Devotees across the country have started preparing for the first Sawan Monday fast as the holy month of Shravan gets underway. Shiva temples typically see huge crowds of devotees offering water to the Shivling all through this month, and the rush peaks even further on Mondays. It is widely believed that observing this fast with proper rituals blesses unmarried women with a partner of their choice, while married women receive blessings of prosperity and a happy married life.
According to Hindu beliefs, the month of Sawan is especially dear to Lord Shiva, and any devotee who worships him with true devotion during this period gets their wishes fulfilled. However, if certain important rules are not followed while observing the Monday fast, the puja is considered incomplete and devotees may not receive the full benefit of the vrat. That's why it helps to understand these rules before starting the fast. Incidentally, there is a Shiva temple in Ujjain that opens for just one day a year, during Sawan, and devotees believe that simply having darshan there fulfils their wishes.
7 mistakes to avoid during the Sawan Monday fast
Follow the correct Shivling puja ritual: On Mondays, perform the jalabhishek of the Shivling as per proper rituals and offer bel patra, bhaang, dhatura and chandan to Lord Shiva. Take care never to offer tulsi, turmeric or ketaki flowers on the Shivling, since these are considered forbidden in Shiva worship.
Don't offer broken bel patra: Lord Shiva is extremely fond of bel patra, but offering a broken or streaked leaf on the Shivling should be avoided.
Avoid sleeping during the day: Devotees observing the Monday fast should avoid sleeping in the daytime, and it is considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva during Pradosh Kaal, that is, in the evening.
Observe celibacy and a sattvic lifestyle: Devotees are advised to observe brahmacharya during the fast and maintain sattvic conduct throughout.
Stay away from tamsik items: Devotees should avoid consuming tamsik food on Mondays and stay away from any kind of intoxicants.
Donate as per your means: As per one's capacity, food, clothes and money should be donated to the poor and needy on this day.
Skip black clothing: Wearing black clothes on Monday is best avoided. Green, yellow, red, white or saffron coloured clothes are considered auspicious on this day.
Sawan Monday fast dates for 2026
First Monday fast: August 3, 2026
Second Monday fast: August 10, 2026
Third Monday fast: August 17, 2026
Fourth Monday fast: August 24, 2026
Devotees who observe the fast and perform the puja on all four Mondays while following the rules listed above are believed to receive the special blessings of Lord Shiva. It is therefore worth keeping these points in mind before the fast begins, so that nothing is left incomplete in the worship.
