In the sacred month of Shravan 2026, it is recommended to make daily offerings to Shiva Lingam to improve destiny

July 31, 19:59

The sacred month of Shravan has begun and will last until August 28th. According to religious beliefs, this entire period is considered the most auspicious time for worship and asceticism in honor of Lord Shiva. Astrologer Shailendra Pandey notes that it was during this month that Shiva drank the poisonous Halahala poison, which appeared during the churning of the ocean. To calm the heat of the poison, the gods offered him water, and since then, the tradition of bathing the Shiva Lingam with water during Shravan has been established.

Although many other divine items are offered to the Shiva Lingam during this holy month, using some of them is believed to bring prosperity and improve a person's destiny. It is recommended to observe a fast every Monday of Shravan; if this is not possible, one should visit the temple of Lord Shiva and be sure to offer a pot of water and Belatra leaves to the Shiva Lingam.

There is a belief that daily bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water and Belatra leads to achieving desired results. Milk can be used instead of water, but when offering milk, brass pots or vessels should be avoided. After bathing the Shiva Lingam with water or milk and offering Belatra, one must recite the Shiva Panchakshara Stotra.

Furthermore, during Shravan, rituals of bathing Shiva using sandalwood, honey, yogurt, ghee, and Panchamrita can be performed. Lord Shiva also likes melon, bhang, ak flowers, and ash, and one should not forget to adorn the Shiva Lingam with these items.

Astrologers believe that the month of Shravan falls within the Chaturmas period, during which Lord Shiva governs the world. Therefore, every inhabitant of Earth should worship Lord Shiva. Special attention to worship should be paid by people who have health or life expectancy problems indicated in their natal charts, as well as those planning marriage. Methods for appeasing Shani and eliminating various planetary defects are also considered particularly auspicious during Shravan.

It is also advised to exercise special caution regarding diet during Shravan. It is recommended to avoid leafy greens, i.e., saga. It is also advised to consume fewer raw fruits and vegetables. One should eat well-cooked food and regularly drink warm water to protect against health problems caused by weather conditions.

www.aajtak.inJuly 24, 18:00

Sawan Shiva Ratri Date 2026: Clarification on August 11 and 12 Dates

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.

Determining the Date of Sawan Shivaratri 2026

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.

Schedule for Worship in Four Prakaras

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.

Solar Mondays in Sawan

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.

Shivaratri Celebration Rituals

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.