Spiritual Meaning of Shravan Somwar: Why Mondays Honor Lord Shiva
According to the Hindu calendar, Shravan is considered a holy month. It is the month of devotion, spirituality, and divine practices. Shravan Somvar is a sacred day of the month when devotees perform prayer and fasting in honor of Lord Shiva.
As Hindus, many of us observe the Shravan month and worship Lord Shiva. Many of us still don’t know why Mondays are special for Lord Shiva. In this blog, we’ll explore the mysteries of Shravan Somwar and understand what makes this time so special for devotees across India.
What Is Shravan Month and Its Importance in Hinduism
Shravan is the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls between July and August. It is named after the Shravana Nakshatra, which is most prominent during full moons in the Shravan month. It is the month during which Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to save the universe.
Let’s understand the importance of the Shravan month.
- Shravan is a month that cleanses one's mind and soul spiritually. Devotees engage in vrat (fasts), japa (chanting), and dhyana (meditation). Fasting during this month imposes discipline and helps in cleansing one’s karmas.
- Shravan represents the monsoon season when life is watered and nourished, symbolically structured for nature to develop the same kind of spiritual development that people are developing.
- The act of purifying the mind and body through Shravan practices like fasting and waking early for puja helps cultivate spiritual awareness. These activities encourage your mind and consciousness while also developing a healthy detachment from material distractions.
- Mondays are especially important and considered the best days for Shiva worship. Performing the Shravan Somwar Vrat is believed to bring great merit, including good karma, long life, prosperity, and even love or some other wish you hold near to your heart.
-
Saints consider this month a great time to whip up some intensity into their life, and the Spiritual meaning of Shravan practice. As it is said, the spiritual power of this month is the highest during the year.
The Connection Between Lord Shiva and Mondays (Somwar)
Monday (Somwar) is Chandra Dev's day in Hindu culture, where he is believed to reside in Lord Shiva's head. This represents not only Shiva's control over time and cycles of the universe, but his control over the mind as a protector and nurturer.
Thus, Mondays are known as a dedicated time to find inner calmness, cleansing, and devotion that embody the same qualities of Lord Shiva. Fasting and praying on Somwar helps one deepen their devotion to Lord Shiva during Sawan, with both a purified heart and mind.
Mythological Stories Behind Shravan Somwar Vrat
The holy scriptures contain many stories repeating the Shravan Somvar Vrat Katha. Like the following:
One thing is evident when studying the acts of Shiva: how selflessly Shiva thinks of his people and the universe. We see this in different stories, especially from the Shravan Somvar Vrat Katha, like :
- Samudra Manthan: While the ocean (Kshira Sagara) was being churned, deadly poison came out. To save all life in the universe, Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, turning it blue; hence, he is also known as Neelkanth. To him, this was an act of sacrifice, as is Shravan.
-
Sacrifice of Parvati: Goddess of Love, Parvati, did tapasya in the month of Shravan, in hopes of becoming the wife of Shiva. This is one of the reasons lots of women observe the fast as devotees of Shravan, or request a man like Shiva, and a happy marriage.
- Devotees Liberation: Ancient scriptures mention hundreds of devotees who were freed from curses, diseases, and karmic accounts simply for the act of taking this fast from their heart and soul.
For individuals who fast, the Shravan Somwar vrat katha serves as a means to connect them with the transforming and healing practices of Shiva.
10 Mythological Events Linked To Shravan Month
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Shravan Somwar Fast
Many of us may not believe in the Shravan month fasting benefits. But spiritually, fasting is about deeper understanding and discipline.
The act of fasting, with love and purpose, creates many things, as you get spiritual benefits from all aspects of what you are doing when you fast.
- One of the key benefits of fasting is that it calms the mind, like still water.
- You'll begin to let go of negativity, anger, and ego.
- You’ll shift your focus from the outer world and become more attuned to your inner self.
- You'll feel more connected with divine energy.
When we are fasting in the month of Shravan, particularly on Mondays, Shiva listens a little more attentively.
How to Perform Shravan Somwar Vrat: Rituals and Puja Vidhi
Shravan Somwar rituals are simple and warm. The most important thing is your intention to offer.
Here’s one way you could do a fast:
- Get up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- If you are able, go to a Shiva temple, or make a peaceful place at home to dedicate to Shiva using lord shiva idols, Shivling, pooja thali, and pooja essentials.
- Offer water and milk on the Shivling, along with Bilva (Bel) leaves, white flowers, and fruits. A small diya (made of ghee or oil).
- Say “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times or sit in silence.
- You can do a nirajala vrat or eat fruits, milk, or light vrat food.
- In the evening, reflect on the significance of Sawan Somwar by listening to or reading the katha, and say prayers again.
If the offerings are done with pure intention, don’t worry too much about the process. Just do what feels right from the heart.
Role of Bilva Leaves, Milk, and Water in Lord Shiva Worship
As Hindus, we all have performed a Shiv Puja in Shravan, using three things that are always offered: Bilva leaves, milk, and water.
