The sacred month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is Sawan Shivratri on August 2. Believed to be one of the most powerful nights of the Sawan month, many devotees observe fast and offer prayers to please Mahadev with specific rituals and guidelines. Read on to know more about shubh muhurat, jal abhishek, and vrat vidhi to follow during Sawan Shivratri.
What Is The Significance Of Sawan Shivratri?
For Hindus, Sawan is considered to be a holy month. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this month devotees observe fasts on Monday (Sawan Somwar) and pray for spiritual liberation. During this month, Hindu devotees celebrate Sawan Shivratri to celebrate Mahadev. This year, the festival will be celebrated on August 2.
While Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Sawan Shivratri does not signify any such momentous occasion. Instead, Sawan Shivratri has a more meditative and spiritual significance for Lord Shiva devotees. It is believed to be the most powerful night of the Sawan month. So, praying and fasting during this festival cleanses the body and soul and also leads to the spiritual liberation of Mahadev’s devotees.
It is said that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on this night can wash away sins, remove negative influences, and lead to a fulfilling life. This is because the energies during Sawan Shivratri are powerful and ideal for spiritual and meditative practices.
Also Read: Sawan 2024: Here Is A List Of Foods You Can Eat And Avoid During Sawan Somwar Fasts
Date, Muhurat, Vrat Dos & Don’ts & All You Need To Know
According to Hindustan Times, muhurat for Sawan Shivratri is as follows –
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 15:26 PM, August 2
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 15:50 PM, August 3
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:05 AM to 12:51 AM, August 3
Shivaratri Parana Time – 6:14 AM to 3:35 PM, August 3
Start Sawan Shivratri by offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Then, offer water to the Sun God. Make sure to cleanse the temple area before the puja. Light a pure ghee lamp and perform Mahadev’s aarti along with Shiva Chalisa.
It is considered auspicious to give Lord Shiva’s idol or Shivling jal abhishek on Sawan Shivratri. You can do this ceremonial bath with raw milk, Ganga water, and plain water. Then, considered to be Mahadev’s favourites, present him with betel leaves, chandan, dhatura, and if possible, bhang. Make sure to avoid Ketki flowers and turmeric during puja.
For Prasad, you can make something sweet like kheer or halwa and distribute it among the people.
If you’re fasting, keep the following in mind –
1. You can eat nuts, fruits, dairy products like milk and butter, and flours such as Kuttu ka Atta, Singhare ka Atta, or Rajgira ka Atta.
2. You can drink water, milk, buttermilk, and fresh juices throughout the day to stay hydrated.
3. You can use sendha namak, cumin seeds, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and black peppercorns in your meal.
4. Avoid onion, garlic, and other spices in your meal.
5. Avoid packaged juices as they contain salt and preservatives.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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