Sawan Somwar 2024: Dates, importance, fasting guide, and how to perform Rudrabhishek

Sawan Somwar 2024 heralds the commencement of the highly auspicious month devoted to Lord Shiva. This sacred month begins on July 22 and concludes on August 19, 2024. Throughout this period, devotees fervently offer prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Sawan Somwar 2024: Schedule

1. First Sawan Somwar: July 22, 2024
2. Second Sawan Somwar: July 29, 2024
3. Third Sawan Somwar: August 5, 2024
4. Fourth Sawan Somwar: August 12, 2024
5. Fifth Sawan Somwar: August 19, 2024

Significance of Sawan Somwar

The holy month of Shravan starts on July 22, 2024, and ends on August 19, 2024. This time is of great religious significance, with devotees worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with deep devotion. Mondays in this month, called Sawan Somwar, hold special importance. Devotees engage in various rituals, such as fasting and Rudrabhishekam, to honour Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

Rudrabhishekam: Step-by-Step Guide

Performing Rudrabhishekam on Shravana Somwar is considered highly auspicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing this sacred ritual:

Samagri (Materials Needed)

Milk, Curd, Ghee, Sugar Powder (Boora), Honey, and Normal Water
Cotton Wicks, Bilva Patra, Sandalwood Paste, Incense Sticks, Akshat, and Flowers or Garland

How to Perform Rudrabhishekam

1. Water: Offer normal water to the Shivalingam to purify it.
2. Milk: Offering milk is considered auspicious and brings clarity.
3. Curd: Offer curd to the Shivalingam for mental clarity.
4. Sugar Powder: This brings auspiciousness.
5. Ghee: Pour a little ghee on the Shivalingam.
6. Honey: Honey brings love and stability.
7. Water: Clean the Shivalingam again with normal water.
8. Sandalwood Paste: Apply yellow sandalwood paste for prosperity.
9. Bilva Patra: Offer Bilva Patra in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11).
10. Garland: Offer a garland or flowers to Lord Shiva.
11. Akshat: Offer unbroken rice for wealth and prosperity.
12. Diya: Light a diya with desi cow ghee.
13. Incense Sticks: Light incense sticks to remove negative energy.
14. Chant Mantras: Recite various Shiva Mantras to appease Lord Shiva.

Sawan Somwar: Fasting Rituals

1. Wake up early and take a holy bath.
2. Light a diya at home with desi ghee.
3. Visit a temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
4. Perform Jalabhishekam and Abhishekam with Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar powder), followed by another Jalabhishekam.
5. Offer Bel Patra, Bhang, Dhatura, a garland of red or white flowers, fruits, and sweets.
6. Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or Panchakshara Mantra.
7. Light a diya with desi ghee and perform aarti.

Mantras to Chant

1. Om Namah Shivaya
2. Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
3. Karpur Gauram Karunavataram Sansar Saram Bhujagaindra Haram Sada Vasantam Hridaya Aravinde Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami