Sawan Shivratri 2024: Celebrate the Auspicious Night on 2 August with Devotion and Rituals

Every year, after Devshayani Ekadashi, the month of Sawan begins, marking a time dedicated to Lord Shiva. Within this month, Sawan Shivratri is celebrated as the most holy and auspicious day after the first Sawan Somwaar. According to the Gregorian calendar, Sawan Shivratri can fall anywhere between July and August. In the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the 'Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna paksha in Sawan maas (month)'.

Date and Time of Sawan Shivratri 2024

According to Drik Panchang, this year Sawan Shivratri will be observed on August 2, Friday.

“Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 03:26 PM on Aug 02, 2024 Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 03:50 PM on Aug 03, 2024”

The Importance and Significance of Sawan Shivratri

Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is considered extremely important for worshipping Lord Shiva. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Shivratri, the night of Shiva, is one of the most powerful nights of the Sawan month.

It is said that fasting and observing all rituals associated with Sawan Shivratri has the power to cleanse the soul and human body, granting spiritual liberation to devotees. Sincere worship of Lord Shiva on this night is believed to wash away sins, remove negative influences, and lead to a more aligned and fulfilling life. The vibrations and energies present during the night of Shivratri are powerful and pure, creating an ideal environment for enhancing spiritual and meditative rituals.

Rituals and Practices

Fasting

Fasting, or vrat, is a crucial aspect of Sawan Shivratri for devotees. People observe a strict fast, refraining from eating grains and any kind of Tamsic foods. Some even opt for a complete fast, or Nirjala vrat (no water or food for the day). For those unable to undertake such a strict fast, it is advised to eat only fruits and drink water throughout the day.

Shivling Abhishekam

The Shivling, a symbol of Lord Shiva, is bathed and cleansed with various offerings. Devotees offer milk, honey, curd, ghee, gangajal, and more. Each offering holds symbolic significance: milk for purity, honey for sweetness, curd for prosperity, ghee for victory, and gangajal for moksha.

Offering Bael Patra to Shivling

Bael patra, with its three leaves, is sacred and must be offered to the Shivling during Sawan Shivratri. Along with flowers, sandalwood paste, and incense, the Bael patra is an essential part of the puja.

Chanting of Lord Shiva’s Name

Many devotees chant Lord Shiva’s name and associated mantras. Continuous jap of his name or 'Om Namah Shivaya' is believed to greatly benefit the devotee.

Staying Up All Night

During Sawan Shivratri, devotees stay awake all night, meditating, chanting, and focusing on Lord Shiva’s energy while listening to mantras and hymns dedicated to him.

What is Done on Sawan Shivratri?

On Sawan Shivratri, it is best to wake up early, take a shower, perform some chanting and jap, and then visit the nearest Shiva temple. Some devotees prefer visiting a Jyotirling as the energy surrounding these temples is considered pure and positive.

The Completion of Kawad Yatra

With the start of Sawan month, many devotees, known as Kawadias, set out on their Kawad Yatra. They walk barefoot for hundreds of kilometers to fetch Gangajal from Haridwar and pour it over the Shivling near their home. By Sawan Shivratri, Kawadias return from Haridwar and 'arpit' (pour) the Gangajal on the Shivling they had chosen.

Mantras to Chant on Sawan Shivratri

As devotees stay awake throughout the night of Sawan Shivratri, they chant mantras to focus their minds on Shiva and the surrounding energies. Some powerful mantras to chant are:

Om Namah Shivay This is one of the easiest and most powerful mantras of Lord Shiva. It means ‘I bow to Lord Shiva’ and signifies a devotee's surrender to him.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra ‘Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat’. This mantra is believed to provide protection, health, and longevity, and chanting it 108 times ensures peace and prosperity.

Lingashtakam Stotram Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam, Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam, Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. This stotram elaborates on Lord Shiva and his attributes in the form of Shivling, as worshipped during Shivratri.

This Sawan Shivratri, immerse yourself in the divine energy of Lord Shiva, observe the rituals with sincerity, and experience spiritual elevation.