Sawan, also known as Shravan, is one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this sacred period, devotees observe Sawan Somwar Vrat (Monday fasting) to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. The Mondays (Somwar) in this month hold special significance as they are believed to be the most auspicious days to worship Lord Shiva.
In 2025, Sawan will bring a divine opportunity for Shiva devotees to observe the Sawan Somwar vrat, visit temples, and perform special prayers. In this blog, we will explore the dates of Sawan Somwar in 2025, the importance of this fasting, rituals, mythological stories, and the benefits of observing Sawan Somwar vrat.
Sawan Somwar 2025 Dates
In 2025, the Sawan month will begin on July 10 and end on August 9 in the North Indian calendar. However, in South and Western India (states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh), Sawan follows a different cycle and will begin on July 25 and end on August 23, 2025.
Sawan Somwar Date | Sawan Somwar Day |
July 11, 2025, Friday | Shravana Begins |
July 14, 2025, Monday | First Shravan Somwar Vrat |
July 21, 2025, Monday | Second Shravan Somwar Vrat |
July 28, 2025, Monday | Third Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 4, 2025, Monday | Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 9, 2025, Saturday | Shravana Ends |
Sawan Somwar Date | Sawan Somwar Day |
July 25, 2025, Friday | Shravana Begins |
July 28, 2025, Monday | First Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 4, 2025, Monday | Second Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 11, 2025, Monday | Third Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 18, 2025, Monday | Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 23, 2025, Saturday | Shravana Ends |
Sawan Somwar Date | Sawan Somwar Day |
July 16, 2025, Wednesday | Shravana Begins |
July 21, 2025, Monday | First Shravan Somwar Vrat |
July 28, 2025, Monday | Second Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 4, 2025, Monday | Third Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 11, 2025, Monday | Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat |
August 16, 2025, Saturday | Shravana Ends |
Significance of Sawan Somwar
Sawan is believed to be the most auspicious month for Lord Shiva devotees. The legend states that Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison (Halahala) during the Samudra Manthan in this month, and devotees observe fasts to seek his protection and divine blessings.
Observing Sawan Somwar Vrat is believed to:
✅ Remove past sins and negative karma
✅ Bring peace, happiness, and marital harmony
✅ Grant success in career and personal life
✅ Strengthen mental and physical well-being
For unmarried women, Sawan Somwar vrat is especially significant as it is believed that observing this fast leads to marriage with an ideal life partner, just like Goddess Parvati attained Lord Shiva through her penance.
Sawan Somwar Vrat Vidhi (Puja Rituals)
1. Early Morning Bath & Sankalp (Resolution)
- Wake up early in Brahma Muhurat (4-6 AM) and take a holy bath, preferably in a sacred river or with Ganga Jal.
- Wear clean white or saffron-colored clothes, symbolizing purity and devotion.
- Take a Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with complete dedication.
2. Shiva Puja (Morning Rituals)
- Visit a nearby Shiva temple or perform the puja at home.
- Offer water, milk, honey, curd, and ghee (Panchamrit Abhishek) to the Shiva Lingam.
- Decorate the Shiva Lingam with Bel Patra (Bilva leaves), Dhatura flowers, and Sandalwood paste.
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 or 1008 times.
3. Fasting Rules for Sawan Somwar
- The fast can be Nirjala (without water), Phalahari (fruits only), or simple Satvik food depending on one’s capacity.
- Devotees usually consume fruits, milk, and nuts throughout the day.
- Avoid salt, grains, onions, and garlic.
4. Evening Shiva Aarti & Katha (Story Recitation)
- Light a diya (lamp) with ghee in front of Lord Shiva’s idol or Shivling.
- Recite the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha, narrating the importance of fasting.
- Sing Shiva Aarti and Bhajans like "Shiv Tandav Stotra" and "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra" for divine blessings.
5. Breaking the Fast (Parana)
- The fast is broken after the evening puja by consuming Satvik food like Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Roti, and fruits.
- Many devotees conclude their fast after worshipping Lord Shiva at night.
Types of Sawan Somwar Vrat
There are different types of Sawan Somwar fasting, depending on the devotee’s belief and devotion:
1. Simple Somwar Vrat
This is observed only on Mondays in Sawan, where devotees fast and perform Lord Shiva’s puja.
2. Solah Somwar Vrat (16 Mondays Fast)
This is a 16-week-long Monday fast that starts in Sawan and continues for the next 16 Mondays. It is considered highly beneficial for marital bliss and career growth.
3. Pradosh Vrat + Sawan Somwar
If Sawan Somwar coincides with Pradosh Vrat, it is even more auspicious. Devotees observe both fasts for greater divine blessings.
Legends & Mythology Behind Sawan Somwar
1. The Story of Goddess Parvati’s Tapasya
According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance in the month of Sawan to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Her devotion pleased Shiva, and he accepted her as his consort.
2. Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean)
During the Samudra Manthan, the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain Amrit (nectar). However, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged, threatening the universe. Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the world, and it is believed that offering water to the Shiva Lingam in Sawan cools his throat.
3. Importance in Mahabharata
According to the Mahabharata, Arjuna worshipped Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan and received the Pashupatastra, a divine weapon.
Benefits of Observing Sawan Somwar Fast
🌿 Strengthens mental and spiritual discipline
🌿 Brings peace, prosperity, and happiness
🌿 Improves marital life and relationships
🌿 Removes obstacles and negativity
🌿 Blesses devotees with good health and long life
Conclusion
Sawan Somwar in 2025 is a divine opportunity to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings through fasting, prayers, and devotion. Observing Sawan Somwar Vrat with sincerity can bring spiritual upliftment, peace, and fulfillment of desires. Whether you are fasting for personal success, marriage, or simply to strengthen your connection with Shiva, this holy period is the best time to immerse yourself in devotion.
May Lord Shiva bless all devotees with happiness, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment in Sawan 2025! Har Har Mahadev!