Sawan 2025 Starts Today: Vrat Rules, Puja Vidhi & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sawan 2025 Starts Today: Vrat Rules, Puja Vidhi & Common Mistakes to Avoid (image: canva)

The sacred month of Sawan 2025 has officially begun today, July 11. Known for its spiritual depth and powerful connection to Lord Shiva, Sawan is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. This is a time when devotees intensify their faith through fasting, Shiv puja, mantra chanting, and temple visits, all seeking the divine grace of Mahadev.

Depending on regional traditions, Sawan is observed differently in North India, it runs from full moon to full moon, while in South India, it spans from new moon to new moon. No matter the variation, the goal remains the same spiritual growth, purification of mind and body, and devotion to Lord Shiv.

What to Do During Sawan Month (Dos)

1. Observe Fast (Sawan Vrat): Fasting is a core practice, especially on Sawan Somwar (Mondays) for men and Mangala Gauri Vrat (Tuesdays) for women. These fasts are observed to receive blessings from Shiv-Parvati and fulfill personal wishes.
2. Perform Daily Shiv Puja: Devotees offer Panchamrit Abhishek — a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Gangajal — along with Bilva leaves (Bel Patra), flowers, and incense to Shivlinga.
3. Chant Shiv Mantras: Chanting the Mahamrityunjay Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya, and other Shiva mantras daily is believed to remove negativity, grant peace, and invite divine protection.
4. Follow a Satvik Diet and Lifestyle: Consume only vegetarian food and avoid onion, garlic, and packaged junk. Adopt a calm, disciplined routine — free from anger, ego, and distractions.
5. Offer Charity (Daan): Giving food, clothes, or donations to the needy earns punya (spiritual merit) during Sawan. It reflects the essence of compassion and dharma.
6. Visit Shiva Temples: Paying regular visits to temples, performing Jalabhishek, and attending Shiv katha or bhajan events brings spiritual fulfillment.

What to Avoid During Sawan Month (Don’ts)

1. Avoid Non-Veg and Tamasic Food: Refrain from meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and spicy foods. These are believed to disturb the mental and spiritual balance needed for Shiv bhakti.
2. No Alcohol or Intoxication: Alcohol and intoxicants are strictly prohibited during this sacred time, as they diminish spiritual energy and disrupt sattvic focus.
3. Don’t Break Fasts Carelessly: Once a fast is taken up, it should be completed with sincerity. Breaking a vrat midway without reason is considered disrespectful to the deity.
4. Avoid Using Turmeric and Ketki Flowers in Puja: As per ancient scriptures, turmeric and Ketaki (screw pine flower) are not used in Shiva worship due to symbolic reasons tied to divine legends.

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