Sawan Somvar Puja
Worship of Lord Shiva during the holy month of Shravan
Materials Required
- Shiva Linga
- Gangajal (Holy Water)
- Raw Milk
- Bel Patra (Bilva Leaves)
- Dhatura & Flowers
- Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash)
- Incense Sticks & Ghee Lamp
- Fruits & Sweets
Step-by-Step Procedure
1
Sankalpa (Vow)
Wake up early, take a bath, and visit a Shiva temple or prepare the altar at home. Take a vow to observe the fast.
2
Jalabhishek
Pour Gangajal and raw milk over the Shiva Linga. This is the most important ritual of Sawan.
3
Offerings
Apply Chandan and Bhasma. Offer Bel Patra (in sets of 3), Dhatura, and flowers. Bel Patra is very dear to Lord Shiva.
4
Chanting
Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times using a Rudraksha mala. You can also recite the Shiva Chalisa.
5
Aarti
Perform the Shiva Aarti ("Om Jai Shiv Omkara"). Offer fruits and sweets as Prasad.
6
Fasting Rules
Consume only satvik food (fruits, milk, sabudana) once a day, preferably in the evening after prayers.
Shiva Mantra
"Om Namah Shivaya"
Meaning: I bow to Shiva.