Sawan Somwar holds a special place in the devotional calendar of Lord Shiva. During Shravan, devotees observe Monday fasts, perform Shivling Puja and Abhishekam, chant mantras, and spend time in prayer and meditation.
Because Rudraksha is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, it can naturally become part of your Sawan Somwar worship. Whether you wear a Rudraksha, use a Rudraksha Mala for Japa, or simply keep the bead near your Puja space, there are several traditional ways to incorporate it into your practice.
Note: Rituals and customs vary between families, regions, and Shaiva traditions. The spiritual significance described below is based on Hindu tradition and should not be understood as scientifically proven supernatural or medical effects.
Why Is Rudraksha Important During Sawan Somwar?
Rudraksha is traditionally considered sacred and closely connected with Lord Shiva. Sawan is a month dedicated to Shiva worship, while Somwar (Monday) is traditionally associated with Shiva. The combination makes Sawan Somwar a particularly meaningful time for devotees to deepen their spiritual practices.
Rudraksha may be used for:
- Mantra Japa
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Shiva Puja
- Spiritual reflection
- Wearing as a Mala or Bracelet
- What You Need for a Simple Sawan Somwar Puja
You don’t need an elaborate setup.
Depending on your tradition, you may prepare:
- Shivling or Shiva image
- Clean water
- Milk, if part of your family tradition
- Bel Patra
- Flowers
- Diya
- Incense
- Akshat (rice)
- Kumkum/Chandan as traditionally appropriate
- Rudraksha Mala or Rudraksha bead
- Fruits or Prasad
Always follow the customs of your family or spiritual tradition, especially regarding what should or should not be offered directly to a Shivling.
Step 1: Clean Yourself and Prepare the Puja Space
Begin your Sawan Somwar by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. Clean your Puja area and arrange the necessary items. Place the Rudraksha Mala or bead on a clean cloth or Puja thali. Take a few moments to sit quietly and set your intention for the Puja.
You can mentally pray:
“May this Puja deepen my devotion to Lord Shiva and bring greater awareness, peace, and discipline into my life.”
Step 2: Begin With Ganesh Smaran
Many Hindu Puja traditions begin by remembering Lord Ganesha before starting the main worship.
You may offer a short prayer or simply chant:
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
The exact sequence can vary according to your family or regional tradition.
Step 3: Perform Shivling Abhishekam
If Abhishekam is part of your tradition, offer water to the Shivling with devotion. Some devotees also use milk or other traditional offerings.
While performing Abhishekam, you can chant:
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Keep the practice simple and focused rather than rushing through the ritual.
Step 4: Offer Bel Patra and Flowers
Bel Patra has a special association with Lord Shiva in Hindu worship. Offer fresh Bel Patra according to your tradition, along with flowers.
You can continue chanting:
Om Namah Shivaya
This helps keep your attention focused on Shiva rather than simply performing the ritual mechanically.
Step 5: Include Your Rudraksha in the Puja
This is where Rudraksha can become an intentional part of your Sawan Somwar worship. You can place your Rudraksha Mala or bead in the Puja area while praying. Take a moment to remember Lord Shiva and your spiritual intention. Some devotees traditionally recite Shiva mantras while holding or wearing Rudraksha.
Step 6: Use Rudraksha Mala for Japa
One of the most meaningful ways to use Rudraksha during Sawan Somwar is mantra Japa.
Take your Rudraksha Mala and repeat:
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
You can choose a number of repetitions that fits your routine.
For example:
11 repetitions → 21 repetitions → 108 repetitions
The exact number is less important than sincerity and consistency, unless your specific tradition or Guru has given you a prescribed practice.
Step 7: Meditate With Rudraksha
After Japa, sit quietly for a few minutes. Hold the Rudraksha Mala or simply keep it in your hands.
Focus on:
Breathing → Mantra → Silence → Awareness
If your mind wanders, gently return to your mantra. Even 5–10 minutes can turn the Puja into a more reflective experience.
Step 8: Wear Your Rudraksha
If you traditionally wear Rudraksha, you may put it on after completing your Puja.
Depending on your preference, it can be worn as:
– Mala
– Bracelet
– Pendant
There is no universal requirement that everyone must wear Rudraksha immediately after Sawan Somwar Puja. Practices differ between traditions.
Step 9: Offer Your Prayer or Sankalp
After completing the main rituals, sit quietly and express your prayer. Your Sankalp can be spiritual rather than material.
For example:
“May I develop greater patience, clarity, compassion, and devotion. May I have the strength to follow the right path.”
You can also pray for the wellbeing of your family and loved ones.
Step 10: Perform Aarti
Complete the Puja according to your family tradition with Shiva Aarti. You can then offer Prasad and receive blessings from elders if that is part of your household practice. The Puja doesn’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful.
Should You Put Rudraksha Directly in the Abhishekam?
This is an area where practices vary. Some devotees include Rudraksha in ritual worship, while others keep the bead safely on a clean cloth or Puja thali. Because Rudraksha is a natural seed, prolonged soaking or repeated exposure to liquids can affect its physical condition.
If you want to preserve your Rudraksha, keeping it near the Shivling during Puja rather than repeatedly soaking it can be a practical option.
Can You Wear Rudraksha During Sawan Somwar Fasting?
Many devotees who wear Rudraksha continue wearing it while observing their Sawan Somwar fast. However, fasting rules vary considerably between traditions. The important thing is to follow the practices of your family, Guru, or religious tradition rather than assuming there is one universal rule.
A Simple Sawan Somwar Rudraksha Routine
If you want a short routine, try this:
- Morning: Take a bath and clean your Puja space.
- Puja: Offer water and Bel Patra to the Shivling according to your tradition.
- Rudraksha: Place your Rudraksha Mala near the Puja space.
- Japa: Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times or according to your practice.
- Meditation: Sit quietly for 5–10 minutes.
- Prayer: Offer your Sankalp and pray for the wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones.
- After Puja: Wear your Rudraksha if that is part of your practice.
Conclusion:
Rudraksha can be a beautiful part of your Sawan Somwar Puja. You can place it near your Shivling, use it for Om Namah Shivaya Japa, meditate with it, or wear it after completing your worship. The deeper purpose isn’t simply to perform more rituals.
It is to use Sawan as an opportunity to cultivate:
- Devotion
- Awareness
- Discipline
- Compassion
- Connection with Lord Shiva
Let your Rudraksha be more than something you wear. Let it become a reminder to carry the spirit of Sawan into your everyday life.
Har Har Mahadev!
