Shravan Month 2025

The Monday fast during the month of Shravan holds special significance and is known as the “Shravan Somvar Vrat.” This fast is not only a means of spiritual purification but also a path to mental peace and the destruction of sins.

Especially, women observe this fast for the long life, happiness, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands and families. This fast is considered a symbol of self-restraint, penance, and devotion, guiding the devotee towards inner strength and spiritual progress.

By observing the fast in the month of Shravan with faith and discipline, one receives the special blessings of Lord Shiva, leading to success and prosperity in all areas of life.

What is Shravan Month?

Shravan Month, also known as Sawan, is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. It is a special time dedicated to Lord Shiva, during which devotees immerse themselves in his worship. The chanting, penance, fasting, and prayers performed during this month are believed to please Lord Shiva especially.

This month is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth, inner purification, and progress on the path to liberation (moksha). During this time, devotees offer water, milk, curd, bel leaves, Shami leaves, ash, cannabis, and fruits and flowers of the Datura plant to the Shivling. Special fasts are also observed on Shravan Mondays (Shravan Somvar).

Significance of Shravan Monday

Every Monday during the month of Shravan, the “Shravan Somvar Vrat” is observed, which is considered highly meritorious.

Unmarried girls observe this fast to seek a suitable life partner.
Married women observe the fast for the long life of their husbands and for family happiness and peace.
Devotees observe a fast on this day for inner purification, mental peace, and to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Traditions of Shravan Month in North India

During the month of Shravan in North India:

Kanwar Yatra is organized, in which devotees collect water from sacred rivers and offer it in Shiva temples.
People observe fasts and consume satvik (pure vegetarian) food.
Bhajans and kirtans, Rudrabhishek, and group worship are conducted in temples.

Shravan Month 2025: Important Dates

North India (Purnimanta Calendar)

Shravan Month Begins: 11 July 2025 (Friday) at 02:08 A.M
Shravan Month Ends: 09 August 2025 (Saturday) at 01:26 P.M

South India (Amavasyanta Calendar)

Shravan Month Begins: 25 July 2025 (Friday) at 12:41 A.M
Shravan Month Ends: 23 August 2025 (Saturday) at 11:36 A.M

Shravan Somvar 2025 Dates

North India

In North India, Shravan month in 2025 will begin on 11 July (Friday) and end on 9 August (Saturday). During this period, there will be four Shravan Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious for worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and spiritual practices.

Shravan Somvar Dates (2025):

14 July 2025 – First Shravan Monday
21 July 2025 – Second Shravan Monday
28 July 2025 – Third Shravan Monday
4 August 2025 – Fourth Shravan Monday

South India

Shravan Somvar Dates (2025):

28 July 2025 – First Shravan Monday
4 August 2025 – Second Shravan Monday
11 August 2025 – Third Shravan Monday
18 August 2025 – Fourth Shravan Monday

Types of Fasts

Nirahar Vrat: Surviving only on water
Phalahar Vrat: Consuming fruits, milk, and dry fruits
One Meal a Day: Eating only one sattvic meal during the day
Shravan Somvar Vrat: The most popular fast, observed every Monday of the month
Solah Somvar Vrat: A 16-week fast starting from the first Monday of Shravan
Fasting with Puja and Jalabhishek: Special Panchamrit abhishek during the fast

What to Eat During Fasting

During Shravan fasting, one should eat light and sattvic food to maintain energy in the body and preserve the sanctity of the fast:

Fruits and dry fruits
Water chestnut (singhara) and buckwheat (kuttu) flour
Milk and milk-based products

What Not to Eat During Fasting

The following are prohibited during Shravan fasting:

Regular iodized salt
Grains
Tamasic food (food that induces lethargy or dullness)
Non-vegetarian food

The Story Behind Shravan Month

According to the story of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), when the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) together churned the ocean, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged. This poison was extremely toxic and threatened to destroy the entire creation. To save the universe, Lord Shiva compassionately drank the poison and held it in his throat, which turned blue as a result. This event took place during the month of Shravan. Remembering this, devotees of Shiva observe fasts, perform worship, and engage in spiritual practices during this month.

Worship Method

Morning purification and clean clothes
Establish Shivling or picture
Abhishek with Panchamrit
Offerings and mantra chanting
Distribute prasad
Maintain discipline and restraint

Festivals in Shravan 2025

Shravan Mondays: 14 July to 4 August 2025
Nag Panchami – 29 July
Hariyali Teej – 27 July
Raksha Bandhan – 9 August

Benefits of Worship

Destruction of sins
Spiritual advancement
Resolution of difficulties
Health improvement
Prosperity and happiness
Harmony in married life
Fulfilment of desires

Rules and Guidelines

Following these rules brings the blessings of Lord Shiva, keeps the mind peaceful, and brings positive changes in life:

Observe fasts and perform worship
Eat sattvic food
Do not cut hair or nails
Avoid intoxication and bad habits
Follow celibacy and discipline
Donate and do charity

Special Rituals and Mantras

Special Rituals

Rudrabhishek
Mahamrityunjaya Japa (108 times or 125,000 times)
Rudrashtadhyayi Path
Bhasma Aarti and Rudraksha Offering

Important Mantras

Om Namah Shivaya
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Shiva Panchakshara Stotra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam…

Home Worship Guide

Morning Preparation

Wake up early in the morning
Take a bath and wear clean clothes
Clean the place of worship
Install Shivling or picture

Required Materials

Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar (for Panchamrit)
Bel leaves, dhatura, shami leaves
Incense, lamp, sandalwood paste
Fruits and sweets for offering
Worship plate and copper pot

Worship Process

Meditate with “Om Namah Shivaya”
Perform Abhishek with Panchamrit
Offer bel leaves and flowers
Chant mantras
Perform aarti
Distribute prasad

Spiritual Significance

Religious Importance

Awakening of Shiva Element: Best time for meditation and self-reflection
Mental Balance: Worship helps stabilize emotions and bring peace
Spiritual Growth: Opportunity for inner purification and awakening

Spiritual Benefits

Connection with Shiva consciousness
Enhanced self-discipline
Emotional purification
Karma cleansing
Path to self-realization

Regional Celebrations

The month of Sawan brings a unique blend of devotion, love, and traditions. During this month, various festivals and celebrations take place across different regions:

Kanwar Yatra in North India
Hariyali Teej celebrations
Narali Purnima in coastal regions
Jhula Utsav in various temples
Raksha Bandhan celebrations

Common Questions

Why are Mondays Special?

Monday is considered Lord Shiva’s special day. Devotees observe fasts, offer water and bel leaves, and chant mantras to receive His blessings. Unmarried girls fast for ideal partners, while married women pray for their husbands’ long life.

Why Avoid Hair Cutting?

During Shravan, cutting hair is avoided as it’s considered to disturb the sanctity of the month. The mind and body should be kept calm and clean, and cutting hair may reduce energy and affect health.