Sawan 5th Somwar :- Significance, Worship Rules, and Special Story
The fifth Monday of the month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered extremely rare, sacred, and immensely rewarding. When an alignment of dates creates a fifth Monday in Sawan, it serves as a supreme occasion for completing fasts (Udyapan), achieving spiritual fulfillment, and obtaining the complete grace of Lord Shiva. According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the fifth Monday eliminates past sins, neutralizes planetary afflictions, and grants everlasting merit.
Detailed History
According to ancient scriptures and Vedic traditions, the number five holds a sacred position in the worship of Lord Shiva. Shiva is revered as ‘Panchanana’ (the five-faced Lord) and his primary chanting verse is the ‘Panchakshari Mantra‘ (Om Namah Shivaya). The fifth Monday of Sawan represents the unified consciousness of Shiva’s five divine manifestations—Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha, and Ishana.
Legend states that on the fifth Monday of Sawan, Lord Shiva pledged to bestow the ultimate fruits of devotion upon devotees who observed rigorous fasts throughout the holy month. Those who perform the sacred water ritual (Jalabhishekam) on this day are blessed with prosperity, health, family well-being, and liberation (Moksha). It is recognized as the day of spiritual culmination and attainment.
Detailed Architecture
On the fifth Monday of Sawan, Shiva temples and sanctum sanctorums host a grand ‘Panchamrit Mahashringar’ along with divine floral arrangements.
- Panchamrit Mahashringar of Shivalinga :– The Shivalinga is given a holy bath using milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar (Panchamrit), followed by Ganges water, sacred ash (Bhasma), and sandalwood paste. Afterwards, the Shivalinga is adorned with silver or gold crowns and intricate sandalwood designs.
- Five-Leaf and Floral Embellishment :– The Shivalinga and its water base (Jaladhari) are decorated using five sacred leaves and flowers—Bilva leaves, Shami leaves, Datura, Bhang leaves, and Crown flowers (Madar). Fresh lotus flowers and rose garlands adorn the surrounding altar.
- Panch-Deep Illumination :– Five-faced brass lamps filled with pure ghee are lit in the five cardinal directions across the temple complex, energizing the atmosphere with divine vibrational frequencies.
Travel Guide & Routes
On the fifth Monday of Sawan, major pilgrimage sites and the 12 Jyotirlingas witness an enormous influx of devotees. If you plan a visit, this travel guide will help organize your pilgrimage.
- Timings and Darshan Hours :– Due to heavy crowds, temple gates open at 03:00 AM for Mangala Aarti and remain open until 11:30 PM for Shayan Aarti. Optimal times for Darshan are between 04:00 AM and 08:30 AM in the morning, and 06:00 PM to 08:30 PM in the evening.
- Entry and Tickets :– General entry is completely free. At renowned Jyotirlingas such as Kashi Vishwanath, Ujjain Mahakaleshwar, Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, and Somnath, VIP pass bookings or quick entry passes can be reserved through official portals for 250 INR to 500 INR per person.
- How to Reach :–
- By Road :– Government and private bus services connect all major cities to prominent Shiva destinations. E-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and taxis operate continuously from bus stands to temple gates.
- By Rail :– Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and prepaid taxis are available round the clock at nearest railway stations.
- By Air :– Travelers arriving by air can book direct taxis or cabs from the nearest airport to reach the temple complex convenient.
- Photography Spots :– Photography is permitted within outer courtyards, grand entrance gates (Gopurams), and near outdoor statues. Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha).
- Local Cuisine :– Fasting foods such as Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Fritters, Potato Halwa, Makhana Kheer, Water Chestnut Puris, and fresh buttermilk are widely served outside temple premises.
- Famous Markets :– Shops surrounding the temples sell copper vessels, Rudraksha beads, crystal Shivalingas, Bilva leaves, puja essentials, Peda sweets, and religious handicrafts.
Interesting Facts
- Connection with Five Elements :– Performing Panchamrit Jalabhishekam on the fifth Monday purifies and balances the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space) within the human body.
- Power of Panchakshari Mantra :– Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times on this specific day neutralizes major life obstacles and mental stress.
- Fasting Completion (Udyapan) :– When a fifth Monday occurs in Sawan, devotees perform the ritual completion (Udyapan) of their Sawan Monday fasts to permanently lock in divine blessings.
- Liberation from Five Vices :– Worshipping Lord Shiva on this day aids in overcoming the five primary human vices—Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Ego.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:- What is the most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for worship on the 5th Monday of Sawan?
Answer:- Brahma Muhurat (04:15 AM to 05:00 AM) and morning hours (06:00 AM to 09:30 AM) are ideal for Jalabhishekam. Evening Pradosh Kaal (06:30 PM to 07:45 PM) is also exceptionally fruitful.
Question 2:- How should one perform the fast completion (Udyapan) on the fifth Monday of Sawan?
Answer:- Perform a sacred fire ritual (Havan) with a priest, offer food to 5 or 16 brahmins/young girls, and donate white clothes, milk, rice kheer, and fruits.
Question 3:– Is there a specific offering recommended for the Shivalinga on the fifth Monday?
Answer:- Yes, mixing Ganges water, saffron, and black sesame seeds in water before offering it on the Shivalinga brings relief from chronic illnesses and restores stalled wealth.
“May the fifth Monday of Sawan, blessed by the supreme five-fold form of Lord Shiva, resolve all your troubles and shower eternal peace, health, and prosperity upon your life.”