First Monday of Sawan: Shravan Month, Know The Puja Rituals Of Sawan | Read Here

Sawan Monday Fasting Rules

The holy month of Shravan is also referred to as Sawan, and worshipping Lord Shiva is considered extremely auspicious. Devotees visit Lord Shiva temples throughout the month, and Kanwar Yatra, Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, and Monday fast have special significance during this month. It is believed that a person who worships Lord Shiva with devotion and rituals receives divine blessings of Lord Shiva, which is why everyone observes a fast to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. This fast is a resolution to purify the mind, words, and deeds. This fast makes one virtuous and brings positivity in life. 

Several devotees believe that fasting is not eating anything for the whole day, but in Sanatan tradition, the meaning of fasting is considered much more than that. Here, fasting refers to purifying your mind, speech, and behavior. If a person remains hungry for the whole day, but remains angry, lies, or insults others, then the fast is not fulfilled and does not receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is pleased with true faith, simple nature, and sincere devotion.

What to do on Sawan Monday?

• Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, and wear clean clothes, preferably white or light colours. 
• Take a resolution to observe a fast and chant the name of Lord Shiva. 
• If possible, wearing white or light colored clothes is considered auspicious.
• Visit a temple or the nearby Shiva temple and worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Shri Ganesh and Nandi Maharaj.
• To perform Jalabhishek, offer Gangajal and clean water on the Shivling. After this, do Panchamrit Abhishek with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar.
• After Abhishek, offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, Aak flowers, white sandalwood, Akshat, flowers and seasonal fruits to Lord Shiva. 
• While offering Belpatra, the leaves should not be broken, and their smooth surface should be towards the Shivling. 
• Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivay” during the puja. 
• One can also recite the Mahamrityunjay Mantra, Shiv Chalisa, Rudrashtak, or Shiv Tandav Stotra. 
• Conclude the worship with the Aarti of Lord Shiva and pray for the family's happiness, prosperity, good health, and an auspicious life.