KarmaVaaniVrat · July–August
Shravan Somvar
Also known as Mondays of Shravana
Fasting and worship of Shiva on each Monday of the month of Shravana.
Shravana is the month most dear to Shiva, and its Mondays are kept with fasts and abhisheka. Pilgrims on the Kanwar Yatra carry Ganga water on foot to pour over the linga at temples such as Baidyanath and Kashi Vishwanath.
Why it is kept
Shiva drank the poison that rose from the churning of the ocean in this month, and is cooled with water and milk.
Step by step
How to observe it
Fast each Monday
Fruit and milk through the day, or one meal in the evening.
Abhisheka
Water and milk are poured over the Shivalinga, and bilva leaves offered.
Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.
Fasting
Fasting
A Monday fast, broken in the evening.
Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.
Traditions
- Monday fasts
- Abhisheka with milk and water
- Kanwar Yatra
Where to go
Temples to visit
पूजा सामग्री