But why? Let’s know the reason:
- Bilva leaves signify Shiva's third eye and his spiritual power. When you offer them, they signify: "I surrender my ego."
- Milk calms Shiva's inner fire and signifies purity.
-
Water is a simple but powerful offering. It means total surrender and cleansing of one's emotions.
Even if all you have is water, that alone is sufficient. Shiva is known as Bholenath, meaning "the innocent one". He accepts everything that is offered with love.
Astrological Significance of Shravan Month and Mondays
In Vedic Astrology, Shravan has a very powerful lunar quality with Nakshatras that support meditation and worship.
Astrology of Shravan Somwar significance :
- Moon (Chandra) rules the mind. Performing Shravan helps to support lunar strength.
- Shravana Nakshatra is considered connected with learning and listening, making it an auspicious time for spiritual study and meditation.
- Fasting on Mondays helps balance the influence of the Moon in one's birth chart and will help with emotional clarity.
Do’s and Don’ts During Shravan Somwar Fasting
Do you want to maximize your fasting experience and connect deeply with the spiritual essence of Shravan? Here are some things to consider.
What You Could Do:
- Rise before sunrise and practice Shiv puja in Shravan
- Keep your mind positive and peaceful.
- Donate food or money to someone in need; such acts bring great spiritual merit.
- Chant Shiva mantras or read stories from the Shiv Purana.
What You Could Avoid:
- Avoid eating meat, drinking alcohol, or eating garlic and onion.
- Stay away from gossip, arguing, or harming others with your words.
- Avoid overworking and the stress of the day; this day should be about slowing down.
- Limit screen time and focus on introspection or spiritual reading.
Remember: These practices aren’t bound to Lord Shiva and the Shravan month; you can perform them daily.
Shravan Somwar in Different Indian States and Cultural Variations
Each region has its style of Devotion to Shiva in Sawan, but the essence is the same: love for Shiva.
Here’s what happens in different states:
- Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Women adorn themselves in their 'shringar', and perform special puja.
- Maharashtra: People walk barefoot across town to Shiva's temples and conduct daily abhishekam.
- Gujarat: Temples are beautifully decorated, and many people observe a nirjala (waterless) fast throughout the Shravan month and conduct ''katha'' in groups.
- South India: While it is observed as a month of ''vrat'', it is mostly chanting and visiting temples, especially in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
No matter where you are, you can make your own spiritual experience.
Scientific and Psychological Aspects of Fasting on Mondays
Modern studies reveal that the benefits of Shravan Somwar fasting are not only spiritual but also physiological and mental.
Science behind the fasting on Monday:
1. A weekly fast can help improve the following:
-
Detoxifying organs and increased metabolism.
-
Balancing hormones and enhancing digestion.
-
Improved mental clarity and reduction of anxiety.
2. Spiritually aligned practices reduce the stress hormone and promote mindfulness.
3. Vedic chanting and pujas increase alpha brain waves that encourage calmness and focus.
When your fast is associated with a spiritual purpose, the body, mind, and soul heal together.
Final Take
Sawan Somwar importance is not only about fasting, but reconnecting with yourself and the divine. Whether you fast, pray, or simply sit in silence, do it with devotion and love. Shiva is not looking for perfection, just presence.
This Shravan Somwar 2025, if you want to bring home a divine presence, check out our selection of Lord Shiva idols - each made thoughtfully with devotion in the hope of inspiring your spiritual path.
May every Monday in Shravan guide you toward peace, clarity, and inner strength.
FAQ's
How to keep Monday fast in the Shravan month?
If you are going to attempt a Shravan Somwar fast, then you must wake up early in the morning, bathe, & pray to Lord Shiva. After that, you must choose whether you are going to attempt a nirjala vrat (drink no water), a fruit fast, or a light vrat-suitable food such as sabudana, milk & fruits. You must chant "Om Namah Shivaya", then again pray after sundown & end your fast.
How to do puja in the Shravan month?
First, bathe in the early morning and wear clean clothes. Next, offer water or milk to a Shivling or Lord Shiva's image. Then, offer some Bilva Leaves, white flowers, and light a diya. Recite the mantras of Lord Shiva and then the fruits. You may do this in your house or a temple. The thing that matters most is to do so in faith and offer your offerings.
What not to eat in the Shravan month?
Don't have fried or packaged foods, liquor, onion and garlic, and strong-flavored food from fried or packaged foods; people tend to have mostly sattvic food, i.e., simple, pure food. Many people also do not have rice on Mondays and tend to have only fruit, milk, and vrat-suitable food.
How to pray during the Shravan month?
You could chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and pray, read the stories of Shiva, or sit in silent meditation by yourself. Light a diya, pour water, milk, or offer Bilva leaves, and keep a calm mind. A simple prayer offered from a pure heart reached the Lord.
When does the Shravan month start and End in 2025?
According to the 2025 calendar for North India. The month of Shravan will fall on July 21 and end on August 17. The four Mondays of the month of Shravan are on 21st July, 28th July, 4th August, and 11 August.
