Shravan Somwar Vrat Dates 2026 – Sawan Somwar Calendar & Fasting Rituals

 

Spiritual Significance of Shravan Somwar

• Shravan Somwar refers to the Mondays (Somwar) that fall during the Shravan month, considered the holiest time to worship Lord Shiva.
• Devotees observe fasts, perform Rudrabhishek, and chant mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
• It is believed that Lord Shiva is easily pleased during this month, and sincere devotion can bring peace, prosperity, health, and marital bliss.

Legends Behind Shravan Somwar

1.     Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean):

o    During the cosmic churning, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged.

o    Lord Shiva consumed it to save the universe, and Ganga Jal was poured over him to cool the effect.

o    This act is commemorated by offering water and Panchamrit to the Shiva Linga during Shravan.

2.     Goddess Parvati’s Penance:

o    Unmarried women observe Shravan Somwar Vrat to seek a husband like Lord Shiva, just as Parvati did through intense penance.

o    Married women observe it for marital harmony and family well-being.

3.     The Brahmin Couple Legend:

o    A childless couple was blessed with a son after observing Shravan Somwar fasts with devotion, highlighting the power of faith and fasting.

Shravan Somwar Rituals

Shravan Somwar is observed with deep devotion to Lord Shiva, especially on Mondays during the Shravan month. Here are the key rituals:

Morning Rituals

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00–5:30 AM)
• Take a holy bath, preferably in a river or with Gangajal
• Clean the puja space and set up a Shiva Lingam or idol

Puja Vidhi

• Perform Abhishekam with:
• Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar (Panchamrit)
• Bel leaves, white flowers, bhasma, sandalwood paste
• Light a desi ghee diya and offer incense, fruits, and white sweets
• Chant:
• “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Shiva Chalisa and Shravan Maas Katha

Fasting (Vrat)

• Nirjala Vrat (no food or water) or Phalahar Vrat (fruits, milk, nuts)
• Break the fast after sunset with a light satvik meal
• Some devotees observe Solah Somwar Vrat (16 consecutive Mondays)

Charity

• Donate milk, clothes, or food to Brahmins or the needy
• Avoid onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamarind

Temples to Visit During Shravan Somwar

North India

• Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
• Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar – Major Kanwar Yatra destination
• Neelkanth Mahadev, Rishikesh – Associated with Samudra Manthan

South India

• Sri Kalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh – Known for Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai – A Dravidian architectural gem
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – One of the Char Dhams

Western India

• Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra – Jyotirlinga near Nashik
• Somnath Temple, Gujarat – First of the 12 Jyotirlingas

Shravan Somwar 2026 Dates

North India (Purnimanta Calendar)

• Shravan Month: July 30 – August 28, 2026
• Somwar Vrat Dates:
• August 03 – 1st Somwar
• August 10 – 2nd Somwar
• August 17 – 3rd Somwar
• August 24 – 4th Somwar

South & Western India (Amanta Calendar)

• Shravan Month: August 13 – September 11, 2026
• Somwar Vrat Dates:
• August 17 – 1st Somwar
• August 24 – 2nd Somwar
• August 31 – 3rd Somwar
• September 07 – 4th Somwar