Latest news with #SawanShivratri
Time of India
4 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Sawan Shivratri 2025 date: Is Shivratri celebrated on July 23 or 24? Know exact date, time, mantras & more
Sawan Shivratri 2025: Sawan Shivratri, also known as Masa Shivaratri or Masik Shivaratri, is a deeply spiritual and religious Hindu festival. It falls in the holy month of Shravana, also called Sawan, which is considered highly sacred by devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day, people across India fast, visit temples, and offer Jal (water) to the Shiva Lingam to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. But is Sawan Shivratri 2025 on July 23 or 24 (Sawan Shivratri Kab hai?)? Let's take a look at the correct date, timings, and important rituals of this auspicious festival. Sawan Shivratri 2025: Date and Tithi Timings In 2025, Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23. However, some key rituals extend till the early hours of July 24. Sawan Shivratri Important Timings: Shivratri Night Puja Timings (Four Prahars): Why is Sawan Shivratri So Important? Among the 12 Shivratris that fall every year, Sawan Shivratri is considered highly important due to its connection with the holy month of Shravana (Sawan). While Maha Shivratri in Phalguna month (February/March) is the most widely known, the Sawan Shivratri is equally powerful for those seeking spiritual awakening and divine blessings. This day is believed to mark the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is celebrated with great devotion across India. Sawan Shivratri 2025: Rituals and Traditions 1. Fasting (Vrat) Devotees observe a strict fast starting from sunrise and break it the next morning after the Parana time. Some people follow a nirjala vrat (without food or water), while others consume fruits or milk. 2. Offering Jal to Shivling (Jalabhishek) A key ritual is Jalabhishekam, where devotees offer Gangajal, milk, honey, and water to the Shiva Lingam while chanting mantras. 3. Night Vigil (Jagran) As the name suggests, Shiv + Ratri means the night of Lord Shiva. Devotees stay awake the whole night, singing bhajans, offering prayers, and performing Puja during the four Prahars of the night. 4. Mantra Chanting Chanting sacred Shiva Mantras is believed to purify the mind and attract divine energy. Some powerful mantras include: Shiva Moola Mantra Om Namah Shivaya Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥ Rudra Gayatri Mantra Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥ Shiva Gayatri Mantra Om Mahadevaya Vidmahe Rudramurtaye Dhimahi Tannah Shivah Prachodayat॥ Mrityunjaya Mahadeva Mantra Om Mrityunjaya Mahadeva Trahi Mam Sharanagatam। Janma-Mrityu-Jara-Vyadhipidaitam Karma-Bandhanaih॥ Dakshinamurti Shiva Mantra Om Namo Bhagawate Dakshinamurtaye। Mahyam Medham Prajnam Prayachchha Swaha॥ Nilakantha Mahadeva Mantra Om Namo Nilakanthaya। 5. Temple Visits Visiting temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, or any nearby Shiva temple is an important part of the ritual. Many people offer Bael leaves, flowers, and fruits to express gratitude. 6. Meditation and Spiritual Practice Devotees also engage in meditation and dhyan (focus) to connect deeply with Lord Shiva's divine presence. This night is considered powerful for spiritual transformation. Sawan Shivratri and the Kanwar Yatra Connection In North India, the Kanwar Yatra is a significant part of Sawan month celebrations. Thousands of Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) carry holy Ganga water from places like Haridwar and pour it on the Shiva Lingam during Sawan Shivratri. This act is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding. Where is Sawan Shivratri Celebrated Widely? In North India: States like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh see huge participation during Sawan Shivratri. Devotees visit temples, take part in processions, and engage in community worship. Major temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand, and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain hold grand celebrations on this day. In South India: Although the month is known as Ashadha in the Amavasyant calendar, the essence of worship remains the same. People observe Ashadha Shivratri, perform puja at home and in temples, and chant mantras to honour Lord Shiva. Sawan Shivratri is not just a festival but a night full of divine energy, self-discipline, and devotion. Whether you fast, chant mantras, visit temples, or stay awake in spiritual reflection, this day is an opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Mark your calendar for 23rd July 2025 and take part in this sacred celebration of faith, rituals, and devotion during the Sawan month. Sawan Shivratri 2025 FAQs: Q. When is Sawan Shivratri 2025? Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23. Q. What is the difference between Maha Shivratri and Sawan Shivratri? Both Mahashivratri and Sawan Shivratri are dedicated to Lord Shiva, but they differ in timing and importance. Sawan Shivratri, celebrated during the month of Shravana, is considered very auspicious for Shiva devotees. On the other hand, Mahashivratri symbolises the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, representing cosmic balance. Q. What are the 2025 start and end dates? In 2025, Sawan starts on July 11 and concludes on August 9. Q. How many Jyotirlingas in India? There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, including Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath in Jharkhand, Nageshwar in Gujarat, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
NDTV
3 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Sawan Somwar 2025: Significance, Monday Fast Rituals, How To Offer Prayers To Lord Shiva
