The month of Shravan, also known as Sawan Maas, is one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar. It is a time when the cosmos is said to be aligned in such a way that spiritual practices, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva, bear immense fruit. Whether you’re observing Shravan Somwar Vrat, performing Jalabhishek, or simply seeking Shiva’s blessings, this is a month of deep spiritual opportunity.
In 2025, Shravan holds even more significance, especially in sacred Jyotirlinga kshetras like Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar, where the holy Narmada River flows and ancient rituals take place every day.
Shravan or Sawan Month
Shravan (श्रावण) is the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It typically falls between July and August. The entire month is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva, and especially for performing Rudrabhishek, Jalabhishek, and Vrat.
In 2025, the Shravan month will be observed on different dates depending on regional calendars:
| Region | Start Date | End Date | First Somwar |
|---|---|---|---|
| North India (Purnimanta) | 11 July 2025 | 9 August 2025 | 14 July 2025 |
| Central/West India (Amanta) | 25 July 2025 | 23 August 2025 | 28 July 2025 |
Amanta Calendar (followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
Purnimanta Calendar (followed in North India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc.)
Shravan 2025 –Important Dates & Vrats
Here are some important dates and pujas during Shravan 2025 (Amanta calendar):
| 📆 Date | 🌼 Festival / Vrat |
|---|---|
| 11 July | Shravan Month Begins (Purnimanta – North India) |
| 14 July | 1st Shravan Somwar (Purnimanta) |
| 15 July | Mangala Gauri Vrat (1st Tuesday – Purnimanta) |
| 21 July | 2nd Shravan Somwar, Kamika Ekadashi |
| 23 July | Shravan Shivratri, Pradosh Vrat |
| 24 July | Hariyali Amavasya |
| 25 July | Shravan Month Begins (Amanta – South & West India) |
| 27 July | Hariyali Teej |
| 28 July | 3rd Shravan Somwar ,(1st Shravan Somwar for Amanta Calender), Nag Panchami |
| 30 July | Mangala Gauri Vrat |
| 4 August | 4th and last Shravan Somwar, Gulal Utsav (depending on calendar) |
| 5 August | Putrada Ekadashi |
| 7 August | Pradosh Vrat |
| 9 August | Shravan Purnima, Raksha Bandhan |
| 11 August | 1st Bhadav Somwar (3rd Shravan Somwar for Amanta – South & West India) |
| 12 August | Mangala Gauri Vrat |
| 18 August | 2Nd Bhadav Somwar (4th Shravan Somwar for Amanta Calender– South & West India) |
| 19 August | Putrada Ekadashi |
| 21 August | Pradosh Vrat |
| 23 August | Shravan Amavasya / Shravan Month Ends for Amanta calender – South & West India |
🧘♂️ Why Shravan is the Most Auspicious Month for Shiva Worship
Lord Shiva is easiest to please during Sawan
Every puja or jaap multiplies in effect
Excellent time for Rudrabhishek, Partheshwar Puja, and Panchamrit Abhishek
The Legend of Samudra Manthan & Neelkanth
The most widely accepted reason for Shiva worship in Shravan is the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Cosmic Ocean). According to the Shiva Purana:
“समुद्रमथने समये हलाहलं विषं जातम्। तदग्रसद्भगवान् शम्भुः लोकानां हितकाम्यया॥”
(During the churning of the ocean, the deadly poison Halahala appeared. Lord Shambhu consumed it for the welfare of the worlds.)
To save the universe from destruction, Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison, holding it in his throat. His neck turned blue, and he was named Neelkanth.
To ease the burning sensation of the poison, devas poured cool water from sacred rivers over Shiva. This tradition continues today as Jalabhishek during Shravan.
🌊 Narmada – The River Born from Shiva
The Skanda Purana states that River Narmada was born from the sweat of Shiva during his cosmic dance (Tandava). That’s why the water of the Narmada is considered more sacred than even Ganga for Shiva puja.
Devotees believe that offering Narmada Jal on the Shivling in Shravan cleanses lifetimes of karma.
Rituals & Spiritual Practices in Shravan
1. Shravan Somwar Vrat
Every Monday, devotees observe fasts and visit Shiva temples. Some keep a full-day fast; others eat only once. Fasting is often accompanied by chanting, offering of bilva leaves, and Abhishek.
2. Rudrabhishek
A powerful Vedic ritual that involves reciting Sri Rudram while offering water, milk, Narmada Jal and other sacred substances on the Shivling. It is known to bring peace, protection, and spiritual progress.
Mantra: Rudra Path
3. Mangala Gauri Vrat
Observed by married women on Tuesdays of Shravan for family happiness and the long life of the husband.
4. Bhole ki Sawari
In all 12 Jyotirlingas, a divine procession (Savari) is held on every Shravan Somwar. Each Jyotirlinga is considered the King of that region, and during these holy Mondays, the Lord comes out in a royal procession to bless his devotees and offer public darshan through a nagar brahman (city tour).
5. Kavad Yatra
One of the most significant aspects of the holy month of Sawan is the Kanwar Yatra, where devotees collect sacred Ganga water from pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Omkareshwar, Gaumukh, or Gangotri and carry it back to offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. This divine journey continues till Shivratri, with the offering of water on Sawan Shivratri believed to grant immense spiritual merit.
It is said that the Kanwar Yatra was first undertaken by Lord Parashurama, marking the beginning of this powerful tradition of faith and penance.
Celebrating Shravan in Ujjain and Omkareshwar
The Jyotirlinga regions of Omkareshwar and Ujjain hold special significance during the month of Shravan. The entire month is celebrated like a grand festival here. Every day, thousands of Kanwar Yatris walk hundreds of kilometers on foot to offer sacred water (jal) to Lord Shiva. Along with them, lakhs of devotees pwerform pujas, path, and rituals to seek the divine blessings of Mahadev.
✨ To know more about the rituals and spiritual events during Sawan in these holy places: 👉 Click here »
✨ To book online & offline puja jere 👉 Click here »
Benefits of Worshipping Lord Shiva During Shravan
| Practice | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Somwar Vrat | Fulfillment of desires, especially marriage-related |
| Rudrabhishek | Relief from planetary doshas, peace of mind |
| Narmada Jal Abhishek | Cleansing of sins, health, spiritual growth |
| Chanting Mantras | Mental clarity, emotional balance |
| Bilva Patra Offering | Pleased Shiva, quick spiritual upliftment |
🌐 Can’t Visit in Person?
Through Shivaseva.com, you can now participate in:
Daily Jalabhishek with Narmada Jal in your name
Shravan Somwar Rudrabhisheks at Omkareshwar & Mahakaleshwar
Personalized Sankalp, puja updates, video/photo proof, and prasad delivery
Options for Panchamrit Abhishek, Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap, and more
Book In-Person Puja at Omkareshwar & Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Kshetra
Book Online Puja in Jyotirlinga Kshetra from comfort of your home
🙏 Your devotion. Our seva. From anywhere in the world.
Conclusion: The Spiritual Essence of Shravan
Shravan is not just a time—it’s a divine invitation. Whether you’re standing in the temple at dawn, or joining puja from your home, this month opens the gateway to Shiva’s grace.
As the rains nourish the earth, so too can Shravan nourish your soul. Let every mantra, every drop of Narmada Jal, and every belpatra offered bring you closer to peace, strength, and spiritual liberation.
“ॐ नमः शिवाय। हर हर महादेव!”