Month of Sawan - Sawan Somvar Dates, Significance, Puja Vidhi
From July 25th holy month of Hindus known as the month of Sawan will start and will run till August 22nd. The month of Sawan is observed as the month special for Lord Shiva. Throughout the month of Sawan women, especially unmarried girls keep a fast every Monday in the month of Sawan in the name of Lord Shiva to get a suitable groom.
Every month there are two Shivratri, Krishna Paksha, and Shukla Paksha. Shivratri of Krishna Paksha is very dear to Bholenath. Like the Shivratri of Falgun month, the Shivratri of Sawan has great importance which will be held on 6th August this year.
Sawan Shivratri 2021: Puja Muhurta
- The Muhurta of Sawan Shivratri Puja is starting on 6th August.
- The Muhurta of Nishita Kaal Puja will be from 12:6 pm to 12.48 pm on 7th August.
- Shivratri fasting Paran Muhurta will be from 5.46 am to 3.45 pm on 7th August.
Sawan Shivratri 2021: Worship Method
You wake up early in the morning on Chaturdashi Tithi (Sharavn Shivratri) and then after taking a bath install the idol of Lord Shiva in the temple or the house of worship. Then light the incense lamp wick and show it to Lord Bholenath. Then you do the Abhishek of Bholenath with milk and curd. Then you offer 1001 bel leaves to Lord Bholenath while reciting the mantras of Bhole Shankar. You can also offer Dhatura, Cannabis, Jaggery, Pua, Pudding, Raw Gram, Sweets made from milk, etc.
Monday Dates of Sawan Month
This time the first Monday is falling on 26th July while the fourth Monday will fall on 16th August.
- First Monday of Sawan: 26 July 2021
- Second Monday of Sawan: 2nd August 2021
- Third Monday of Sawan: 9 August 2021
- Fourth Monday of Sawan: 16 August 2021
Significance of Sawan
It is believed that if you worship Lord Shiva for the entire month of Sawan, then all you wish to get is fulfilled.
It is observed that unmarried girls fast every Monday during the month of Sawan to wish for a suitable groom and married women observe this fast to keep their married life pleasant.
When is Sawan Shivratri Puja?
In the year 2021, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Sawan month, which is observed as Shivratri fast is falling on 6th August and it will be passed on &th August.
Auspicious time for Sawan Shivratri Puja
- Sawan Shivratri fasting date: 6 August 2021, Friday
- Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurta: 7th August 2021, from 12:06, am to 12:48 am on Saturday
- Puja Duration: Only 43 Minutes
- Shivratri Vrat Paran Muhurta: From 5:46 am to 3:45 pm on 7th August
12 Jyotirlingas in India - Temples of Lord Shiva
Jyotirlinga is a Sanskrit word combined of words of Jyoti's ‘radiance’ and linga. There are 12 traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India.
Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gir, Gujarat
Located in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, the Somnath is a part of the 12 popular jyotirlingas in India and is considered to be the first one that was acquired by the deity. This temple the most worshipped pilgrimage site in India which is why it is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is perched on the hilltop of the Shri Saila Mountain. It was built around 1234AD, by the Hoysala King, Vira Narsimha and it still stands in pride, captivating the hearts of devotees by its divine essence and exquisite Dravidian style of architecture. It is said that the shrine of Lord Shiva was installed by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Epic Mahabharata. The Kumbla River close by adds to the relaxing ambiance and beauty of the place.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Nestled amid Mahakal forest in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on the banks of River Kshipra is also recognized as one of the seven Mukti Sthal in the country. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is also one of the top ‘Tantra Temples’ in India. The main highlight of this temple is its ‘Bhasm-Aarti’ that is performed as the first ritual in the morning during which the Shivlinga is bathed with the ashes taken from a fresh funeral pyre.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khanda, Madhya Pradesh
Perched at the banks of the Narmada River on an island called Mandhata, Omkareshwar is a popular jyotirlinga that translates to the Lord of the Om Sound. It is believed that the island is in the shape of ‘Om’ – a spiritual symbol in Hindu Mythology. Thousands of devotees gather here for the darshans of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the occasions of Shivratri, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Poornima. Serene Vibes and picturesque views of the sacred Narmada River adds to the divinity of these shrines.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand
This temple complex is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division, adorned with the presence of 21 temples. The sacred Shivalinga existing here is decorated with precious gems. Not only it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas but also a prominent Shakti peeth, where body parts of Goddess Shakti fell. Baidyanath in Jharkhand has a very interesting story of origin. It is quite popular too. The tale goes like this, Ravana, a staunch believer of Lord Shiva prayed for years to invite him to Lanka. During this time, Ravana got injured too. So, when Lord Shiva arrived to meet his devotee, Ravana was not in his best shape. Lord Shiva took it upon himself to cure Ravana, and with that, he got the name of Vaidyanath. The temple does witness a throng of pilgrims every year, especially on occasions of Maha Shivratri and Shravana months.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra
The sixth Jyotirlinga, Bhimashankar Temple is a sight of unequaled grandeur. It is situated in a small village called Bhorgiri amidst the Sahyadri Hills near Pune in Maharashtra which is also one of the top trekking choices in Maharashtra. With greenery galore on all sides of the temple, The place holds a great religious significance owing to the presence of the ‘Bhimashankar Temple’, which is home to another sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The place turns into a carnivalesque haven during Maha Shivratri with devotees coming over from various parts of the state.
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
The ‘Ramanathaswamy Temple’situated at the holy town of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is home to one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. Ramanathaswamy Temple is the pillar of Lord Rama’s never-ending faith for Lord Shiva. Testimony to the fact is the name Ramanathaswamy which means Master of Rama. Also recognized as the Varanasi of the South, the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is also one of the most-visited holy places in the country.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
Nestled on the coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, Nageshwar is considered to be the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year to seek blessings from Lord Shiva who is worshipped here in the form of ‘Nagdev’. A 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva in a seated position is a great attraction of this temple and provides a perfect backdrop for a nice remembrance picture. Believed to be one of the most powerful jyotirlingas in India, the temple is a symbol of protection from all types of venom and poison.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The most sacred temple to be believed is the ‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’, in the city of Banaras/Varanasi is home to the 12th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple originally dates back to the 11th century and was plundered many times by Afghan and Arab invaders. The towers of the temple are gold plated with a golden chhatri on the top. Numerous pilgrims from all over the world gather at Kashi during the festivals of ‘Makar Sankranti’, ‘Kartik Poornima’, ‘Shivratri’, ‘Maha Shivratri’, ‘Dev Diwali’ and ‘Annakoot’.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nasik, Maharashtra
Located near the Brahmagiri mountain, the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is also the place of origin of the illustrious Godavari River. It is also known as Dakshini Ganga and Gautami Ganga. Legacy of the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao, the magnificent Trimbakeshwar Temple lures devotees from all over the world to embrace the spiritual whirlwind within themselves. It is believed that the one who gets the darshans of the Jyotirlinga gets all his desires fulfilled. Interestingly, unlike other Jyotirlingas, the one in Trimbakeshwar is uniquely shaped with three pillars that represent the three supreme powers, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is another famous jyotirlinga in India that is inaccessible most of the year. Situated in the Himalayan Range in Uttarakhand, the ‘Kedarnath Temple’ owns a very rough climate with cold weather and snowfall, the temple remains closed for the devotees. It is believed that a dip in the holy water of Gangotri and Yamunotri from the pond present within the Kedarnath temple will rid you of all your troubles and worries. The Kedarnath Temple is also one of the ‘Chota Char Dham’ pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Located at a village called Verul, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the ‘Grishneshwar Temple’ dates back to the 18th century. Constructed in a Shikhara-style with gods and goddesses carved on the walls, the Grishneshwar Temple is also part of the Shiva Purana. The temple complex is quite exciting with very beautiful carvings, sculptures, and more. It is every bit impressive and you will be left spellbound by the temple structure.
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