Significance, Puja Vidhi, and Mythology of the Second Sawan Somwar

The month of Sawan (Shravan) is regarded as the most auspicious period to gain the blessings and devotion of Lord Shiva. Following the first Monday, the Second Sawan Somwar brings an opportunity to deepen one’s devotion and spiritual practice. According to religious beliefs, performing special worship of Lord Shiva on the second Monday of Sawan resolves all mental, physical, and financial troubles in life.

Detailed History :-

According to mythological scriptures, the second Monday of Sawan is deeply linked to the intense penance of Goddess Parvati and her divine reunion with Lord Shiva. After Goddess Sati relinquished her body, Lord Shiva entered deep meditation and trance. Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance for years to obtain Lord Shiva once again as her husband.

Pleased by the selfless devotion of Goddess Parvati during the month of Sawan, Lord Shiva granted her the boon of accepting her as his consort. Hence, the second Monday of Sawan is considered exceptionally fruitful for harmony in married life, attaining a suitable life partner, and bringing peace to the family. Worshiping Shiva and Parvati with devotion on this day removes marital afflictions.

Detailed Architecture & Setup for Worship :-

On the second Monday of Sawan, temples and home shrines arrange special ‘Abhishekam’ and decoration of the Shivlinga.

Structure of Shivlinga and Jaladhari :– The upper round portion of the Shivlinga represents ‘Shiva’ (consciousness), while the lower base represents ‘Shakti’ (Parvati). On the right side of the Jaladhari resides Lord Ganesha, on the left Lord Kartikeya, in the center Goddess Ashok Sundari, and at the base rests Goddess Parvati’s lotus hand.
Adornment Materials :–
- Akshat (Unbroken Rice) :– Offering unbroken rice grains during Shiva worship is a sacred ritual symbolizing completeness and prosperity.
- White Sandalwood & Bhasma :– Sandalwood cools the Shivlinga, while holy ash (Bhasma) reminds us of the transient nature of the material world.
- Samipatra & Mandar Flowers :– Offering Sami leaves and white Mandar flowers on the second Monday is considered highly auspicious.

Travel Guide & Routes :-

On the second Monday of Sawan, divine enthusiasm reaches its peak at Shiva shrines across the country. If you are planning a pilgrimage, the following guide will be helpful.

Major Pilgrimage Sites :-

Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh) :– Located on the banks of the Narmada River, this Jyotirlinga is situated on an ‘Om’ shaped island and receives thousands of pilgrims during Sawan.
Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra) :– Famous for hosting three small Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Bhimashankar (Maharashtra) :– Situated on the Sahyadri hills, this Jyotirlinga is renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual serenity.
Baijnath Dham (Himachal Pradesh) :– Located in the Kangra Valley, this ancient Shiva temple is extremely popular during Sawan.

Timing & Entry Guide :-

Temple Opening Time :– On the second Monday of Sawan, major temple doors open early in the morning between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM.
Closing Time :– Darshan concludes around 11:00 PM after the night Shayan Aarti.
Best Time to Visit :– Visiting between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM or during the evening Aarti offers relatively manageable crowds.
Entry Passes :– Omkareshwar and Trimbakeshwar provide online priority passes and queue management passes through their official portals during Sawan.

How to Reach :-

By Air :– Indore (for Omkareshwar), Nashik or Mumbai/Pune (for Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar), and Gaggal/Dharamshala (for Baijnath) are the nearest airports.
By Train :– Indore, Nashik Road, Pune, and Pathankot/Una are major nearby railway stations connected to all major Indian cities.
By Road :– State transport buses and private luxury taxis operate continuously toward all major Shiva shrines.

Photography Spots and Local Experience

Photography Rules :– Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum. However, photography is permitted in outer courtyards, near temple spires, and along nearby river ghats.
Local Food :– Enjoy Satvik fasting thalis, Sabudana Khichdi, Rajgira laddus, fresh coconut water, and milk sweets around temple areas.
Local Markets :– Local bazaars outside temple premises offer brass Nandi idols, Rudraksha bracelets, Shiva Chalisa books, crystal rosaries, and worship essentials.

Interesting Facts :-

Relief from Mental Stress :– In astrology, the Moon controls the mind. Offering raw milk to the Shivlinga on the second Sawan Monday alleviates mental anxiety and enhances focus.
Secret of Panchamrit Abhisheka :– Performing Abhishekam with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar sequentially on the second Monday infuses positive energy into the body and soul.
Significance of Sami Leaves :– Offering Sami (Shami) leaves to Lord Shiva on this day mitigates planetary afflictions, especially Saturn’s influence (Shani Dosh).
Boon of Eternal Marital Bliss :– Joint worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the second Monday of Sawan is believed to resolve differences between married couples.

Important Questions and Answer :-

Question 1:- What special offering should be made on the Second Sawan Somwar?

Answer:– Along with water, offering raw milk, white sandalwood, Sami leaves, and white sweets (like Mishri or Peda) to the Shivlinga on the second Monday is considered highly rewarding.

Question 2:– Is it mandatory to fast on the second Monday as well?

Answer:– Those who take a vow for Sawan Somwar Vrat observe fasts on all Mondays of Sawan. If observing the full month is not possible, fasting only on the Mondays of Sawan is also customary.

Question 3:– What is the most auspicious time for worship on the Second Sawan Somwar?

Answer:– Early morning (Brahma Muhurta until 9:00 AM) is ideal for Puja. Additionally, worshiping during Pradosh Kaal (around sunset) yields great spiritual benefits.

Question 4:– How and when should the Sawan Monday Fast be concluded (Parana)?

Answer:– Fasting can be concluded in the evening after Aarti by consuming fruits and milk (Falahar), or on the next day after sunrise by consuming a light Satvik meal.

“Holy worship of Shiva and Shakti on the second Monday of Sawan fills life with unbreakable love, peace, and prosperity.”