JAMMU, Jul 28: The sacred lunar month of Shravan (Sawan) will commence on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. This was stated by Mahant Rohit Shastri (Jyotishacharya), President of the Shri Kailakh Jyotish Avim Vedic Sansthan Trust, who highlighted the spiritual importance of observing fasts and worship during the holy month.
Mahant Shastri explained that while some devotees begin Shiva worship from Shravan Sankranti (Solar Shravan), which fell on July 16 this year, the majority observe the lunar Shravan month, beginning on July 30 and concluding on August 28, 2026. Both traditions, he said, are recognised in the scriptures and are considered equally auspicious.
He informed that the Shravan Mondays (Sawan Somvar) in 2026 will fall on August 3, 10, 17 and 24. These Mondays are considered especially sacred for worshipping Lord Shiva, with many devotees observing fasts and offering prayers for health, prosperity and spiritual well-being.
Mahant Shastri said devotees unable to visit Shiva temples may perform worship at home by preparing a Parthiva Shivling made from sacred clay according to scriptural traditions. After worship, the Shivling should be respectfully immersed in a sacred water body. He added that worship of a Parthiva Shivling is believed to fulfil righteous desires and bring divine blessings.
Explaining the significance of the month, Mahant Shastri narrated that according to Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva declared Shravan to be His most beloved month. He linked its importance to the penance performed by Goddess Parvati, who observed severe austerities and month-long fasting during Shravan to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Since then, the month has been regarded as especially sacred for Shiva devotees.
He further stated that Shravan falls during Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu is believed to remain in Yoga Nidra, and the responsibility for the welfare of the universe rests with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Worship during this period, particularly on Shravan Shivaratri, is believed to bring swift spiritual rewards.
Mahant Shastri advised devotees observing Monday fasts to perform Rudrabhishek, offer Ganga water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, Bilva leaves, sandalwood, flowers, fruits, Datura and Ak flowers, and chant the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya.” He also encouraged devotees to recite or listen to the Shiva Purana, Shiva Stotras and participate in devotional vigils, which are believed to bestow immense spiritual merit.
He added that those observing fasts should wear Rudraksha, apply Bhasma (sacred ash) on the forehead after bathing, and remain engaged in the remembrance of Lord Shiva throughout the month. If temple visits are not possible, worship may be performed with devotion at home.
Mahant Shastri also highlighted the significance of the Mangala Gauri Vrat, observed every Tuesday during Shravan, which is believed to bless women with a suitable marriage, progeny and lasting marital happiness. He urged devotees to observe fasts according to their health and consume only satvik foods, while completely avoiding alcohol, intoxicants and tamasic foods during the holy month to maintain both physical and spiritual purity.