Mumbai: As the sacred month of Sawan unfolds, millions of devotees across India are observing the holy Mondays—known as Sawan Somwar—with deep reverence for Lord Shiva. Each Monday in this period is considered an opportunity to connect spiritually with the divine and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and fulfilment of wishes.
Among the most common rituals followed during Sawan Somwar is lighting a diya (oil lamp). But not all lamps are considered equal. Depending on the type of oil used, the spiritual benefits and planetary influences may differ. Here’s a guide to which oil you should use in your diya on Sawan Mondays to maximise divine grace and ward off negative energies.
Which Oil Lamp to Light on Sawan Somwar?
1. Mahua Oil (Highly Auspicious)
According to the Shiva Purana, mahua oil is especially dear to Lord Shiva. Lighting a lamp with mahua oil on Sawan Monday is believed to deeply please Bholenath (the innocent one), who then showers blessings upon his devotees. This oil is considered spiritually potent and a symbol of pure devotion.
2. Mustard Oil (For Fulfilment of Desires)
Lighting a mustard oil lamp in front of a Shivling is another powerful practice. Scriptures say that Lord Shiva is pleased by this offering, and it helps in fulfilling the wishes of the devotee. This is especially recommended for those seeking resolution of material or emotional issues.
3. Ghee Lamp (For Divine Grace)
Ghee, or clarified butter, is considered sacred in Hindu rituals. Lighting a ghee diya in a Shiva temple during Sawan Somwar brings immense spiritual merit and divine blessings. It is said to strengthen your connection with Lord Shiva and invite his boundless grace into your life.
4. Sesame Oil Lamp (To Remove Malefic Planetary Effects)
If you’re dealing with astrological challenges such as the ill effects of Saturn (Shani), Rahu, or Ketu, lighting a lamp with sesame oil can be a powerful remedy. As per traditional belief, doing so on a Sawan Monday helps neutralise these planetary doshas and protects the devotee from spiritual or karmic blockages.
Sawan 2025 Dates
This year, the month of Sawan began on 11 July 2025 and will conclude on 9 August 2025. The four Sawan Somwars fall on:
- 14 July 2025
- 21 July 2025
- 28 July 2025
- 4 August 2025
Each of these Mondays is considered an incredibly auspicious time to light a diya and perform Shiva puja with full faith.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)