Sawan 2025: Sawan, also known as Shravana or Sawan maas, is a sacred month in the Hindu calendar that typically falls in July or August. It's considered a holy period for worshipping Lord Shiva and is associated with spiritual growth, renewal and devotion. The month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees often observe fasts, perform puja and offer prayers to seek his blessings. Many devotees fast on Mondays or throughout the month, and perform rituals like abhishekam (offering water, milk or other liquids) to Lord Shiva's idol. Sawan is believed to be an auspicious time for spiritual growth and self-reflection. Devotees often engage in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices during this month. Significance Of Sawan Sawan is considered a sacred month that offers an opportunity for devotees to connect with Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. Sawan is an important part of Hindu culture and is celebrated across India. The month is associated with several festivals, including the Shravan Shivratri and the Kanwar Yatra, where devotees carry holy water from the River Ganga to offer to Lord Shiva. Hariyali Amavasya is also an auspicious day during the Sawan month. Important Dates Of Sawan 2025 And List Of All Mondays (Somvar Fasting) Many devotees fast on Mondays or throughout the month, and perform rituals like abhishekam (offering water, milk, or other liquids) to Lord Shiva's idol. Shravana Begins - July 11, 2025, Friday First Shravan Somwar Vrat - July 14, 2025, Monday Second Shravan Somwar Vrat - July 21, 2025, Monday Sawan Shivratri - July 23, 2025, Wednesday Third Shravan Somwar Vrat - July 28, 2025, Monday Fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat - August 4, 2025, Monday Shravana Ends - August 9, 2025, Saturday Sawan Shivratri in 2025 Time The most special day in this entire month is Sawan Shivratri, which falls on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha. As per the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi date of the Sawan month will start from 04:39 am on July 23, 2025 and will last till 02:28 am on July 24, 2025. Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) will be held on July 23 itself, so the fast and worship of Sawan Shivratri will be done on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. 6 Important Steps Of Sawan Shivratri Worship Method Morning Bath and Fasting Vow: Start the day with a bath, then take a vow to fast for the day. Abhishekam: Perform Abhishek of the Shivling with Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar (Panchamrit). Offerings: Offer Belpatra, Bhaang, Dhatura, white flowers, sandalwood, fruits and incense sticks to Lord Shiva. Mantra Chanting: Recite 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Night Pooja: Stay awake throughout the night, reciting Shiva Bhajans, Stotras or passages from the Shiva Purana. Breaking the Fast: End the fast the next day at an auspicious time, following traditional practices. How To Offer Prayers To Lord Shiva? For Shiv Puja in the month of Shravan, purify your body and mind and wear clean clothes. Never worship Shiv by wearing worn clothes or black clothes. Always worship Shiv by sitting on a seat facing east or north. Offer holy Ganga water or pure water to Lord Shiva, along with milk, curd, ghee, flowers, Belpatra, Shamipatra, Dhatura, Bhang, Sandalwood, Bhasma, clothes, etc. as per your convenience. After this, offer Satvik things like fruits, sweets etc. Chant the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' in your mind while meditating on him. In the end, do Lord Shiva's Aarti with full devotion and distribute the Prasadam to as many people as possible and take it yourself too.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
QR stickers, tight surveillance, 838 rest sheds–540 km route ready for Kanwar Yatra
With the holy month of Shravan days away, the Meerut region has come alive with preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, which is set to begin on July 11 and culminate on Sawan Shivratri on July 23. Over 20 lakh pilgrims are expected at Pura Mahadeva alone. (HT) Millions of kanwariyas, carrying holy Ganga water, will visit temples like Pura Mahadeva in Baghpat and Augharnath in Meerut. The Meerut Range, encompassing Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Hapur districts, anticipates over 20 lakh devotees at Pura Mahadeva alone. To support them, 838 temporary camps provide food, shelter, and medical aid. Additionally, 184 rest points line the 540-kilometer route. Security arrangements are unprecedented this year, with a heavy police presence and cutting-edge technology ensuring pilgrim safety. Hundreds of police personnel are deployed across the route, supported by 119 security barriers equipped with CCTV cameras. Drones are being extensively used to monitor the 540-kilometre Kanwar route, providing real-time surveillance to prevent incidents and manage crowds. A key highlight this year is the QR code system for eateries on the Kanwar route. On Wednesday, food safety officials in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut began pasting QR stickers at restaurants and dhabas. Linked to the Food Safety Connect App, these stickers, when scanned, reveal the establishment's registration number, owner's name, address, and menu details, ensuring access to hygienic, satvik (pure vegetarian) food. Divisional commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod emphasised, 'The QR code system promotes transparency, ensuring kanwariyas are not overcharged and can trust the food's purity.' Rekha S. Chauhan, special secretary and additional commissioner of FSDA, elaborated, 'A special drive has been launched on all kanwar routes. We are putting up Safety App Connect stickers on all food stalls, eateries, and restaurants. Owners have been instructed to display proper rate lists for all items. Food quality is being checked along all routes, and