What practices must be followed on the first Sawan Somwar of this auspicious month?
celestial event, the holy month of Sawan commenced on July 4, with the much-anticipated first Sawan Somwar (Monday) slated to occur on July 10. This year, after a gap of 19 years, Sawan will be an extended affair, spanning two months until August 31, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees of Lord Shiva hold this period in high regard, as it is believed that observing fasts and worshiping the deity during Sawan Somwar can bestow upon them blessings of prosperity, health, wealth, and happiness.
The auspicious commencement of Sawan will be accompanied by Sukarma Yoga, Revati Nakshatra, and Shravan Krishna Ashtami Tithi, as indicated by the panchang. To appease Lord Shiva, devotees engage in various offerings such as honey, curd, milk, flowers, bel patra, ghee, and sugar, with the intent of fulfilling their wishes and desires. A prevalent custom in many parts of the country involves fasting during the first Sawan Somwar, during which certain restrictions are observed.
On the sacred Sawan Mondays, devotees fervently seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. To embark on this spiritual journey, one must rise early in the morning, cleanse themselves through a bath, and visit a temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva, beseeching his blessings to fulfill their aspirations. Anointing Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati with Panchamrit, a mixture of five sacred substances, is considered an act of devotion.
Additionally, offerings of sweets and fruits are presented to express reverence. Scores of devotees congregate at Shiva temples, united in chanting slokas and mantras, their voices resonating with devotion and faith. The fast observed during Sawan Somwar is broken by partaking in fruits and sattvik food, known for its purity
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