How to worship Shiva during Shravan Shivaratri: discussion on the program 'Bhagya Chakra'

Savan Shivaratri 2026 will be celebrated on August 11th. This festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, is considered extremely sacred for receiving His grace and devotion. According to beliefs, sincerely worshipping Bholenath on this day fulfills all desires. Nevertheless, when performing rituals, certain rules must be observed, otherwise the full benefit of the worship may not be attained.

Savan Shivaratri is observed on the Fourth Wednesday (Chaturdashi) during the Krishna Paksha period of the month of Sawan. On this day, thousands of devotees gather in temples across the country to perform ablutions and pour water on the Shivlingam. If you plan to fast or worship the Shivlingam on this day, you should avoid a number of mistakes.

What to Avoid During Savan Shivaratri?

According to mythological traditions, Ketaki flowers should not be offered, as Lord Shiva himself has forbidden their worship. It is also not recommended to use Tulsi leaves when worshipping Shiva, as this is considered forbidden after the killing of the demon Jalandhara.

Furthermore, one should refrain from using turmeric and sindur. Since the Shivlingam is regarded as a symbol of masculine energy and renunciation, it should always be adorned with ashtham, sandalwood, or akshat. It is important not to place damaged or broken Belatra leaves; they must be clean and consist of three leaves, as Belatra is highly favored by Mahadeva.

When bathing the Shivlingam with milk, vessels made of bronze, brass, or silver should be used. Using a copper vessel for milk is considered akin to alcohol, so only water should be poured from a copper pitcher. Also, according to the Shiva Purana, water from a conch shell (shankha) should not be poured, as Shiva defeated the demon Shankhachuda.

Another important rule is not to perform a complete circumambulation (parikrama). The Shivlingam should only be circled halfway, without crossing the spot from which the water flows (Somasutra/Nirmali).

Time for the Shivlinga Ablution Ritual on Savan Shivaratri 2026

The time for the ablution ritual (Jalabhishek) is distributed as follows: Brahma Muhurta — from 4:22 AM to 5:05 AM; Abhijit Muhurta — from 12:00 PM to 12:53 PM; Nishita Kala — from 12:05 PM to 12:48 PM; Goduli Muhurta — from 7:04 PM to 7:26 PM.

In Hinduism, every Ekadashi holds a special significance, but Kamika Ekadashi is considered particularly important for followers of Srihari. According to the Panchang, Kamika Ekadashi is observed annually on the Ekadashi day during the dark phase of the Shravana month. Although the Shravana month is traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, this Ekadashi provides an opportunity to honor Lord Vishnu, which increases its importance in homes that worship both Shiva and Vishnu.

According to calculations, the date of Kamika Ekadashi 2026 will begin on August 8th at 13:59 and end on August 9th at 11:04. Based on the sunrise date, the fast will be observed on August 9th. The completion of the fast (Paran) is scheduled for August 10th from 05:47 to 08:01.

Methodology for Observing Kamika Ekadashi 2026

In the morning, one should take a bath, wear clean clothes, and take a vow of fasting before Lord Vishnu. Yellow garments, yellow flowers, akshata, incense, a lamp, and panchamrita should be offered to Lord Vishnu (Shaligram). During the worship and when offering to the deity, Tulasi leaves must be present, as Vishnu does not accept offerings without them. It is necessary to read or listen to the story of Kamika Ekadashi, and then conclude the ritual by reading Vishnu Sarasnam and Arati. In the evening, a lamp made of cow's ghee should be lit near the Tulasi plant.

Special Practices on Kamika Ekadashi

There are special practices recommended to be performed on this day. One such ritual is the worship of Tulasi: in the evening, one should light a lamp before Mother Tulasi and perform 11 circumambulations. It is also recommended to engage in charity, as giving yellow garments, grains, or fruits to those in need on this day brings unfading merit. Furthermore, the entire day should be spent mentally repeating the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.'

History of Kamika Ekadashi

In one village lived a Thakur who had an extremely volatile temperament and often argued with those around him over trivial matters. One day, his argument with a Brahmin escalated so much that in anger, he killed the Brahmin. Because of this sin, he was accused of Brahmin murder. Later, he realized his mistake and began looking for a way to rid himself of this sin. When he approached the Brahmins, they not only forbade him from participating in the funeral but also ostracized him from society. Distressed, he asked them about a possible way to be freed from this sin. Then the Brahmins advised him to fast during Kamika Ekadashi. The Thakur observed the fast on Kamika Ekadashi, which fell in the Shravana month, with complete faith and according to all established rituals. The joy from his devotion prompted Lord Vishnu to grant him a vision in a dream and inform him that his sin was expiated. Since then, the significance of the Kamika Ekadashi fast has greatly increased, and this tradition has become widely practiced.

Financial difficulties can affect anyone: this may be due to lack of business growth, career stagnation, or falling into debt because of trapped funds. Since the month of Sawan is approaching, astrologers suggest that performing certain spiritual practices on Friday of the month can help overcome economic problems.

Promotion at Work

Employees are advised to bring a piece of sweet candy placed on one or two leaves under a peepal tree, along with water in an earthen pitcher, on Friday evening of the month. After this, one should perform three or nine circumambulations around the peepal tree, praying for financial stability and career advancement. This ritual must be performed every Friday of Sawan.

Business Profit

If a person is engaged in trade and wishes to strengthen their financial position, they should place an image of Goddess Lakshmi, seated on a pink flower, in the place of business on any Friday of Sawan. Then, they should offer pink perfume to Goddess Lakshmi and keep it with them. Before starting work daily, they should apply this perfume and bow to Goddess Lakshmi. According to beliefs, this promotes business development.

Recovery of Stuck Funds

If funds are held by someone and are not being returned, on Friday of Sawan, one should donate white sweets or clothes to the poor. At night, a offering to the Moon should be made by mixing a little milk with water, and one should ask for the return of lost money. It is believed that this can open paths to receiving funds.

Receiving Inheritance

If there are difficulties in receiving inherited property or ancestral capital, on Friday of Sawan, it is recommended to offer Goddess Lakshmi a garland of pink flowers or pink petals. After this, one should light a lamp with ghee and perform Aarti to Goddess Lakshmi, asking for their rightful share. This rite is advised to be performed every Friday evening of Sawan.

Debt Relief

For those who experience constant difficulty repaying loans, it is recommended to visit Shiva's temple on Tuesday of the month. One must bring water mixed with 'ghuda' and red flowers to the Shivling. After this, one should regularly repeat the mantra 'Om Rin Mukteshwaraya Namah Shivaya'. According to beliefs, regular performance of this ritual on Tuesday brings relief from debts.