Sawan Shivratri, also known as Shravana Shivratri or Masik Shivratri, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated during the Shravan month. Falling on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha, it is the most important day of the Sawan month and holds great significance for Lord Shiva's devotees. This year, Sawan Shivratri is on Saturday, July 15, according to the Drik Panchang. The Nishita Kaal Puja timings are from 12:07 pm to 12:48 pm on July 16, while the Sawan Shivratri Parana time is from 5:33 am to 3:54 pm. The Ratri Chatur Prahar Puja Time starts at 3:00 am and ends at 5:33 am on July 16. The Chaturdashi date begins on July 15 at 8:32 pm and concludes on July 16 at 10:08 pm.
Sawan Shivratri 2023 History:
Sawan Shivratri commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It is believed that Maa Parvati performed intense penance to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for his longevity and well-being, and they got married on this auspicious day. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm by Hindus, particularly devotees of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
Sawan Shivratri 2023 Significance:
During the month of Sawan, people often observe fasts on Mondays to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Married women pray for a blissful marital life, while unmarried women seek suitable life partners. Kanwariyas, devotees who undertake a pilgrimage to collect holy water from various sacred places, offer Gangajal (water from the river Ganges) to Lord Shiva, seeking prosperity and happiness. The entire Sawan month is an opportunity for devotees to offer prayers to Lord Shiva with pure intentions and dedication.
Sawan Shivratri 2023 Celebrations:
Sawan Shivratri is predominantly celebrated in North Indian states like Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar. Shiva temples in these regions conduct special puja ceremonies and provide darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva during the Sawan month. On the day preceding Shivratri, devotees eat only one meal and make a commitment (Sankalp) to observe a full-day fast the next day. They perform Shiv puja (ritual worship of Lord Shiva) and break their fast the following day after sunrise but before the Chaturdashi Tithi ends. The celebrations bring devotees together to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience spiritual upliftment.
