Shravan Mondays come around quickly, and many families want to hold the puja properly while keeping the fast. Keeping track of items and the sequence is one more thing to manage. A pandit leads the puja so you can focus on the vrat.
Why it is done
Mondays are traditionally dedicated to Shiva, and the month of Shravan (Sawan) is a time many families give extra devotion to him. Many families keep a fast on Shravan Mondays and offer water, milk and bilva leaves. Customs differ by region and family.
Who it is for
Families and individuals who keep Shravan Monday fasts; couples or elders who hold a Monday puja each year; households wanting a pandit-led puja during Sawan.
When to do it
On Mondays in the month of Shravan. The month falls at different times in North Indian (purnimanta) and South Indian (amanta) calendars, so dates differ. Your pandit can suggest the right dates and timing for your city.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Saavan Somvar Puja works well if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the setup easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: Sankalp, Ganesh pooja, Shiva pujan with abhishek, aarti and vrat katha. It runs about 1.5 hours with one pandit and follows a sequence of around 15 vidhi steps.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: The standard sequence with a fuller set of offerings, longer chanting and more time at each stage. It runs about 2 hours with one pandit and follows a sequence of around 22 vidhi steps.
Choose the standard for a regular Monday puja. Choose the extended ceremony if you are marking the first Somvar or your family follows the fuller vidhi.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself; the pandit can share a list before the day.
The sequence
- Sankalp with your name and vrat intention
- Ganesh pooja to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Shiva pujan and abhishek with water, milk and bilva leaves
- Chanting of Shiva mantras
- Somvar vrat katha
- Aarti
- Prasad and breaking the fast as per your custom
How to prepare
- Decide whether you will keep a full or partial fast, and check what your family permits
- Keep a Shivling or image, bilva leaves and a vessel for the abhishek
- Keep the puja space clean and the floor protected
- Keep fruits and prasad ready
- Share your family tradition when booking
- Decide whether to use pandit-arranged samagri or your own
Who should attend
The person keeping the vrat, along with family who wish to join. Others can come for the aarti and prasad.
Your tradition
The number of Mondays, fasting rules and offerings differ widely. Some families keep 16 Mondays; others follow the Shravan Mondays only. Share your custom when booking.
Safety
If you are fasting, take care if you have a health condition, are pregnant or elderly, and follow your doctor's advice over any custom. The puja uses a lit diya, so keep it away from curtains and children.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony and about 2 hours for the extended one, plus a little time to set up.
Do I have to fast? Fasting is a personal and family choice. Many keep a fast, but the puja can be held without one.
Can I hold it on any Monday? Traditionally the puja is held on Mondays of Shravan, though some families keep Mondays through the year. Your pandit can guide you.
What if our family follows a different sequence? Your family's custom takes priority. Share it when you book and the pandit will follow it where possible.