Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Bhasma Aarti was performed at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on the first day of the month of Sawan according to the Vikram Samvat (Hindu Calendar) on Tuesday. Devotees queued up in the temple premises to offer the prayers to Lord Shiva.
Followers Of Lord Shiva Fast On Monday
The month of the sawan starts on July 4. Hindus consider this month to be auspicious, and throughout it, they worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Every Monday, followers of Lord Shiva do fasting (Sawan Somwar) and offer him various offerings, including panchamrit, jaggery, bhuna chana, bel patra, dhatoora, milk, rice, and chandan. Every Tuesday during this holy month, the Mangala Gauri Vrat, a fast for Mata Parvati, is done. Eight Mondays and eight Tuesdays will be observed in abundance in 2023 to commemorate these deities.
Sawan Observed For Two Months This Year
After almost two decades, Sawan has been observed for two months this year, which is unusual. The "Malamas" month, which was added to the Hindu lunar calendar in order to keep it in sync with the lunar cycle, is the reason for the extension. The celebration of Sawan will last one month longer than normal in 2023 due to the observation of this extra month.
16 Somwar Vrat
Even after Sawan, some devotees continue to fast on Monday. They fast for the subsequent sixteen Mondays, starting with the first Sawan Somwar (Monday). The Solah Somwar Vrat, or sixteen-day fast, is observed during this time. Food is only eaten once in the evening during the one-day weekly Monday fast.
