Sawan 2023: Embracing the Divine Essence of Faith and Rituals
Thu - Jul 06, 2023
5 min read
Sawan is considered to be one of the most auspicious months due to its connectivity to Lord Shiva. In 2023, Sawan starts on 04 July (Tuesday) and ends on 31 August (Thursday). According to astrology, on every Purnima of this month, the sky falls under the sovereignty of Sawan Nakshatra. The name of the month is derived from this Nakshatra.
Why `Sawan` Will Last For 2 Months In 2023?
For the first time in 19 years, the month of Sawan will be celebrated for 2 months instead of the usual one. This extra month is known as the ‘Adhik’ or extra. It will start on the 18th of July and last till the 16th of August. The Sun will not change its zodiac sign during this month.
Why is Sawan Dear To Lord Shiva?
Five legends are generally stated to be the reason behind Sawan being the favored month of Mahadev. The first states that Markandeya, the son of Markandu Rishi was a devotee of Lord Shiva, and he performed a severe penance in the month of Sawan. He was blessed by Shiva with a long life and even Yamraj bowed down before him. The second reason is the fact that Lord Shiva used to go to his in-law's house every monsoon.
The third reason states the mythological story of the churning of the ocean in the month of Sawan which gave rise to the poison which can destroy the human race. Lord Shiva drank all the poison and his throat turned blue, earning him the name of Neelkanth. The Hindu Gods poured Gangajal on Lord Shiva to help him and the devotees follow the tradition to date.
The fourth reason states that Lord Shiva is water itself and therefore with the arrival of monsoon in the month of Sawan, Shiva brings his blessings along with the revival of the Earth.
The fifth reason states that Lord Vishnu goes into Yognidra in the month of Sawan and all the responsibilities fall on the shoulder of Lord Shiva.
Sawan 2023 Dates:
The entire month of Sawan is considered to be auspicious but the Somwars hold a special significance. They are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Here is the list of Sawan Somwars for this year:
1. 04 July (Tuesday) First day of Sawan Month
2. 10 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
3. 17 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
4. 24 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
5. 31 July (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
6. 07 August (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
7. 14 August (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
8. 21 August (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
9. 28 August (Monday) Sawan Somwar Vrat
10. 31 August (Thursday) Last day of Sawan Month
Significance of Sawan:
The month of Sawan embodies a period of austerity and prayers. According to the Skanda Purana, Goddess Sati went against her father’s wishes to marry Lord Shiva. She gave up her life when Lord Shiva was humiliated by her father and was reincarnated as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvat Raj Himalaya and Naina. Once again she performed severe penance in the month of Sawan to become the consort of Lord Shiva.
Sawan is also considered to be the first month of the Chaturmas. This is the time when Lord Vishnu goes into ‘Yoga Nidra’ and Lord Shiva steps up to the role of taking care of the entire creation.
Each day of Sawan holds a special significance:
Monday: This is the day to observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Tuesday: Goddess Gauri is worshipped on this day for better health.
Wednesday: Wednesdays are meant for offering prayers to Vithala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Thursday: This day is meant for worshipping one’s Guru.
Friday: One worships Lakshmi and Tulsi on this day, during the Sawan month.
Saturday: Sawan Shanivar is usually the time to pray for wealth.
Sunday: The Sun is worshipped every Sunday in general. However, in the month of Sawan, its significance is much more.
Sawan Month Fasting Rules:
According to the Shiva Purana, anyone who performs fasts during the month of Sawan receives the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Solah Somvar Vrat is very common but there are a few more to consider -
1. Sawan Somwar Vrat: Observed on Mondays, these are dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 2023, there are 8 Sawan Somwars instead of the usual 4.
2. Solah Somvar Vrat: Starting from the first Monday of this month, girls perform this fast for 16 consecutive Mondays to find the most ideal husband.
3. Shani Vrat: This vrat is meant to pacify Lord Shani and receive his blessings. As stated before, it is observed on Saturdays.
4. Pradosh Vrat: This is observed on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. This day is considered to be extra auspicious for offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
5. Mangala Gauri Vrat: This vrat is observed on the Tuesdays of Sawan month for happy family life.
Here are some important facts that devotees should keep in mind while observing these vrats -
1. Every morning, the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva should be performed using Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee).
2. Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times a day and wearing a rudraksha mala is considered to be fruitful for seeking the grace of Lord Shiva.
3. Men should not shave during the entire Sawan period.
4. Devotees should abstain from meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic during Sawan.
5. During fasting, devotees are allowed to consume ‘phalahar’ which means fruits. Milk-related products like buttermilk, ghee, paneer, homemade butter, cottage cheese, and yogurt.
6. Sabudana, vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts are common items to be consumed during the fasts to provide the body with the necessary nutrients.
7. Lastly, breaking the fast in the middle is considered a sin.
Other Auspicious Days In Sawan:
Here are some other auspicious and important festivals that are performed in the month of Sawan.
1. Hariyali Teej
Teej is celebrated on the third day of Krishna Paksha. It is the day when married women observe fast for their husbands and unmarried women offer prayers to find suitable life partners.
Date: September 2, 2023 (Saturday).
Tithi: 11:50 PM on September 1, 2023, to 08:49 PM on September 2, 2023.
2. Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Panchami during the month of Sawan. On this day, women pray for the well-being of their brothers and family.
Date: August 21, 2023 (Monday).
Tithi: 12:21 AM on August 21, 2023, to 02:00 AM on August 22, 2023.
3. Sawan Putrada Ekadashi
This Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha. It is usually performed by married couples in order to be blessed with a son.
Date: August 27, 2023 (Sunday).
Tithi: 12:08 AM on August 26, 2023, to 09:32 PM on August 27, 2023.
4. Raksha Bandhan
This festival celebrates the unconditional love between brother and sister. This also falls under the month of Sawan this year.
Date: August 30, 2023 (Wednesday).
Tithi: 10:58 AM on August 30, 2023, to 07:05 PM on August 31, 2023.
Sawan Puja Online Booking:
Book your Sawan Puja now and experience divine blessings from the comfort of your home. Join us in this sacred observance dedicated to Lord Shiva during the auspicious month of Sawan.