What to Do and Don't During Sawan: A Simple Guide for Every Shiva Devotee

Sawan (also called Shravan) is one of the most special months for Lord Shiva devotees. During this holy month, millions of people offer water and milk to the Shivling, observe Monday fasts (Sawan Somwar Vrat), chant "Om Namah Shivaya," and pray for peace, health, and happiness.

Many people ask:

• What should we do during Sawan?
• What should we avoid?
• Can we eat onion and garlic?
• Can we cut hair?
• Can we eat non-vegetarian food?
• Can married couples stay together?
  

In this blog, you'll find simple answers to the most common questions about Sawan.

Why is Sawan So Special?

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is one of the holiest months in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer water and Bilva (Bel) leaves to the Shivling, observe Monday fasts, and chant "Om Namah Shivaya" with devotion.

Many people choose to perform good deeds, eat satvik food, help others, and spend more time in prayer. Devotees believe that sincere worship during Sawan brings peace, happiness, good health, and spiritual growth.

What Should You Do During Sawan?

1. Worship Lord Shiva Every Day

Offer:

• Clean water
• Gangajal (if available)
• Bilva (Bel) leaves
• White flowers
• Dhatura (if available)
• Sandalwood paste

While praying, chant:

Om Namah Shivaya

Even chanting it 108 times daily is considered very auspicious.

2. Visit a Shiva Temple

If possible, visit a Shiva temple every Monday.

Offer water to the Shivling with devotion.

Remember that true devotion is more important than expensive offerings.

3. Observe Sawan Somwar Fast

Many devotees keep fast on Mondays.

You may eat fruits, milk, dry fruits, and vrat-approved foods if following a traditional fast.

Always follow the fasting method according to your family tradition or health condition.

4. Read Shiva Scriptures

Reading these sacred texts is considered beneficial:

• Shiva Chalisa
• Shiv Mahimna Stotra
• Rudrashtakam
• Shiva Purana

Even reading for 10 -15 minutes every day helps build a spiritual routine.

5. Practice Kindness

Lord Shiva is pleased by good actions.

Try to:

• Help poor people
• Feed animals
• Donate food
• Speak politely
• Forgive others

Good actions are also a form of worship.

6. Keep Your Home and Mind Clean

Clean your home regularly.

Also try to:

• Avoid anger
• Avoid jealousy
• Stay calm
• Speak kindly

A peaceful mind helps in prayer.

What Should You Avoid During Sawan?

Different families and traditions follow different customs. These are common practices observed by many Shiva devotees.

1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food

Many devotees eat only vegetarian food throughout Sawan.

This includes avoiding:

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs

2. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

These are generally avoided during this holy month.

Sawan is considered a time for purity and self-control.

3. Avoid Speaking Harshly

Try not to:

• Fight
• Use rude words
• Gossip
• Hurt others

Kind words are also part of devotion.

4. Avoid Anger

Keeping your mind peaceful is considered important.

Whenever you feel angry, take a deep breath and chant "Om Namah Shivaya.

5. Avoid Wasting Food

Food is considered sacred.

Take only as much as you can finish.

6. Avoid Breaking Your Fast Without Reason

If you have chosen to keep a fast, try to complete it sincerely.

If you have health problems, consult your doctor and follow a safe fasting routine.
Common Practices During Sawan

Practice	Common Tradition
Vegetarian food	✔ Commonly followed
Monday fast	✔ Very common
Daily Shiva worship	✔ Recommended
Chant Om Namah Shivaya	✔ Highly recommended
Visit Shiva temple	✔ Auspicious
Donate food	✔ Good deed
Stay calm	✔ Encouraged

Simple Daily Sawan Routine

Morning

• Take a bath.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Offer water to Lord Shiva.

Chant "Om Namah Shivaya."

Afternoon

• Read Shiva Chalisa.
• Help someone if possible.
  

Evening

• Light a diya.
• Offer prayers.
• Spend a few minutes in silence.

Even following a simple routine with devotion is meaningful.

Things People Often Ask During Sawan

Can We Eat Onion and Garlic During Sawan?

Many devotees avoid onion and garlic during Sawan because they prefer simple, satvik food. However, practices vary from family to family.

Can We Cut Hair During Sawan?

Some families avoid cutting hair or shaving during Sawan as a traditional custom, while others do not follow this rule. It depends on personal and family traditions.

Can We Wear Black Clothes During Sawan?

Many devotees prefer white, saffron, or light-colored clothes while worshipping Lord Shiva. Wearing black is avoided by some traditions but is not a universal rule.

Can Married Couples Stay Together During Sawan?

Different traditions have different beliefs. Some devotees observing strict spiritual discipline may choose temporary celibacy during fasting, while many others do not follow this practice. Follow the customs of your family or spiritual tradition.

Can We Drink Tea During Fast?

It depends on the type of fast you are observing. Some devotees drink tea, while others avoid it completely.

Is It Necessary to Visit a Temple Every Day?

No.

If you cannot visit a temple, you can worship Lord Shiva sincerely at home.

What is the most important thing to do during Sawan?

Pray to Lord Shiva with a sincere heart, chant His name, and perform good deeds.

Can children worship Lord Shiva during Sawan?

Yes. Children can offer flowers, chant simple prayers, and learn about Lord Shiva with the guidance of their family.

Is fasting compulsory?

No. Worship, prayer, and good actions are more important than fasting. If you cannot fast for health reasons, you can still participate in other devotional practices.

Which mantra is best during Sawan?

The most widely chanted mantra is:

Om Namah Shivaya

What food is commonly eaten during Sawan?

Many devotees choose vegetarian and satvik foods such as fruits, milk, curd, sabudana, kuttu flour, singhara flour, makhana, and dry fruits.

Final Thoughts

Sawan is a beautiful month to become closer to Lord Shiva through prayer, kindness, and self-discipline. You do not need expensive rituals to receive His blessings. A pure heart, honest prayers, and good actions are considered the greatest offerings.

Whether you observe fasts, visit temples, or simply chant "Om Namah Shivaya" every day, your devotion matters most.

May Lord Shiva bless you and your family with peace, happiness, and good health.

Har Har Mahadev!