Why is Shivaratri of Sawan so special? Know this mythological belief related to Bholenath

Sawan Shivratri 2026Image Credit source: PTI

When is Sawan Shivratri 2026: The month of Sawan is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this entire month, Shiva devotees worship Bholenath, perform Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek. But the importance of Shivratri falling in the month of Sawan is considered even more special. According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Lord Shiva on this day and consecrating Shivalinga in all four hours of the night, Bholenath is pleased and fulfills the wishes of the devotees. On the day of Sawan Shivratri, a huge crowd of devotees is seen in Shiva temples across the country. On this day, Kanwariyas also anoint Lord Shiva by bringing water from holy rivers. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva with a true heart on Saavan Shivratri removes the sorrows and troubles of life and brings blessings of happiness and prosperity. Let’s know about Saavan Shivratri Why is it considered so special and what is the mythological belief behind it?

When is Sawan Shivratri 2026?

Saavan Shivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Saavan month. According to Drik Panchang, in the year 2026, the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha will start on August 11 at 4:54 am and will end on August 12 at 1:52 am. Therefore, according to Udaya Tithi, Sawan Shivratri 2026 will be celebrated on 11th August this year.

Why is Saavan Shivratri considered special?

The month of Sawan is considered most dear to Lord Shiva. It is believed that worshiping Bholenath in this month brings special blessings on the devotees. Whereas Sawan Shivratri is considered very auspicious for worshiping Shiva. It is said that on this day Lord Shiva becomes pleased by offering water, milk, Belpatra, Dhatura and Aak flowers. Devotees perform Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek of Bholenath as per their devotion. Many people observe fast on this day and meditate on Lord Shiva throughout the day. There is also a special tradition of offering water to Shivalinga on Sawan Shivratri. Especially the Kanwariyas bring Ganga water and offer it on Shivalinga on the day of Shivratri. This is considered the most important part of Kanwar Yatra.

The belief of Saavan Shivratri is related to the churning of the ocean.

A major mythological belief related to Saavan Shivratri is related to the churning of the ocean. According to religious stories, when the gods and demons together churned the ocean, many types of things came out of it. During this time, a terrible poison also emerged, which was called Halahal. It is believed that the effect of this poison was so dangerous that it threatened the entire creation. Then, to protect the gods and all living beings, Lord Shiva took that poison in his throat.

Due to the effect of poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue and that is why he was called Neelkanth. It is said that to cool down the heat of the poison, the gods offered water to Lord Shiva. Due to this belief, the tradition of performing Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva is believed to have started in the month of Sawan. Even on Sawan Shivratri, devotees perform Jalabhishek of Bholenath and wish him happiness, peace and prosperity of the family.

Importance of Char Prahar Puja on Sawan Shivratri

There is a tradition of worshiping Lord Shiva in four prahars on the night of Sawan Shivratri. It is believed that by consecrating and worshiping Shivalinga in every part of the night, the devotee gets special virtues. Abhishekam is done with water in the first phase. After this, devotees also anoint Shivling with milk, curd, ghee, honey and Ganga water as per their tradition and devotion. Offering Belpatra on Shivalinga is also considered an important part of this puja. It is believed that by keeping vigil and worshiping on the night of Shivratri, the mind gets peace and one gets the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Also read: Why is the first day of Sawan the most special? Know what measures should be taken to please Bholenath.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Chauhan

More than a decade of experience in electronic and digital media. After doing a journalism course from Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) Noida in 2008, I started my journey in media with the idea of ​​doing something different and new. Since the beginning, I have been interested in making those topics related to Indian culture and religious traditions available to the common people. During his career, he got the opportunity to work in prestigious media organizations like Channel One News, Sahara Samay, A2Z News, News Express, National Voice and Punjab Kesari Digital. While working in these institutions, I got the experience of learning news writing, field reporting, and digital content. At present, in the country’s largest news network TV9 Bharatvarsha, I am fulfilling the responsibility of delivering news related to religion and faith, religious events, astrology, vastu, mythology, temple traditions and fasts and festivals to the readers in simple, easy and factual language. Coverage of Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the important experiences of my career, where I got the opportunity to write in detail on the faith of crores of devotees, the traditions of Akharas, the activities of Sant Samaj and the religious and cultural aspects related to Kumbh. Apart from this, he has also continuously written on Chardham Yatra, Sawan, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja, Amarnath Yatra, Ramzan and other major religious events. I have special interest in the study of Indian culture, religious philosophy, astrology, numerology, Vastu Shastra, Puranas and folk beliefs. My endeavor is always to convey religious and spiritual topics to the readers through simple language, so that they can better understand their traditions and cultural heritage.

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