Why is the first Monday of Sawan so auspicious?
, 9 मिनट पढ़ने का समय
, 9 मिनट पढ़ने का समय
First Monday of Sawan is the welcoming Moon's day of Lord Shiva when he takes over the duties of Lord Vishnu and thus, it is very auspicious and is celebrated. Know more here.
Why is the first Monday of Sawan so auspicious? When is the first Monday of Shrawan?
As the first drops of monsoon kiss the earth and the scent of wet soil fills the air, a divine energy begins to stir across the Indian subcontinent.
This is not just the arrival of rain as it marks the beginning of the sacred month of Sawan (or Shrawan), a time that holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. Among all the days in this holy month, there is one that stands out like the rising sun on a cloudy day, the first Monday of Sawan.
For countless devotees, especially those devoted to Lord Shiva, this day is not just another date on the calendar. It is a day of hope, prayer, and a deeply personal connection with the divine.
From fasting rituals to temple visits, from heartfelt mantras to simple offerings of water and bel leaves, the first Sawan Somwar brings with it an atmosphere soaked not just in rain, but in devotion.
But what exactly makes this particular Monday so special? And when does it fall this year? Let’s explore the cultural, mythological, and emotional layers that make the first Monday of Sawan a truly auspicious day for millions.
When is the first Monday of Sawan in 2025?
In the year 2025, the sacred month of Sawan (also called Shravan) is set to begin on Friday, July 11, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. As per tradition, the first Somwar (Monday) that follows the beginning of the Sawan month is considered extremely holy and spiritually powerful. That makes Monday, July 14, 2025, the first Sawan Somwar of the year.
This day is believed to open the doors to divine grace, especially from Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of calm and wisdom. It marks the beginning of a series of Mondays that are observed with fasting, devotion, and temple visits, particularly by those seeking blessings for health, marriage, prosperity, or spiritual growth.
What makes this date even more special is the energy and atmosphere surrounding it. By mid-July, the monsoon is usually in full swing, which is traditionally linked with Lord Shiva's cool and meditative nature.
Devotees across India begin their preparations days in advance like buying puja items, marking fasts in their calendars, and planning visits to temples.
For many families, this first Monday feels like the spiritual 'New Year', a time to refresh the soul and reset one’s inner devotion. From urban cities to small villages, the air feels different on this day, calmer, more reflective, and deeply connected to age-old traditions that still live strong in the hearts of devotees.
Why is the first Monday of Sawan so special?
The first Monday of Sawan is not just another date in the Hindu calendar as it’s a deeply spiritual experience that marks the beginning of one of the most cherished months for Lord Shiva’s devotees.
Sawan, soaked in rain and reverence, brings with it a sense of calm, connection, and renewal. And the first Monday, known as Pratham Sawan Somwar, holds a special emotional and religious value because it is believed that this is the day when Lord Shiva opens his heart the most to his devotees.
It's like the grand opening of a sacred gateway, where prayers are believed to be heard a little louder and wishes are said to be granted a little faster. Devotees, both young and old, begin their fasts on this day, visit temples with great enthusiasm, and perform jalabhishek, the ceremonial offering of water and milk to the Shiva Linga, as a mark of gratitude and devotion.
This Monday is considered highly auspicious because it lays the foundation for the rest of the Mondays in Sawan. Fasting or offering prayers on this day is believed to cleanse one’s soul and set a positive rhythm for the entire month.
It’s also closely tied to a beautiful legend, when Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison during the Samudra Manthan to save the universe, the gods began pouring water over him to calm his body. That divine act is relived through the abhishek rituals performed every Monday of Sawan, especially on the first one.
Many unmarried girls observe a fast on this day to pray for an ideal life partner, just like Shiva himself as calm, strong, and compassionate. Married women, on the other hand, pray for their family’s well-being and their husband’s long life.
All in all, the first Sawan Somwar becomes a day where faith, love, tradition, and divine energy beautifully merge making it one of the most soul-touching days in the Hindu spiritual calendar.
How to observe the first Monday of Sawan?
Observing the first Monday of Sawan isn’t just about rituals as it’s more about building a heartfelt connection with Lord Shiva. The day usually starts early, even before sunrise.
People take a bath, wear fresh clothes (preferably white, saffron, or light-coloured ones), and try to maintain a calm and pure mind. Devotees then visit the nearest Shiva temple, or if that’s not possible, set up a small Shiva Linga or picture at home.
The sacred bath of the Shiva Linga, known as “Jalabhishek,” is performed with items like clean water, milk, curd, ghee, and honey. After this, belpatra, white flowers, dhatura, and sandalwood paste are offered while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”
The idea is to keep the offering simple but done with devotion. Even if you’re not well-versed in rituals, sitting quietly and praying sincerely from the heart is enough. Lord Shiva is believed to be easily pleased by genuine devotion.
Fasting is another common practice on this day. Many people observe a full-day fast as some go completely without food and water (nirjal vrat), while others stick to fruits or a single satvik meal in the evening, without onion, garlic, or heavy spices.
While fasting, people try to stay calm, avoid anger or negative thoughts, and spend time chanting mantras, reading the Shiv Chalisa, or simply meditating.
Married women often pray for the good health and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried girls keep the fast hoping for an ideal life partner like Lord Shiva himself. Even if you’re not keeping a fast, you can participate by avoiding non-vegetarian food, drinking alcohol, or speaking harshly.
The goal is to cleanse not just your body, but also your thoughts and actions. It's a day to slow down, let go of material worries, and turn your attention inwards just like the stillness of Lord Shiva amidst chaos.
What are the scientific and health benefits of Sawan fasting?
Fasting during the holy month of Sawan isn’t just a religious observance as it actually offers several health benefits that are backed by science. When you give your digestive system a break from heavy meals, especially during the monsoon season when humidity levels are high and infections are common, it helps the body reset and recharge.
Our metabolism tends to slow down naturally during this time, so eating light and simple or even skipping meals on purpose gives the gut a much-needed rest. Fasting promotes detoxification, helps in cleansing the liver, and boosts the immune system.
It also allows the body to use stored fats for energy, which can improve metabolism and contribute to weight management. Scientists today even recognize the benefits of intermittent fasting for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, which is something traditional Sawan fasting aligns with beautifully.
On a more emotional and mental level, Sawan fasting helps bring a sense of calm and discipline. When you're not constantly thinking about food, your focus naturally shifts inward, towards prayer, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
This mental stillness can reduce stress and anxiety, something we all struggle with in today's fast-paced life. Interestingly, when people eat only satvik food (fresh fruits, milk, nuts, and light grains), their body feels lighter, more energized, and less bloated.
These foods are not only rich in essential nutrients but are also easy to digest. And since Sawan often comes with a break from non-vegetarian and fried food, it helps regulate cholesterol levels and keeps the heart healthy.
So, while the tradition is rooted in devotion to Lord Shiva, the side effect is a healthier body, a calmer mind, and a more balanced lifestyle as something modern science is only now catching up with.
Therefore, Sawan invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves and with Lord Shiva’s boundless energy. For many, this day becomes a chance to unburden their worries, seek clarity, and invite peace into their lives.
There’s something incredibly grounding about waking up early, walking into a temple filled with the scent of incense, offering cool water to a Shiva Linga, and whispering a silent prayer that comes straight from the heart.
Whether you observe it through fasting, prayer, or simply with quiet faith, the first Sawan Somwar offers a beautiful opportunity to start fresh and not just externally, but internally too.
In a world that moves fast and often feels overwhelming, this day reminds us to slow down, offer gratitude, and let devotion lead the way. And maybe, just maybe, that's the real blessing of Sawan.
Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub
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