Shravan Month: Complete Fasting & Pooja Guide for Lord Shiva
Significance of Shravan Month
Shravan (Sawan) is the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Falling in July-August, it is considered the most auspicious time for Shiva worship. Devotees observe fasts, perform special pujas, and visit Shiva temples throughout the month.
Shravan 2026 Key Dates
In 2026, Shravan month is expected to begin in mid-July. Key observance dates include every Monday (Somvar Vrat), Shravan Shivratri, and Nag Panchami. Always check the local Panchang for exact dates.
Monday (Somvar) Fasting Rules
- Wake up early and take a bath before sunrise
- Observe the fast from sunrise to the next day's sunrise
- Eat only one meal — preferably in the evening after puja
- Consume only fruits, milk, water, and sattvic food during the fast
- Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" throughout the day
- Visit a Shiva temple or perform home puja in the evening
Essential Items for Shravan Puja
- Shivling or Shiva idol/photo
- Bilva (bael) leaves — most sacred offering to Shiva
- Panchamrit for abhishek
- Gangajal (holy water)
- Raw milk for abhishek
- Dhatura flowers and fruit (white thorn apple)
- Hemp seeds (bhang) for offering
- Rudraksha mala for chanting
- Camphor, agarbatti, white flowers
- White cloth for Shivling
Simple Shiva Puja Vidhi
1. Abhishek (Bathing the Shivling)
Pour water, raw milk, curd, honey, and Gangajal over the Shivling while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya." This is the most important part of Shravan puja.
2. Offering Bilva Leaves
Place fresh bilva (bael) leaves on the Shivling. Offer them in sets of three, placing the smooth side up. Bilva leaves are considered Shiva's favourite offering.
3. Applying Bhasma and Chandan
Apply vibhuti (sacred ash) and chandan (sandalwood paste) to the Shivling. These represent renunciation and coolness of mind.
4. Dhoop and Diya
Light agarbatti and diya. The fragrance and light create a sacred atmosphere. Use ghee for the diya in Shiva puja.
5. Aarti
Perform Shiva aarti with camphor. Ring the bell and chant the Shiva Tandav Stotram or a simple Shiva aarti.
Shravan Month Do's and Don'ts
- Do wear rudraksha during the month
- Do donate food and clothes to the needy
- Do read or listen to Shiva Purana
- Don't cut trees or harm animals
- Don't consume tamasic food (meat, alcohol, stale food)
- Don't speak ill of others during the sacred month
