Why only Lord Shiva is worshipped in Shrawan?
, 7 min reading time
While Lord Vishnu is asleep in Yog Nidra, the God who took his spot was Lord Shiva and thus, people who worship Lord Shiva gain the blessing in the month of Sawan for prosperity.
Why only Lord Shiva is worshipped in Shrawan? When does Shrawan month start in 2025?
Every year, as the monsoon clouds roll in and the scent of wet earth fills the air, a quiet spiritual transformation begins to sweep across parts of India and Nepal.
This is the arrival of Shrawan, also known as Sawan, a month that isn’t just marked on the Hindu calendar as it’s felt deeply in the hearts of devotees.
It’s a time when the rhythms of life seem to slow down just a bit, and prayers to Lord Shiva rise like incense smoke from homes, temples, and riversides.
What makes this month so extraordinary isn’t just the rituals or the fasting, but the deep emotional connection millions have with the deity who drank poison to save the universe.
If you’ve ever wondered why Lord Shiva is the sole focus of worship during Shrawan, or what makes this time of year so profoundly sacred, you're not alone.
In fact, understanding Shrawan goes beyond religion as it’s about faith, tradition, and a kind of inner cleansing that no monsoon rain can quite match.
What is the significance of Shrawan month?
The month of Shrawan carries immense spiritual weight in Hinduism, and for good reason. It’s believed to be the most sacred time to connect with Lord Shiva, the supreme deity known for both his fierce destruction of evil and his tender love for his devotees.
What makes Shrawan stand out among other months is its deep association with transformation and devotion.
According to ancient scriptures, the Samudra Manthan or the cosmic churning of the ocean, occurred during this month, releasing a deadly poison that threatened all life.
It was Lord Shiva who selflessly consumed this poison to save the world, holding it in his throat and earning the name Neelkanth.
To ease his suffering, devotees began offering him milk, water, and bael leaves as rituals that continue today as an expression of heartfelt gratitude.
So, Shrawan is not just about worship; it’s about acknowledging sacrifice, celebrating protection, and drawing closer to divine strength during a time believed to be charged with spiritual energy.
Beyond mythology, Shrawan holds practical and emotional significance in people’s everyday lives. It’s a time when many choose to slow down, reflect, and realign themselves with higher values.
You’ll often find people observing fasts, visiting temples, or even simply adopting a more disciplined lifestyle during this month.
It’s believed that whatever spiritual effort or sadhana (practice) one undertakes in Shrawan, be it chanting, fasting, or acts of kindness, yields manifold benefits, both in the material and spiritual sense.
Women, particularly unmarried ones, observe Shravan Somvar fasts in hopes of finding a life partner as devoted and ideal as Lord Shiva himself.
Meanwhile, others see it as an opportunity for inner purification, letting go of ego, anger, or negativity.
In this way, Shrawan becomes not just a month on the calendar but a journey of inner devotion, renewal, and connection with a power far greater than ourselves.
Why is Lord Shiva worshipped exclusively in Shrawan?
The exclusive worship of Lord Shiva during the month of Shrawan finds its roots in deep mythology and ancient spiritual traditions. Shrawan aligns astrologically with planetary movements that heighten spiritual energy and emotional receptiveness.
The month is ruled by the Moon, and since the Moon has a close symbolic connection with Lord Shiva, depicted as resting on his head, the energies during this time naturally favor his worship. Additionally, each Monday (Somvar) of Shrawan is considered supremely auspicious.
Devotees observe fasts, perform rudrabhishekam, and visit temples seeking blessings for health, peace, and even ideal life partners. It’s not that other deities are neglected during this month, but the emotional and spiritual intensity of Shrawan makes Lord Shiva the central figure.
His role as the destroyer of evil, the lord of meditation, and the protector of the cosmos draws people towards him like a spiritual magnet, making his exclusive worship in Shrawan not just traditional, but deeply personal and symbolic.
How is Shrawan celebrated?
Shrawan is celebrated with a mix of devotion, discipline, and a deep sense of personal connection with Lord Shiva. The most prominent way this month is observed is through the Shravan Somvar Vrat, where devotees fast every Monday, often consuming only fruits, water, or a single meal without salt.
It’s not just about food as it's about cleansing the mind and body. People begin their day by waking up before sunrise, taking a holy bath, and dressing in clean, often saffron or white, clothes, symbolic of purity. They then visit Shiva temples with offerings of water, bael leaves, milk, honey, and sandalwood paste.
Each item offered holds significance: milk to soothe the effects of the poison Shiva consumed, bael leaves as his favorite, and water to symbolize surrender and purity. Temples echo with the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya,” creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere that draws even the less religious into its fold.
Beyond personal rituals, community participation and public devotion also define Shrawan celebrations.
In many parts of India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, thousands of Kanwariyas as devotees dressed in orange, undertake a barefoot pilgrimage to collect holy water from the Ganga river and carry it back to offer on Shivlings in their local temples.
The journey can span several days and symbolizes surrender, resilience, and unwavering faith.
During this time, towns on Kanwar routes become vibrant with temporary shelters, devotional songs, free food stalls (bhandaras), and spiritual discourses.
In homes, families read stories from the Shiva Purana, observe silence or meditation, and dedicate time to introspection. Even those who don’t fast often reduce worldly indulgences during this month, treating it as a period of spiritual recharge and humility.
When does Shrawan month start in 2025?
In 2025, the holy month of Shrawan begins on Friday, July 18th and concludes on Sunday, August 17th, offering devotees a sacred period to worship Lord Shiva with deep devotion.
Key dates to remember include the first Shrawan Somvar (Monday) on July 21, a highly auspicious day for Shiva puja, and the last Shrawan Somvar on August 11, marking the final Monday fast of the month.
Other important festivals during this time are Hariyali Teej on August 3, celebrating divine love, Nag Panchami on August 7, dedicated to serpent worship, and Raksha Bandhan on August 12, symbolizing sibling bonds.
Devotees should mark these dates in their calendars to fully participate in the rituals, fasting, and prayers that invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
Lastly, Shrawan is not just a month of rituals; it’s a spiritual journey that strengthens faith, purifies the soul, and connects devotees with Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy.
Whether it’s the mythological tales, astrological significance, or health benefits, every aspect of Shrawan makes it a divine period for Shiva worship. So, as Shrawan 2025 approaches, prepare yourself for a month of devotion, fasting, and heartfelt prayers. Har Har Mahadev!
Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub
If there is any changes to this, connect with me at wa.me/918542929702 or info@rudrakshahub.com and we shall be happy to help you..!!
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