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  

Sawan Somvar Vrat or Shravan Somvar Vrata is an observance dedicated to Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan (July – August). In 2009, days to observe Sawan Somvar Vrata are – July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 3 as per North Indian calendar. As per Andhra Pradesh, Karnatka, Gujarat and Maharashtra calendars, dates to observe Shravana Somvara Vratam are – July 27, August 3, August 10 and August 17.

Sawan Somvar Vrat is observed mainly in North Indian states. It is also observed in some regions of South India. In South Indian states, people worship Shiva on Karthik Somvar instead Shravan Somvar. Karthik Somvar Vrata is also highly meritorious.

Sawan Somvar Vrat – Importance and Significance of Shiva Pooja on Shrawan Somvar:

Though Shravan maas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, on Shravan somvar (Mondays in Sawan mahina) Lord Shiva is worshipped. Sawan month is auspicious and the Somvar in the Shravan maas are dedicated to Lord Shiva because during this month Shiva drank Haala hal and became Neelkant.

At the time of Samudra manthan (churning of milk ocean), haala hal came out of the ocean and shook the universe. To protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison and kept it at her throat. Since then Lord Shiva’s throat appeared blue. Usually, Somvar is the favorite day for Lord Shiva and Shravan Somvar is considered as highly auspicious because of the holiness of the Shravan month.

Sawan Somvar Vrat is observed by married women for happy marital bliss and her family’s wellness. Unmarried women perform Shrawan maas somvar vrat to get good life partner. Men also worship Shrawan Somvar vrat for their academic, professional success. In some regions, devotees also worship Goddess Parvati Devi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Karthik along with Shiva during Shrawan Somvar vrat.