Sawan Somvar Vrat – Shiva Puja Procedure during Shravan Somvar

Sawan Somvar Vrat or Shravan somvar vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The dates of Sawan Somvar Vrat in 2009. Devout Hindus perform Shiva puja during the somvars (Mondays) in Shravan month. During the Vrat, devotees or the performers keep fasting. In North India, Sawan Somvar Shiva puja is of great significane. In South India also Shiva puja is performed during Mondays in Shravan month, but South Indian people consider Kartik Somvar Vrat as more auspicious than Shravan Somvar.

Sawan Somvar Shiva Puja in North Indian States:

Devout Hindus in North India perform ritual bath in holy rivers. Men or women collect water from River Ganga and perform ‘Abhishek’ to Shivling. For Shiva Puja, they also use Bilva patra (bilva leaves). After the Abhisheka, Shivling is offered fruits or special recipes. Devotees take meal or fruits after the puja. Some people observe fasting during the Somvar Vrat.

In Varanasi, Allahabad and Hrishikesh Somvar Vrat is observed by large number of devotees every year. Shravan Somvar vrat has great significance in Shrabani Mela held at Deoghar Bhaidyanath Temple, popularly known as Baba Dham.

Shravan Somvar Shiva Pooja in South Indian States:

In South Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala, devotees observe fasting in day time and observe puja at home. In the evening, devotees visit Lord Shiva temple and light deepam to Shiva. After lighting the diya, devotees take meal or fruits.

In Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Srisailam, Rameshawaram Shiva temple, Sri Kalahasti Shiva temple, Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, Mukteshwara Swamy Temple at Kaleshwaram, Dharmasthali Shiva Temple, Panchabhoota Linga Temples, some special are performed during the Shravan Somvar.

Shravan Masa Vratam – Rituals and Pujas to perform during Shravan month