The month of Shravan (also called Sawan) holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindus across India. It is a time when devotion, fasting, and prayer take centre stage, especially for worshippers of Lord Shiva. Considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, Shravan is filled with rituals, traditional practices, and stories passed down for generations.
In 2025, the Shravan month begins on July 11 in North India and July 25 in South and Western India, depending on the calendar system followed. This article explores all you need to know about Shravan, including its dates, history, significance, and how it is observed.
Shravan 2025 Dates
India follows two types of lunar calendars:
Purnimanta Calendar, commonly used in North India, considers the full moon (Purnima) as the end of a month.
Amanta Calendar, followed in South and Western India, considers the new moon (Amavasya) as the month’s end.
Because of this, Shravan 2025 will be observed on different dates in different parts of India:
North India (Purnimanta):
Begins on Friday, July 11, and ends on Saturday, August 9South & Western India (Amanta):
Begins on Friday, July 25, and ends on Saturday, August 23
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Dates (North India)
Many devotees observe fasts every Monday of Shravan, known as Sawan Somwar Vrat. These Mondays are considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva devotees.
July 14, 2025 - 1st Somwar
July 21, 2025 - 2nd Somwar
July 28, 2025 - 3rd Somwar
August 4, 2025 - 4th Somwar
Sawan Shivaratri 2025
This special day dedicated to Shiva falls on Wednesday, July 23 in 2025. The Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) time is from 12:01 AM to 12:45 AM on July 24.
The Mythology Behind Shravan
The story of Shravan month goes back to ancient Hindu texts and legends. One of the most well-known tales associated with this month is the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean by gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras). During this epic event, 14 divine treasures emerged from the ocean, including a deadly poison called Halahala.
To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison. His throat turned blue, giving him the name Neelkanth. It is believed that during Shravan, the effect of the poison still burns inside him, and devotees offer water, milk, and sacred herbs to cool him down. That is why this month is considered sacred for Shiva bhakts.
Why Shravan Is So Important Spiritually
A Month of Devotion - Shravan is one of the most spiritually charged months of the year. Prayers offered during this time are believed to reach Shiva faster.
Fasting and Cleansing - Fasting during this month is believed to purify the mind and body.
Auspicious for Marriages - Unmarried girls fast on Sawan Mondays to get a good life partner, hoping to be blessed with a husband like Shiva.
Many also see it as a time of self-discipline, where meat, alcohol, onions, and garlic are avoided, and people try to maintain a sattvic (pure) lifestyle.
Common Rituals and Practices During Shravan
1. Sawan Somwar Vrat
Devotees fast on Mondays and offer milk, belpatra (leaves of the bael tree), water, honey, and dhatura (thorn apple) to Shivlingas in temples. Some eat only one meal in the evening, while others follow a fruit-only diet.
2. Kanwar Yatra
During this month, thousands of Shiva devotees known as Kanwariyas walk barefoot carrying water from the Ganga or other holy rivers in decorated pots called Kanwars. They offer this water to Shiva temples, especially in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi.
3. Rudrabhishek
This is a powerful and sacred ritual where Lord Shiva is bathed with various items like milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Chanting of the Rudra Mantras from the Yajurveda is performed for peace, prosperity, and protection.
4. Shravan Shivaratri
This is a major highlight of the month. Devotees stay awake all night and chant “Om Namah Shivaya”, performing abhishekam and offering fruits, incense, and flowers.
5. Charity and Service
Many people donate food, clothes, or money to the poor during Shravan. It is believed that serving others this month brings special blessings.
Shravan in Everyday Life
Apart from religious reasons, Shravan coincides with the rainy season, which is why people avoid non-vegetarian food and rich meals during this time. Ayurvedic wisdom also recommends light eating in this season for better health.
In homes, temples, and streets, you’ll hear the sounds of Shiv bhajans, bells, and conch shells. Markets are filled with flowers, bilva leaves, and devotional items. Many also participate in Shravan fairs and cultural events.
Shravan is more than a religious period, it’s a time of reflection, simplicity, and spiritual renewal. Whether you fast, visit temples, or simply offer water to a Shiva Linga at home, this month gives everyone a chance to slow down and reconnect with something deeper.
May this holy month bring you peace, strength, and divine blessings from Lord Shiva.
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