The month of Shravan brings with it divine energy, sacred rituals, and deep devotion. Among its most powerful observances is Shravan Somwar, a Monday fast dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Puranas speak of this day as a path to transformation, grace, and liberation.
Whether you fast regularly or have just begun to explore spiritual practices, understanding what the ancient texts say about Shravan Somwar can deepen your journey.
Shravan and the Power of Mondays
The Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana describe Shravan as the most auspicious month for worshipping Lord Shiva. During this period, the Moon is said to be in closer alignment with Earth’s spiritual forces, especially on Mondays.
According to the Puranas, Shiva, the supreme yogi, is most easily pleased during Shravan. Observing the Monday fast, or Shravan Somwar, is said to remove karmic burdens and fulfill heartfelt wishes.
Even devotees who have slipped into material distractions can reconnect with divine truth during Shravan. That is why the fast is often seen as a sacred reset.
The Story of Samudra Manthan
One of the most powerful Puranic legends tied to Shravan Somwar is the Samudra Manthan or churning of the cosmic ocean. As per the Bhagavata and Vishnu Purana, both devas and asuras churned the ocean to obtain amrit, the nectar of immortality.
During the churning, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged. Fearing the destruction of all creation, the gods turned to Shiva. Out of compassion, Lord Shiva consumed the poison. His throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelkantha.
This sacrifice is believed to have occurred during the month of Shravan. That is why devotees offer milk, water, and bilva leaves to cool Shiva and express gratitude.
The Puranas teach us here that divine service goes beyond prayer—it also means absorbing pain for the good of others.
The Story of the Poor Brahmin and the Fast
The Skanda Purana tells the tale of a poor Brahmin named Devdutta. He was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva but struggled financially. One day, an old sage advised him to observe the Shravan Somwar fast.
Devdutta began with faith, though he had very little to offer. He simply lit a diya, chanted the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, and drank water during the fast. Within weeks, his life began to change. He found steady work, gained respect, and his spiritual progress deepened.
This story teaches that sincerity matters more than ritual perfection. Even simple devotion, when pure, is enough to move the divine.
Rituals Rooted in Puranic Teachings
The Puranas emphasize internal purity as much as external ritual. Yet they also give a framework for how to observe Shravan Somwar properly:
Rise early and take a bath before sunrise.
Offer jal abhishekam to a Shiva Lingam. Use water, milk, or ghee.
Chant Shiva mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra.
Eat only once during the day or follow a complete water-only fast if you’re able.
Avoid grains and spicy food, keeping the body light and mind calm.
Spend time in reflection, reading verses from Shiva Purana or listening to stories from the Puranas.
Why the Puranas Focus on Mondays
The Moon, called “Som” in Sanskrit, is associated with the mind. That’s why Monday is called “Somwar.” The Puranas describe how Shiva wears the crescent moon on his head, symbolizing his control over emotions and thought.
By fasting on Shravan Somwar, devotees aim to gain that same inner control. It’s a practice in discipline, surrender, and calming mental storms.
Modern Lessons from Ancient Texts
The Puranas may be ancient, but their guidance feels surprisingly modern. The stories are full of metaphors that reflect today’s emotional struggles.
For instance, the churning of the ocean mirrors the inner battles we face when we seek clarity. The poison is symbolic of stress, ego, and attachment. Shiva’s act of holding the poison but not swallowing it shows us how to bear pain without letting it consume us.
When you fast on Shravan Somwar, you are not just following a ritual—you’re re-enacting a cosmic truth.
The Role of Devotion Over Complexity
The Padma Purana shares a story of a woman named Sushila who could not afford even a diya. Still, she would sit every Monday and sing bhajans in praise of Shiva. One night, she dreamt of Lord Shiva blessing her. Soon after, she received unexpected help from someone who offered her work and shelter.
The message is simple but profound. God does not need grandeur. He responds to love.
So even if your life feels chaotic, or your routines are imperfect, start wherever you are. The Puranas remind us that progress matters more than perfection.
A Family Tradition Across Generations
Many families pass down Shravan Somwar fasting as a tradition. A grandmother fasts. Then her daughter. Then her granddaughter. But often, the reason behind it gets lost in repetition.
Revisiting the Puranas can breathe life back into these customs. When we understand why these fasts were kept, the practice becomes richer and more meaningful.
Instead of fasting mechanically, reflect on what you’re offering. Is it ego, fear or is it a wish for healing?
Let every Monday in Shravan become a step toward deeper awareness.
What You Can Do This Shravan
If you’re planning to observe Shravan Somwar, here are a few things you can do right away:
Read or listen to one Puranic story about Lord Shiva each Monday.
Try chanting a simple mantra for 5–10 minutes in the morning.
Cook sattvic food for the day and offer a portion to Shiva.
Keep a small Shiva idol or photo at your home altar and light a diya.
Journal your experiences after each Monday fast.
Shravan Somwar Is Not Just a Fast
It is a spiritual conversation with the divine. It’s a way to pause the noise and invite divine energy into your life. The Puranas guide us not just with rituals, but with stories that awaken faith.
So, when you wake up this coming Monday, don’t just see it as a day of fasting. See it as a day of return. A return to the self, to silence, and to the timeless grace of Shiva.
Do you observe Shravan Somwar? Have you heard any family stories or personal experiences connected to this sacred fast? Share them in the comments. Let’s keep the tradition alive through our words, memories, and devotion.
