Sawan Shivratri 2024: Date, Meaning, Significance, and more

Every year after Devshayani Ekadashi, starts the month of Sawan, the month of Lord Shiva. And within Sawan, comes Sawan Shivratri, the most holy and auspicious day of the month after the first Sawan Somwaar.
According to the Gregorian calendar, Sawan Shivratri can fall anywhere between July and August, and according to Hindu calendar, it is observed on the ‘Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna paksha in Sawan maas (month).

According to Drik Panchang, this year Sawan Shivratri will be observed on August 2, Friday.
“Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 03:26 PM on Aug 02, 2024
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 03:50 PM on Aug 03, 2024”

Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is considered extremely important for worshipping Lord Shiva. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Shivratri, the night of Shiva, is one of the most powerful nights of the Sawan month.
It is said that fasting and observing all rituals associated with Sawan Shivratri has the power to cleanse the soul and human body and grant spiritual liberation to his devotees. It is believed that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on this night can wash away sins, remove negative influences, and lead to a better, more aligned, and fulfilling life. The vibrations and energies that are present during the night of Shivratri are powerful, pure, and for some, overwhelming. But, it is also the perfect night to improve your spiritual and meditative rituals.

Sawan Shivratri is observed with a series of rituals and practices that in a way honour Lord Shiva and show the devotees devotion and respect towards Devon ke Dev, Mahadev.
Fasting
Fasting, or vrat, is one of the most important parts of Sawan Shivratri for devotees. People observe a strict fast, refraining from eating grains and any kind of Tamsic foods. Some even opt for a complete fast, or Nirjala vrat (no water or food for the day).
For people who cannot do the same, it is advised to eat only fruits and have water throughout the day.
Shivling abhishekam
The Shivling, a symbol of Lord Shiva, is bathed and cleansed with various offerings. Devotees offer them things like milk, honey, curd, ghee, gangajal, and more.
Each of these are also symbolic in nature as milk is for purity, honey for sweetness, curd for prosperity, ghee for victory, and gangajal for moksha.
Offering Bael patra to Shivling
Bael patra is also offered to the Shivling in Sawan Shivratri and the days that follow. The Bael patra has 3 leaves and are both important and sacred. They are a must-offer to Lord Shiva during the puja along with flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and the likes.
Chanting of Lord Shiva’s name
Many devotees also chant Lord Shiva’s name and the mantras associated with him. It is said that a continuous jap of his name or of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ can greatly benefit the devotee.
Staying up all night
During the Sawan Shivratri, people also stay awake all night. It is best to meditate, chant, focus on his energy, and listen to mantras and hymns dedicated to him.
See More:Happy Sawan Shivratri 2024: Best messages, quotes, wishes and images to share on Sawan Shivratri

On the day of Sawan Shivratri, it is best to wake up early, take a shower, perform some chanting and jap, and then head over to the nearest Shiva temple.
Some people also prefer visiting a Jyotirling on Sawan Shivratri as it is said that the energy surrounding the place and temple are pure and positive.
The completion of Kawad yatra
With the start of Sawan month, many devotees, known as Kawadias, set on their Kawad Yatra. Kawadias walk barefoot for 100s of kilometres to fetch Gangajal from Haridwar and pour it over the Shivling near to their home.
And by Sawan Shivratri, Kawadias come back from Haridwar and ‘arpit’ (pour) the Gangajal on the Shivling they had decided.
Mantras to chant on Sawan Shivratri
As many people decide to stay awake throughout the night of Sawan Shivratri, with it they chant mantras to help the mind focus on Shiva and the energies and vibrations that surround them. Some mantras to chant are -
Om Namah Shivay
This is one of the easiest and most powerful mantras of Lord Shiva. With a simple meaning, this mantra carries a very strong message. ‘Om Namah Shivay’ means ‘I bow to Lord Shiva’ and shows a devotee's surrender to him.
Mahamrityunjaya mantra
Another powerful mantra to chant is the Mahamrityunjay mantra.
‘Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat’.
It is believed that the Mahamrityunjaya mantra gives devotees protection, health, and longevity and chanting it 108 times ensures peace and prosperity.
Lingashtakam stotram
Stotram - Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam, Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam, Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam.
This stotram elaborates upon Lord Shiva and his attributes in the form of Shivling (as worshipped during Shivratri).