Mumbai: The sacred month of Sawan is deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, who is believed to visit his in-laws’ home on Earth during this time. Devotees observe this month with great faith, as it is said that even simple offerings and sincere prayers can please Mahadev and wash away life’s hardships. Among the many days of worship in this month, the Mondays — known as Sawan Somwars — hold a special significance, especially for those seeking spiritual growth, health, or marital bliss.

Today, July 21, marks the second Monday of Sawan in 2025. If you’re planning to offer jalabhishek and prayers to Lord Shiva, here’s everything you need to know: the right time for the ritual, which mantras to chant, how to perform the puja, and most importantly, which items should not be offered on the Shivling — a common mistake that can reverse the benefits of your devotion.

Auspicious time for jalabhishek on the second Sawan Somwar

Shubh muhurat (auspicious time): The ideal time to perform jalabhishek on this day is from 4:14 AM to 4:55 AM, according to Hindu Panchang. This is considered the most powerful window for invoking Lord Shiva’s blessings.

How to perform Shiv Puja on Monday

• Wake up early: Bathe before sunrise and wear clean clothes.
• Prepare the puja area: Clean your prayer space and set up a Shivling.
• Perform Abhishek: Bathe the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, and Gangajal.
• Offerings: Place belpatra, flowers, incense, and light a lamp.
• Chanting: Recite the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” repeatedly with devotion.
• Aarti and prasad: Conclude the puja with an aarti and offer prasad.

What to do on the second Sawan Somwar

• Observe a fast: Devotees often observe a Monday fast (Somwar Vrat) to seek Shiva’s blessings.
• Read the Shiv Puran: Reading scriptures like the Shiv Puran is believed to strengthen spiritual connection.
• Donate and serve: Feeding the poor, donating clothes, or helping others in any way is considered highly auspicious on this day.

Powerful mantras to please Lord Shiva

• Primary mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Mahamrityunjaya mantra:

  “Om tryambakam Yajmamahe Sugandhim PushTivardhanam
  Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ”

• Gayatri mantra for shiva:

  “Om tatpurushaya vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
  Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat ”

DURING Jalabhishek, Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or The Gayatri Mantra for an Amplified Effect.

What to offer on the Shivling this Sawan Monday

To earn Mahadev’s blessings, offer the following:

• Black Sesame (to)
• Wheat grains
• Perfume (ITRA)
• Dating Fruit
• Belpatra
• Sandalwood paste
• Honey
• Sugarcane juice
• Cow’s milk

Fruits that can be offered

You may offer:

• Banana
• Apple
• Guava
• Bel fruit (Wood apple)
• Datura and Ber (Indian jujube) – favourites of Lord Shiva

Items you should never offer on the Shivling

Avoid these items as they are forbidden in Shiv Puja:

• Tulsi leaves
• Ketaki (screw pine) flowers
• Water from a conch shell
• Sindoor (vermilion)
• Turmeric
• Red flowers
• Broken Belpatra

Forbidden flowers and fruits in Shiv worship

Do not offer these flowers:

• Ketaki
• Red-coloured flowers
• Kantakari (spiny plant) flowers
• Lotus
• Juhi
• Kevda
• Baheda Flower

Do not offer these fruits:

• Coconut
• Banana (on the lingam)
• Pomegranate
• Jamun
• Jackfruit

Worship during Sawan is more than just a ritual — it’s a powerful way to realign your mind, body, and karma. By following the correct methods and avoiding inauspicious items, devotees can truly invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and walk the path of peace and inner strength.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)