In Hinduism, the month of Shravan holds deep spiritual and religious significance as it is entirely devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mondays falling in this month are especially revered by devotees due to their great mystical power.
According to religious beliefs, observing a fast on a Monday in Shravan and bathing the Shiva Lingam with holy water brings immense satisfaction to Shiva, helping to free followers from all suffering and sorrow.
According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan will begin on July 30, 2026, on a Thursday. The first Monday of Shravan will be four days after the start of the month, which is August 3, 2026. On this day, a large gathering of pilgrims is expected at temples across the country, who will perform Jalaabhishekam (bathing) and receive the blessings of Bholenath.
The following auspicious time intervals have been set for conducting rituals: Brahma Muhurta—from 04:19 AM to 05:01 AM, and Pratah Sandhya—from 04:40 AM to 05:44 AM.
The following dates for Shravan Mondays are planned for 2026: the first is August 3, 2026; the second is August 10, 2026; the third is August 17, 2026; and the fourth is August 24, 2026.
According to religious traditions, Goddess Parvati practiced severe asceticism to attain Lord Shiva as her spouse, and she achieved this during these fasts. It is believed that unmarried girls who observe the fast on a Monday in Shravan are destined to meet a desired and worthy life partner. Married women also observe this fast for the longevity, good health, and happiness of their husbands. Furthermore, bathing Shiva on the first Monday of Shravan helps to rid one of various astrological problems, such as Chandra Dosha, Mangal Dosha, and Kaal Sarp Dosha.
The ritual begins with morning bathing and taking an oath: one must wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes, preferably green, yellow, or white. Then, holding water, one should recite the vow of fasting. After this, one needs to visit a home temple or the nearest Shiva temple to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pure water is first poured over the Shiva Lingam, followed by raw milk, Gangajal, yogurt, honey, and ghee (Panchamrit), concluding with pure water. Next, one should offer Bholenath's favorite offerings: Belpatra (three-leafed), dhatura, bhang, shamipatra, sandalwood, akshat (rice), white flowers, and bhasma. During the worship, one must continuously mentally repeat the mantras 'Om Namah Shivaya' or Mahamrutingjaya. It is also recommended to read or listen to the story of the fast on Monday in Shravan. The ritual concludes with Aarti and offering fruits, nuts, or sugar to Shiva.
