What Is Sawan Shivratri?
Also known as Masik or Shravan Shivratri, this monthly night-long festival falls during Chaturdashi tithi in the sacred month of Shravana (Sawan), dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s the second most significant Shivratri after Maha Shivratri.
Date & Timing Details
In 2025, Sawan Shivratri occurs on Wednesday, 23 July. The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 4:39 AM on July 23 and ends at 2:28 AM on July 24. Devotees perform rituals through the night and complete them by Parana time at 5:38 AM on July 24 1.
Night Puja Schedule
The night is divided into four prahars (quarters) for structured worship:
- First Prahar: 7:17 PM–9:53 PM (23 July)
- Second Prahar: 9:53 PM–12:28 AM (24 July)
- Third Prahar: 12:28 AM–3:03 AM
- Fourth Prahar: 3:03 AM–5:38 AM
The Nishita Kaal (midnight) puja falls within the second or third prahar 2.
Significance of the Festival
This Shivratri, one of twelve observed yearly, is revered for its spiritual potency. While Maha Shivratri in Phalguna is the most well-known, the Sawan version is highly esteemed, thanks to the sanctity of the Sawan month 3.
Key Rituals & Traditions
Devotees engage in:
- Fasting (Vrat): Full or liquid-only fast from sunrise to Parana 4.
- Jalabhishek: Offering Ganga water, milk, honey, and bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam.
- Night Vigil (Jagran): Staying awake through puja, bhajans, and meditation across prahars.
- Mantra Chanting: Includes Om Namah Shivaya and powerful mantras like the Maha Mrityunjaya and Shiva/Rudra Gayatri 5.
- Temple Visits: Special rituals held at major shrines like Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakaleshwar 6.
- Meditation: Deep spiritual practice throughout the night.
Powerful Mantras to Chant
Notable chants include:
- Om Namah Shivaya
- Om Tryambakam Yajamahe… (Maha Mrityunjaya)
- Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe… (Rudra Gayatri)
- Om Mahadevaya Vidmahe… (Shiva Gayatri) 7.
Connection to Kanwar Yatra
Across North India, the Kanwar Yatra sees devotees (Kanwariyas) fetch Ganga water—especially from Haridwar—and offer it at Shiva temples during Sawan Shivratri, enhancing the ritual’s significance 8.
Local Tips & Trivia
The sacred month of Sawan spans 11 July to 9 August 2025. Its lore includes Parvati’s penance for Shiva and the churning of the cosmic ocean, wherein Shiva drank poison—earning the name Neelkantha. Bel leaves, bilva, honey, and milk offerings symbolize purity and devotion 9.
Devotees also observe Sawan Somwar fasts (Mondays), with the second Somwar on July 21 coinciding with Kamika Ekadashi—offering Sarvarth Siddhi yoga blessings 10.
Adorning Your Devotion
For added spiritual merit, perform abhishek using Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar), light ghee lamps, donate white clothes and food, and recite Shiva Purana passages. These acts are believed to remove doshas and attract divine blessings 11.
Why This Matters for Quiz Lovers
– Sawan Shivratri is one of 12 Shivratris observed each year.
– Dates: July 23–24, 2025.
– Four-night prahars structured ritual periods.
– Key mantras include Maha Mrityunjaya and various Gayatri chants.
– Connects with Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage traditions.
Conclusion
Sawan Shivratri 2025 brings a spiritually charged night—marked by disciplined fasting, mantra recitation, and communal puja—offering devotees a potent moment of divine connection with Lord Shiva.
Source: Times Now News