Sawan 2023: this year is extraordinary, the interesting happenstance following 19 years and Sawan Somwar dates

Har Har Mahadev

This year, the auspicious month of Sawan will commence on July 04 and will culminate on August 31, 2023. According to astrological calculations and the Hindu calendar, the Adhik Maas or Mal Maas has extended the duration of the Sawan month this year,It will be 59 days long, and there will be eight Sawan Mondays or Somwars instead of the usual four every year.

July 10, 2023, Monday – First Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 17, 2023, Monday – Second Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 18, 2023, Tuesday – Shravan Adhika Maas Begins

July 24, 2023, Monday – Third Shravan Somwar Vrat

July 31, 2023, Monday – Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 7, 2023, Monday – Fifth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 14, 2023, Monday – Sixth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 16, 2023, Wednesday – Shravan Adhika Maas Ends

August 21, 2023, Monday – Seventh Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 28, 2023, Monday – Eighth Shravan Somwar Vrat

August 31, 2023, Thursday – Shravan Ends

During the period of Shravan, unique love and fasting are seen on Mondays, known as Sawan Mondays, to look for the BLESSING of lord Shiva. While there are usually 4 or 5 Mondays a month, it is uncommon to have 8 Mondays falling in the long stretch of Shravan. The event of 8 Sawan Mondays is a consequence of the extra Adhik Maas. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Tuesday’s fasting during Shravan month is known as Mangla gori vart.

Vrat in Sawan

There are 3 types of Vrats (fasts) that people observe in the month of Sawan. They are given as follows:

•  Savan Somvar Vrat: The fast observed on Mondays during the month of Sawan is known as Savan Somvar.
  ●  Solah Somvar Vrat: The 16 fasts which are observed on 16 consecutive Mondays are termed Solah Somvar Vrats.
  ●  Pradosh Vrat: Pradosh Vrat is fast which is observed till Pradosh Kaal in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to seek their divine blessings.

Vrat rules according to the scriptures

According to the scriptures, there are certain rituals to be followed, while observing a fast in the month of Sawan. They are given as follows:

•  The one who is observing the fast, should wake up early in the morning, and take a bath to eliminate any kind of impurity from their body.
  ●  Milk should be offered to Shiva Lingam in any Shiva Temple.
  ●  An altar should be set up, and the Puja Sthal should be cleaned properly to worship Mahadeva.
  ●  By all heart and dedication, the observers of the fast should take an oath to immerse themselves in the devotion of Mahadeva during the fast.
  ●  Prayers to Lord Shiva are offered twice a day. The first puja should be done early in the morning, while the second one should be done after the Sunset.
  ●  For the puja, a lamp with gingelly oil is lighted up, and flowers are offered to Lord Shiva.
  ●  Mantras are chanted, and nuts, Panchamrit, coconut, betel leaves, etc. are offered to Mahadeva.
  ●  Solah Somvar Vrat Katha (Sawan Vrat Katha) is an important facet of Sawan, and is to be recited during the Vrat. The Vrat Katha describes the life of Mahadeva.
  ●  As soon as the Puja is over, Prasad is distributed among the family members.
  ●  After the evening Puja, the fast can be broken, and normal food can be consumed.

Mantra to be chanted

Shiva Mantra including Om Namah Shivay can be chanted during Sawan.