Sawan Begins: Devotees to Worship Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, and Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingas on First Monday

Religion

The sacred month of Sawan (Shravan) has officially begun, and with it comes a wave of devotion, rituals, and spiritual energy centered around Lord Shiva. Today, July 14, marks the first Monday of Sawan, a day that holds immense significance for devotees across India and around the world. This month is considered one of the most auspicious times in the Hindu calendar, particularly for worshippers of Mahadev.

Traditionally, the Mondays of Sawan—known as Sawan Somvars—are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts, visit temples, and perform special pujas to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. A popular practice during this month is the pilgrimage to the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.

However, not everyone can make these pilgrimages due to distance, health, or personal circumstances. Understanding this, many spiritual leaders and guides now encourage home-based worship, especially in the digital age, where devotion can transcend physical boundaries. Worshipping Jyotirlingas at home with sincere faith and correct rituals is said to be equally beneficial.

This year, the four Mondays of Sawan fall on July 14, 21, 28, and August 4. A suggested approach for devotees at home is to focus on three different Jyotirlingas each Monday, making it possible to offer prayers to all twelve over the span of the month.

Focus of the First Monday: Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, and Mallikarjuna

On this first Sawan Somvar, the spotlight is on Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, and Mallikarjuna—three of the most revered Jyotirlingas in Hinduism.

1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar is the only Dakshinamukhi Jyotirlinga, meaning it faces south. Located in the ancient city of Ujjain, this shrine is associated with time, transformation, and cosmic order. It is believed that Lord Shiva here is in his fierce form—Mahakal, the lord of time and death. Devotees pray here to be freed from the fear of death and to gain inner strength.

Mantra to chant:
“ॐ महाकालाय नमः”
(Om Mahakalaya Namah)

2. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Veraval, Gujarat

Known as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath holds immense historical and mythological importance. It is believed that the Moon God (Chandra) himself built the original temple as an offering to Lord Shiva. Worshipping here is said to bring healing and divine protection.

Mantra to chant:
“ॐ सोमेश्वराय नमः”
(Om Someshwaraya Namah)

3. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

Nestled in the Nallamala Hills, the Mallikarjuna temple stands as a symbol of Shiva and Parvati's unity. It is also one of the Shakti Peethas, making it doubly sacred. Devotees believe that praying here brings marital harmony, spiritual upliftment, and blessings from both divine parents.

Mantra to chant:
“ॐ मल्लिकार्जुनाय नमः”
(Om Mallikarjunaya Namah)

How to Perform Home Puja

For those offering prayers from home, a simple and heartfelt Shiva Puja can be performed by setting up a Shivling or a symbolic image of Lord Shiva. Here’s a basic ritual outline:

Begin with a clean space and light a diya (oil lamp).
Offer water or milk to the Shivling while chanting mantras.
Decorate with belpatra (bilva leaves), flowers, and sandalwood paste.
Chant the mantras of the three Jyotirlingas mentioned above.
Conclude with a short meditation or reading from Shiva scriptures like the Shiva Purana.

A Month of Devotion

Sawan is not just a month of rituals; it’s a time for self-reflection, inner cleansing, and spiritual growth. Each Monday offers an opportunity to deepen your connection with the divine, whether through temple visits or heartfelt prayers at home.

As the monsoon nourishes the earth, let this sacred time nourish your soul. Begin the month with devotion, and let Mahadev’s blessings guide you through the rest of the Sawan.