Sawan Shivratri

Significance

The Shivratri of the Sawan month — the most sacred night for Shiva in his most sacred month, when devotees carry holy water on foot (the Kanwar Yatra) to bathe the Linga.

The story behind Sawan Shivratri

Sawan (Shravana) is Shiva's month, tied to the ocean-churning when he drank the poison to save the worlds; the rains are said to cool him. On its Shivratri, kanwariyas walk for days carrying Ganga water on shoulder-slung pitchers to pour over the Shiva Linga — devotion measured in miles.

How Sawan Shivratri is observed

• Night vigil and abhishekam of the Shiva Linga with Ganga water and milk.
• The Kanwar Yatra — carrying holy water on foot to a Shiva temple.
• Fasting and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
• Offering bel leaves and cool water to Shiva.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Sawan Shivratri.

Sawan Shivratri dates (2015–2035)

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.