Sawan Somwar: A Month of Fasting and Worshipping Lord Shiva
History: The history of Sawan Somwar is not well-known. However, it is believed that the festival has been celebrated for centuries. The earliest mention of Sawan Somwar can be found in the Puranas, which are a collection of ancient Hindu texts.
Significance :Sawan is the holy month of Lord Shiva. In this month, Lord Shiva is worshipped, by which God becomes pleased and fulfills all the wishes of his devotees. It is the belief of Hindu religion that in the month of Sawan, bel leaves are also offered to Lord Shiva. This makes God happy.Sawan Somwar is a very significant festival for Hindus. It is believed that by fasting and worshiping Lord Shiva during this time, devotees can attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Sawan Somwar is also a time for Hindus to ask for Lord Shiva's blessings for themselves and their loved ones.
Rituals:There are a number of rituals that are performed during Sawan Somwar. The most common ritual is fasting. Devotees who observe the fast do not eat any solid food from sunrise to sunset. They may drink water, milk, or fruit juices.Another common ritual is bathing in a sacred river or lake. This is believed to cleanse the body and mind and to bring good luck. Devotees may also visit a Shiva temple and offer prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva.
Worship method of Sawan month :
- Lord Shiva is worshiped on the coming Monday in the month of Sawan and fast is also observed by the devotees. God is worshiped according to the rules and regulations.
- Oil lamps are lit at the time of worship and Dhatura flower is also offered to Bholenath.
- Shiva Chalisa or Shiva mantra should be chanted during worship and offer five nectar, supari, beltpatra and coconut to Lord Shiva.
- Katha must be done during the fast in Sawan.
Prayers:
There are a number of special prayers that are recited during Sawan Somwar. These prayers are typically in Sanskrit and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the most popular Sawan Somwar prayers include:
- Om Namah Shivaya: A mantra that means "I bow to Lord Shiva"
- Shiva Chalisa: A prayer that praises Lord Shiva
- Rudra Abhishekam: A ritual in which water is poured over a Shivling, which is a representation of Lord Shiva.
What to eat during Sawan Somvar Vrat
The month of Sawan Monday is going on. Most of the people observe fast on Mondays in this month. Now this thing must be coming in their mind that what should be eaten during the fast.
You can have a cup of tea in the morning and eat peanuts or makhana roasted in ghee with it.
You can also eat potatoes after boiling them and frying them in ghee. And apart from this, you can make pudiya made of buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour and eat it.
You can consume fruits in maximum quantity, in which orange, banana, grapes, seasonal etc.
5 miraculous mantras of Lord Shiva
Sawan, do chant these 5 miraculous mantras of Lord Shiva in worship.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे, महादेवाय धीमहि, तन्नो रूद्र प्रचोदयात्।
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे
नमो स्तवन अनंताय सहस्त्र मूर्तये, सहस्त्रपादाक्षि शिरोरु बाहवे. सहस्त्र नाम्ने पुरुषाय शाश्वते, सहस्त्रकोटि युग धारिणे नम:
ॐ नम: शिवाय।
Sawan Somwar is a beautiful and auspicious festival that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The festival is a time for devotees to worship Lord Shiva, to ask for his blessings, and to cleanse their bodies and minds. Sawan Somwar is a time for peace, tranquility, and happiness.