Quick Answer: Shravan Somvar (श्रावण सोमवार) refers to the Mondays of Shravan Maas - the holiest month for Shiva worship. In 2026, North India observes four Shravan Somvars: 3 August, 10 August, 17 August, and 24 August. On each Monday, fast from sunrise to moonrise, perform Shiva Abhishek with water and milk, chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times, and wear an authentic Rudraksha bead from Nepa Rudraksha to amplify your devotion.
Shravan Somvar (Shravan Somvaar - Sanskrit: श्रावण सोमवार) refers to each Monday during Shravan Maas, the holiest month in the Hindu calendar when Lord Shiva's blessings are most accessible. In 2026, there are four Shravan Somvars, each a powerful gateway for spiritual advancement and Rudraksha ritual. This complete guide from Nepa Rudraksha tells you exactly what to do on each Monday, which beads to wear, and how to make this Shravan your most transformative yet.
Shravan Somvar 2026 Dates: North India vs South India Calendar
Shravan Somvar dates vary by region due to the North Indian (Purnimanta) and South Indian (Amanta) lunar calendar systems.
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North India (UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, Delhi, Punjab): 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug 2026
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Maharashtra & Gujarat: 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 31 Aug, 7 Sep 2026
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South India: follows the Amanta calendar — Shravan begins approximately 29 July 2026
Regardless of region, the rituals and Rudraksha practices remain the same. The first Monday sets the intention for the entire month.
Read full guide → Shravan Month 2026
What to Do on Each Shravan Somvar: Step-by-Step Shiva Puja Vidhi
Each Monday in Shravan follows the same sacred structure. Begin the ritual at sunrise for maximum spiritual benefit.
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Pre-dawn: Wake before sunrise, bathe with cold water, wear clean white or saffron clothes
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Morning puja: Perform Shiva Abhishek (अभिषेक — ritual bathing of the Shiva linga) with water, milk, honey, curd, and Gangajal
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Offerings: Place Bilva leaves (Bel patra) — sacred to Shiva — and white flowers on the linga
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Mantra: Chant Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय) 108 times with your Rudraksha mala
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Fast: Observe Nirjala (waterless) or Phalahar (fruit-only) fast from sunrise to moonrise
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Evening: Attend Shiva aarti at sunset; break fast after moonrise with sattvic food
All authentic Rudraksha malas from nepalirudraksha.com come with a Shiva Abhishek activation guide so your bead is energised before you begin the Shravan rituals.
Which Rudraksha to Wear During Shravan Somvar for Maximum Shiva Connection
Shravan is Lord Shiva's month — wearing Rudraksha during this period multiplies the spiritual benefits many times over. Nepa Rudraksha recommends these beads specifically for Shravan Somvar practice:
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5 Mukhi Rudraksha — the universal bead, represents Panchmukhi Shiva (पंचमुखी शिव), ideal for all devotees regardless of their birth number. Supports fasting, meditation, and general wellbeing.
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11 Mukhi Rudraksha — represents Ekadash Rudra, the eleven forms of Shiva. Exceptionally powerful during Shravan for protection and spiritual advancement.
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Rudraksha Mala (108 beads) — chanting Om Namah Shivaya on a genuine Nepali Rudraksha mala during Shravan deepens the mantra's effect dramatically.
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Gauri Shankar Rudraksha — two naturally joined beads representing Shiva and Parvati; ideal for couples observing Solah Somvar Vrat for marital blessings.
Explore the full range at our 1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha guide to find the bead that matches your personal intention for this Shravan.
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Solah Somvar Vrat 2026: The 16-Monday Shiva Fast Explained
Solah Somvar Vrat (सोलह सोमवार व्रत — sixteen Monday fast) is one of the most powerful Shiva observances: sixteen consecutive Mondays of fasting and puja. Devotees typically begin on the first Shravan Somvar. Completion of all 16 Mondays is said to grant wishes related to marriage, health, and dharmic fulfilment. Wearing a 1 Mukhi or 11 Mukhi Rudraksha from the first day dramatically enhances the vrat's potency according to the Shiva Purana.
Recommended → Best Rudraksha for Shravan Month
What to eat during Shravan Monday fast?
The Shravan Somvar fast follows a strict Sattvic diet. No grains, no regular salt, no onion, no garlic, no non-vegetarian food on fasting days.
Permitted fasting foods:
| Food |
Notes |
| Sabudana (tapioca) |
Khichdi, vada, or kheer — the most common fast food |
| Fresh fruits |
All varieties permitted |
| Milk and curd |
Lassi, buttermilk, plain curd |
| Kuttu atta (buckwheat flour) |
Rotis or pakodas |
| Singhara (water chestnut) flour |
Rotis or halwa |
| Potatoes and sweet potatoes |
Boiled or cooked in ghee |
| Dry fruits and nuts |
Almonds, cashews, raisins |
| Sendha namak (rock salt) |
Only this salt is permitted on fasting days — not regular iodised salt |
Shravan Somvar Fasting Rules: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Proper fasting amplifies the spiritual energy of your Monday puja. Follow these traditional guidelines:
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Permitted: fruits, milk, rock salt (sendha namak), sabudana (tapioca), potatoes, buckwheat (kuttu)
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Avoided: grains, regular salt, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol
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Full fast (Nirjala): no food or water from sunrise to moonrise — for advanced practitioners
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Phalahar: fruit and dairy only — the most common form, accessible to all
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Frequently Asked Questions: Shravan Somvar 2026
What are the Shravan Somvar dates in 2026?
In North India (UP, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, MP, Punjab), the four Shravan Somvar dates in 2026 are 3 August, 10 August, 17 August, and 24 August. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the dates are 17 August, 24 August, 31 August, and 7 September 2026. South India follows the Amanta calendar with slightly different start dates.
Which Rudraksha is best to wear during Shravan month?
The 5 Mukhi Rudraksha is the universal recommendation for Shravan as it represents Panchmukhi Shiva and is suitable for all devotees. The 11 Mukhi (Ekadash Rudra) is exceptionally powerful for serious Shiva devotees. For Solah Somvar Vrat participants seeking marital blessings, the Gauri Shankar Rudraksha is the traditional choice. All beads should be authentic Nepali Rudraksha sourced from the Himalayan forests for full potency.
Can I wear Rudraksha while fasting on Shravan Somvar?
Yes — wearing Rudraksha while fasting is not only permitted but actively recommended. The bead continuously channels Shiva's energy even when you are not actively in puja. Wearing it strengthens the mental resolve needed to complete the fast and deepens your meditative focus throughout the day.
What is Solah Somvar Vrat and when does it start in 2026?
Solah Somvar Vrat is a sixteen-Monday Shiva fast described in the Shiva Purana. It begins on the first Monday of Shravan — 3 August 2026 in North India — and continues for sixteen consecutive Mondays, ending in December 2026. Devotees pray for health, marriage, prosperity, and spiritual liberation.
What is the significance of Shravan Maas for Rudraksha?
Shravan Maas is considered the most auspicious time to receive, activate, and begin wearing a new Rudraksha bead. The heightened Shiva energy of the month accelerates the bead's energetic attunement to its wearer. Many devotees at Nepa Rudraksha specifically request their beads to arrive before Shravan so they can begin their practice on the first Somvar.
