Each Monday in Shravan carries the combined power of Shiva’s day and Shiva’s month. The four Shravan Somvars are considered the most powerful days of the entire year for Shiva worship.
Morning of the Puja
Wake at Brahma Muhurta (4:00–5:30 AM) if possible. Bathe and wear white, saffron, or ash-coloured clothes. Do not apply synthetic fragrances on Shravan Somvar.
The Puja Sequence
Step 1: Shuddhi
Sprinkle Gangajal throughout the puja area and on yourself, chanting Om Namah Shivaya three times.
Step 2: Sankalp
State your name, gotra, location, and the specific intention for this Somvar. Name which Somvar it is (first, second, third, or fourth) and what you are asking for:
“Om Vishnu Om Vishnu Om Vishnu. Adya, Shravan Maas, [ordinal] Somvar, I, [name], perform this Rudrabhishek puja for [specific intention] at the feet of Mahadeva.”
Step 3: Ganesh Puja
Brief invocation. Offer roli, akshat, and a flower. Chant Om Gan Ganapataye Namah 11 times.
Step 4: Panchamrit Abhishek
Pour each substance over the Shivalinga with its mantra:
- Milk: Om Payoabhishekam Samarpayami Shri Shivaya Namah
- Curd: Om Dadyabhishekam Samarpayami Shri Shivaya Namah
- Honey: Om Madhvabhishekam Samarpayami Shri Shivaya Namah
- Ghee: Om Ghritabhishekam Samarpayami Shri Shivaya Namah
- Sugar: Om Sharkarabhishekam Samarpayami Shri Shivaya Namah
Step 5: Gangajal Abhishek
Continuous abhishek with Gangajal while chanting Om Namah Shivaya or the Shri Rudram. In Shravan, this should be especially generous — pour slowly, with full attention. The sound of the water is your mantra.
Step 6: Bilva Patra and Flowers
Offer bilva patra in sets of five or eleven. Then offer dhatura, madar flowers, and white flowers. Offer more bilva patra than usual — this is the most sacred offering of Shravan.
Step 7: Bhasma Offering
Apply sacred bhasma at the base of the Shivalinga. Shiva himself is adorned with bhasma — it symbolises the ultimate truth that all material forms return to ash, and only consciousness remains.
Step 8: Shodashopachara
Apply chandan. Offer roli, akshat. Light dhoop and agarbatti. Offer panchmeva. Sprinkle kala til (black sesame) — especially significant in Shravan.
Step 9: Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
108 repetitions with a Rudraksha mala:
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.”
Step 10: Shiva Aarti
Wave the ghee lamp in clockwise circles. Ring the bell. Chant Om Jai Shiv Omkara.
Step 11: Pranam and Prasad
Full pranam. Distribute abhishek jal. Pour remaining water into a plant or flowing water.
What Makes Each Shravan Somvar Different
First Somvar: Dedicate to Mahadev — gratitude and removal of accumulated obstacles.
Second Somvar: Dedicate to Shankar — health, family, emotional harmony.
Third Somvar: Dedicate to Bholenath — material prayers and specific requests.
Fourth Somvar: Dedicate to Rudra — deep spiritual work, Navagraha shanti, ancestral healing. Most powerful of the four.
Our Shivratri Puja Kit from Kashi contains the complete samagri for all four Shravan Somvar pujas.
Har Har Mahadev.
See also:
• Shravan Month 2026: Complete Guide
• Shravan Somvar Fast: Rules & What to Eat