The month of Shravan is considered highly auspicious and sacred in Hinduism. This entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that during Shravan, Lord Shiva descends from Mount Kailash to reside on Earth and readily listens to the prayers of his devotees. Therefore, observing the Monday fast and performing puja during this sacred month holds special significance.
In 2025, the Shravan month will extend from July 11th to August 9th, with the first Shravan Monday falling on July 14th, 2025. On this day, devotees perform the puja of Lord Shiva with proper rituals, seeking his blessings. Let's understand how to observe the first Shravan Monday fast and puja, the auspicious timings, and the key aspects to remember.
Significance of Shravan Monday
The tradition of observing the Monday fast during the Shravan month is ancient. It is known as the Savan Somvari Vrat. Observing this fast and performing the puja of Lord Shiva with prescribed rituals is believed to yield significant spiritual merit.
- Unmarried girls observe this fast to find a good husband.
- Married women observe this fast for their husband's long life and the well-being of their family.
- For men and young people, this fast offers an opportunity for spiritual purification and attaining Shiva's grace.
First Shravan Monday 2025 Puja Method
The Shravan Monday puja is performed with utmost purity and devotion. By following the method described below, you can please Lord Shiva.
1. Wake Up During Brahma Muhurta
Wake up around 4 am, perform your daily routine, and take a bath. Add Ganga water to your bathwater and wear clean clothes.
2. Prepare the Puja Place
Purify your home temple or a sacred space with Ganga water. Create a puja altar in the Eshanya Kon (northeast direction) on a clean surface, using a red or white cloth.
3. Establish the Shivling and Perform Abhisheka
Install the Shivling or a statue of Lord Shiva on the altar. Then perform the abhisheka:
- First, bathe the Shivling with Ganga water.
- Then bathe it with Panchamrut (milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar).
- Finally, purify it again with Ganga water.
4. Offer Puja Materials
- Belpatra (three-leafed)
- White sandalwood
- Dhatura and Bhang (if possible)
- White or blue flowers
- Akshat, incense, lamp, and Naivedya (offering of food).
5. Mantra Jaap and Katha Paath
- Recite the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra 108 times.
- You can also recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Recite or listen to the Somvar Vrat Katha (story).
6. Aarti and Apology
Perform the aarti of Lord Shiva and finally, with folded hands, seek forgiveness for any mistakes made in thought, word, or deed.
Special Aspects of the Fast
- Devotees observing the Shravan Monday fast usually keep a complete fast throughout the day and have a light meal in the evening.
- Consume only sattvic food during the fast. Avoid onion, garlic, and tamasic food.
- Avoid negative thoughts towards anyone, do not lie, and do not behave harshly with anyone.
- While offering water to Lord Shiva, chant the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra.
First Shravan Monday 2025: Auspicious Timings
- Brahma Muhurta: 4:16 am to 5:04 am
- Abhijit Muhurta: 11:59 am to 12:55 pm
- Amrit Kaal: 11:21 pm to 12:55 am (until July 15th)
- Best time for Puja: 11:38 am to 12:32 pm
Which Mondays to Observe the Fast?
If a devotee cannot observe all Monday fasts, observing only the first and last Monday fasts is also considered auspicious. According to beliefs, the first fast marks the beginning for Lord Shiva, and the last fast symbolizes his grace. Thus, observing both fasts also grants the devotee full spiritual merit.
Precautions
- Avoid unnecessary anger or deceit on the fasting day.
- Remember Bholenath throughout the day and keep chanting the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra.
- As much as possible, perform charity – especially donate clothes or food to poor Brahmins or children who offer water to the Shivling.
The Shravan month, and especially its first Monday, is no less than a festival for Shiva devotees. This day symbolizes devotion, self-restraint, and faith. Devotees who observe this day's fast with faith and perform the puja with proper rituals receive special grace from Lord Shiva. Their lives are filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
