Sawan Shivaratri 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Shiva: Primarily, men and women alike observe this fast to seek the blessings, protection, and grace of Lord Shiva.
• Kanwariyas and Families: Devotees who carry Gangajal on the Kanwar Yatra, and families seeking peace, health, and prosperity, offer the water on this day. Unmarried women also pray for a worthy life partner (Yogya Var Prapti).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath and Sankalp: Early in the morning, a ritual bath is taken and the fast begins.
• Daytime: The fast is kept through the day, and many devotees visit the Shiva temple to offer Gangajal.
• Puja Muhurat: The main Shivaratri puja is done during Nishita Kaal (around midnight). Check the Nishita Kaal puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Breaking the Fast: After the Nishita puja is complete, or the next morning after the puja (families differ).

About the Festival

Sawan Shivaratri is a deeply revered North Indian observance where devotees fast and worship Lord Shiva during the sacred month of Shravan. It takes place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana.

The Vrat Katha (Story of the Halahala Poison)

Once upon a time, the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in search of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. During the churning, a terrible poison named Halahala emerged from the ocean, and its fumes began to burn all of creation. The Devas and Asuras, and all living beings, were frightened and could not bear it.

They ran to Lord Shiva for protection. Moved by compassion, Lord Shiva took the poison in his hand and drank it to save the world. Goddess Parvati pressed his throat so that the poison would not go down into his body, and it stayed in his throat, turning it blue. From then on, he came to be known as Neelkanth.

The Devas, afraid that the poison would burn him, advised each other: "Let us cool Lord Shiva with sacred water, milk, and Bel leaves, and keep a night-long vigil in his praise." They worshipped him through the night, and Lord Shiva was pleased with their devotion. Since that day, devotees have offered Gangajal, milk, and Bel leaves to Lord Shiva in the month of Shravan, observing the Sawan Shivaratri fast with full faith.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the night puja:

• Image / Shivling: A Shivling, or a picture of Lord Shiva with Parvati and the family
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan, Roli, Bhasma (sacred ash), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense (Dhoop)
• Sacred Water Container: A Lota filled with Gangajal or fresh water for the Abhishek
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, fruits, and Panchamrit
• Devotional Accessories: Bel Patra (Bel leaves), Dhatura, white flowers, and Aak flowers

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (preferably white; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Mahadev, today I observe the Sawan Shivaratri fast with full devotion. Bless me and my family with health, peace, and your grace."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, taking only fruits, milk, or water (many devotees fast without grain).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Evening)

1. Clean the puja space and set up the Shivling on a clean platform or a wooden stool (Chowki).
2. Keep the Abhishek items, such as Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, and ghee, ready nearby.
3. Place the Bel leaves, Dhatura, flowers, and the Diya in front of the Shivling.

Step 3: Performing the Nishita Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of Lord Shiva.
2. Performing Abhishek: Bathe the Shivling slowly with Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, and ghee, one after the other, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya".
3. Offering Bel Patra & Flowers: Offer Bel leaves, Dhatura, and white flowers, and apply Chandan and Bhasma.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer fruits and sweets to Lord Shiva.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha (Nishita Kaal)

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the Shivling and recite or listen to the Shivaratri Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the feet of Lord Shiva.

Step 5: Aarti and Mantra Chanting

1. Perform the Shiv Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.
3. Many devotees keep a vigil (Jagran) through the night with bhajans and prayers.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.