Sawan 3rd Somwar :- Significance, Worship Rules, and Special Story
The month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered extremely sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva. Mondays occurring in this month hold immense religious significance. The third Monday of Sawan offers a highly auspicious occasion to receive the special blessings of Lord Shiva. According to belief, worshipping Mahadev with full rituals on this day removes all troubles, fulfills desires, and brings peace and prosperity into life.
Detailed History
According to Hindu scriptures, the historic event of Samudra Manthan (Ocean Churning) took place during the month of Sawan. When the extremely lethal poison known as ‘Halahal’ emerged from the churning, the entire universe began to burn from its impact. To protect creation, Lord Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat, turning his neck blue and earning him the title ‘Neelkanth‘.
To calm the intense heat of the poison, all the gods and goddesses offered holy water and Ganges water upon him. The tradition of worshipping Lord Shiva and performing Jalabhishekam on the third Monday of Sawan is deeply linked to this legend. It is believed that whichever devotee performs the water ritual with pure devotion on this Monday, Mahadev relieves all their worries.
Detailed Architecture
On Sawan Mondays, special emphasis is placed on the decoration and sacred embellishment of Shiva temples and the Shivalinga.
- Shivalinga Decoration :– On the third Monday of Sawan, the Shivalinga is bathed with Panchamrit (a mixture of holy Ganges water, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee). Afterwards, a Tripundra is applied using sacred ash (Bhasma), sandalwood paste, and kumkum.
- Canopy and Water Base Decor :– The base (Jaladhari) and surroundings of the Shivalinga are beautifully decorated with fresh Bilva leaves, Crown flower (Aak), Datura, Oleander (Kaner), and Night-flowering Jasmine (Harsingar).
- Akhand Jyot :– An uninterrupted flame (Akhand Jyot) using pure ghee in a brass or clay lamp is lit in the temple premises or home shrine, transmitting intense spiritual energy.
Travel Guide & Routes
If you plan to visit famous Jyotirlingas or local major Shiva temples on the third Monday of Sawan, the following information will prove useful.
- Timings and Darshan Hours :– On Sawan Mondays, temple doors open early at 04:00 AM for Mangala Aarti and remain open until 11:00 PM for Shayan Aarti. The best times for Darshan are from 05:00 AM to 09:00 AM and in the evening from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM.
- Entry and Tickets :– General entry is completely free. However, at major Jyotirlingas such as Ujjain Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, or Somnath, advance bookings for VIP/Quick Darshan or Bhasma Aarti are available through official websites ranging between 250 INR to 500 INR.
- How to Reach :–
- By Road :– State transport and private buses connect major cities to famous Shiva pilgrimage sites. E-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and local taxis are readily available near temple complexes.
- By Rail :– Local buses and auto-rickshaws run continuously from nearest railway stations directly to temple entrances.
- By Air :– For Jyotirlinga pilgrimages, direct cabs and taxis operate from the nearest airport to temple premises.
- Photography Spots :– Photography is allowed within outer temple premises, grand entrance gates (Gopurams), and inner courtyards. Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha).
- Local Cuisine :– Fasting foods such as Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Fritters, Potato Halwa, fresh buttermilk, and dry fruits are widely available.
- Famous Markets :– Markets outside temples are filled with copper and brass pots, Rudraksha rosaries, quartz Shivalingas, puja materials, Bilva leaves, sweets (Peda/Panchmeva), and religious handicrafts.
Interesting Facts
- Significance of Tridal Belpatra :– Offering an unbroken three-leaf Bilva leaf on the Shivalinga on the third Monday of Sawan is believed to destroy sins of three births.
- Connection between Monday and Lord Chandra :– ‘Som’ stands for the Moon. It is believed Lord Shiva wore the Moon on his head to cure him of his illness, making Monday the supreme day for Shiva worship.
- Offering Bhasma and Datura :– Offering Datura and Bhang to Lord Shiva during Sawan symbolizes neutralizing negative emotions, anger, and ignorance.
- Continuous Water Flow :– Throughout Sawan, a continuous trickle of water is maintained over the Shivalinga to keep Mahadev’s throat cool.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:– What is the auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for worship on the 3rd Monday of Sawan?
Answer:- Brahma Muhurat (04:15 AM to 05:00 AM) and morning hours (06:00 AM to 09:30 AM) are highly auspicious for worship and Jalabhishekam. Pradosh Kaal (06:30 PM to 07:30 PM) is also ideal for evening prayers.
Question 2:- What can be consumed during the Sawan Monday fast?
Answer:- Fruits, Sabudana, Buckwheat (Kuttu) flour, Water Chestnut (Singhara) flour, milk, curd, and rock salt (Sendha Namak) can be consumed. Grains, onion, garlic, refined flour, regular salt, and deep-fried foods should be avoided.
Question 3:- What is the correct direction and method for pouring water on a Shivalinga?
Answer:- Always stand facing the North direction while offering water. Water should be poured in a slow, continuous stream using a copper or brass vessel.
“May the third Monday of Sawan, echoing with the sacred chants of Om Namah Shivaya, remove all obstacles from your life and bestow health, peace, and prosperity.”