Sawan Somwar 2023: Rules and rituals people must follow during this month
Mahadev. The month of Sawan in 2023 will commence on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and extend till Thursday, August 31, 2023. This year, Sawan is accompanied by an additional month called Adhik Maas, resulting in an extended period of religious observance.
The Mondays within the month are specifically revered as Sawan/Shravan Somwar.Sawan Somwar holds immense significance with various mythological tales associated with it. One popular belief revolves around Mata Parvati, who observed a special fast on Sawan Somvar in her pursuit of marrying Lord Shiva. Hence, it is believed that women, including unmarried girls, can observe this fast to seek blessings for a prosperous married life.
However, the fasts are not limited to any particular group; anyone desiring Lord Shiva's blessings is welcome to observe them. The worship method for Sawan Somwar involves offering devotion to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the day of the puja, devotees wake up early, bathe, and take a vow to fast and worship in front of the divine couple.
They visit a Shiva temple, anoint the idols of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva with Panchamrit, bathe them with Gangajal, and cleanse them with a cloth. The deities are then adorned with Shringaar, and offerings such as chunari, mehndi, bangles, and a sacred thread are presented. Devotees can also offer sweets and fruits as Bhog.
To enhance the spiritual atmosphere, a lamp is lit in the temple while reciting Lord Shiva's mantras. It is customary to refrain from consuming cereals on this day, opting instead for a fruit-based diet. This fasting practice during Sawan Somwar is believed to bestow special benefits upon the devotees.
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