hygiene is also being assessed.' Non-compliant eateries face fines up to ₹2 lakh under the Food Safety Act, 2006. Manoj Saini, a restaurant owner on the Meerut-Muzaffarnagar highway, said, 'Officials visited my shop. We were instructed to maintain cleanliness during the Kanwar Yatra.' Kanwariya Aman Kumar from Ghaziabad praised the initiative: 'QR codes make it easy to choose safe, pure food. It gives us confidence during our journey.' Anita Devi, a kanwariya from Hapur, remarked, 'QR codes and clean food stalls make us feel cared for. It's a long walk, but these efforts make it easier to stay focused on Lord Shiva.' Meerut Range DIG Kalanidhi Naithani stated, 'Our drone surveillance system, combined with a robust police deployment, ensures comprehensive monitoring of the yatra. We've stationed women police personnel at key points and established Lost and Found centres to assist pilgrims, particularly in 184 mixed-population areas where communal harmony is a priority.' Meerut SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh said round-the-clock patrolling and drone surveillance were being done. State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams, along with local divers, are on standby for emergencies. Several traffic diversions have been put in place in the region. Meanwhile, the QR code and owner display mandate has sparked a debate, with critics citing risks of communal profiling, a concern raised in the Supreme Court's 2024 pause on a similar directive.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
A Golden Opportunity to Eliminate Kaal Sarp Dosh for 1 Hour 43 Minutes on Sawan Shivratri, July 23
This year, Shivratri in the month of Sawan coincides with July 23, presenting a highly auspicious opportunity for Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran puja. During the days of the Kumbh, worship and other auspicious activities are usually considered meritorious during the morning time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, on the day of Sawan Shivratri, worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, great renunciation, meditation, or observing silence during the night specifically yields special results. While performing auspicious activities during Rahu Kaal is generally avoided on regular days, Shivratri is an exception. On this sacred day, worshipping Lord Shiva, performing Rudrabhishek, chanting the Mahamrityunjay Mantra, or conducting Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran rituals during Rahu Kaal is believed to be particularly effective and fruitful. According to Celebrity Astrologer Parduman Suri, on July 23, Rahu Kaal will last from 12:27 PM to 2:10 PM, making a total duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes. During this time, individuals suffering from Kaal Sarp Dosh can perform special rituals to alleviate its effects. Sawan Shivratri is the most powerful night for the worship of Lord Shiva, who is known as "Kaalon Ke Kaal" — the destroyer of time, serpents, negative energies, and planetary afflictions. For other devotees, the auspicious time for Sawan Shivratri puja on July 23 is 41 minutes long, during the Nishita Kaal, which falls from 12:07 AM to 12:48 AM (midnight). This is the best time to perform midnight worship (Ratri Prahar Puja), especially for attaining mantra siddhi (spiritual mastery through chanting). What is Kaal Sarp Dosh? Kaal Sarp Dosh occurs when all planets in a person's birth chart fall between Rahu and Ketu. This yoga is believed to cause obstacles in life, mental stress, repeated failures, and issues related to progeny. Rituals, mantras, and Shiva worship — especially during Rahu Kaal — are considered highly effective in reducing the malefic effects of this dosh. Written By: Celebrity Astrologer Parduman Suri..!!
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Indian Express
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Ghaziabad police issues traffic advisory; diversions, road closures from July 11
The Ghaziabad traffic police on Friday issued an advisory for commuters ahead of the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage, with diversions and road closures set to come into effect from July 11. Officials said in the traffic advisory that heavy vehicles will be banned on certain routes from July 11 to 24, 2025 in Ghaziabad. Light vehicles will face some restrictions from July 17, and blockages will be implemented on Delhi-Meerut Road and Delhi-Meerut Expressway during the Kanwar Yatra. According to the notice, heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, trolleys and tractors won't be allowed on certain routes from July 11, 10 pm to make sure that the pilgrims have safe access to the yatra routes. The following roads will remain closed for heavy vehicles on the specified dates – Pipeline Road (Muradnagar – Tila Morh), Delhi–Meerut Road & Expressway (DME) main carriageways, Kadrabad–Delhi-Ghaziabad border stretch (42.5 km), and NH‑34 (formerly NH‑58) and Gangnahar Patri Kanwar Road blocked at specific points. Meanwhile, the entire Delhi–Meerut Expressway (Kashi Toll Plaza to UP Gate, 56 km) will remain closed for all vehicles until at least July 23 (Sawan Shivratri). Further, heavy vehicles will be diverted onto NH‑9 via UP Gate – Dasna – Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) – to reach Hapur/Meerut once diversions come into effect. All routes will also be accessible via Delhi- Meerut Expressway auxiliary lanes before full closures take effect. Additional instructions include – The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage undertaken during the Hindu month of Shravan, draws thousands of devotees every year, who participate in the religious event by travelling on foot. Their routes include roads with heavy traffic, which is why restrictions on vehicular movement have also been restricted at night.
