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Sawan Somwar 2025: The sacred month of Shravan, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, began on July 11, 2025, and the first Sawan Somwar falls on 14th July 2025. During this auspicious time, devotees observe fasts, perform rituals and offer various items to seek Shiva's blessings. However, it's essential to know what offerings are suitable and what's best avoided. By being mindful of these traditions, you can deepen your connection with Shiva and ensure your worship is meaningful and respectful.

On the sacred day of Sawan Somwar, devotees particularly worship the Shivlingam with faith, offering Ganga jal, milk, etc. However, there are certain things that should never be offered to the sacred Shivling, as they might invite misfortune. Astropatri shares a list of things that should be offered and not offered on the Shiv Lingam below:

Sawan Somwar 2025: Things You Should Not Offer To Shivling

1. Ketki Flower And Tulsi Leaves: The Ketaki flower is avoided in Shiva puja due to its association with falsehood in the Puranas. Similarly, Tulsi leaves are reserved for Vishnu, and offering them to Shiva is considered inappropriate.

2. Broken (Khandit) Bilva Leaves: Fresh, clean and tri-leafed Bilva leaves are dear to Shiva, while broken or dry leaves are deemed inauspicious.

3. Chameli And Red-Coloured Flowers: Red flowers, like Chameli are typically offered to feminine powers. Shiva, being a calm deity, prefers serene and Sattvic hues. This distinction highlights the unique characteristics of each deity and the need for appropriate offerings.

4. Strongly Scented Flowers: Strongly scented flowers, such as Kevda and Champaka, are not favoured by Mahadev due to their intense fragrance.

5. Offering Water Using Shankh (Conch): Offering water with a Shankh is also avoided in Shiva puja, as it's associated with Vishnu.

According to scriptures, offering these items to the Shivling can disrupt the purity of worship, going against Shiva's preferences. In Shiva devotion, simplicity and purity are paramount, reflecting the essence of genuine worship and connection with the divine.

ALSO READ: Sawan 2025: 6 Powerful Remedies To Receive Choicest Blessings Of Lord Shiva

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Devotees worship the Shivling with faith, offering Ganga water, milk and Bilva leaves to seek Lord Shiva's divine blessings. (Image Source: Canva) 

Sawan Somwar 2025: Things You Should Offer To Shivling

Panchamrit: A blend of five pure substances (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) mixed with Ganga water, is offered to the Shivling for spiritual, mental and physical purification.

Ganga Water: Ganga Jal is considered highly sacred, is offered to the Shivling for spiritual cleansing and divine blessings. This act is believed to wash away sins and bring inner peace, reflecting the devotee's reverence for Shiva.

Honey and White Flowers: Honey, symbolising sweetness and white flowers, representing calmness, are offered to Shiva to reflect his serene nature. These offerings are believed to bring peace and harmony, embodying the devotee's devotion and respect.

Bilva Leaves: Fresh, unblemished Bilva leaves, especially tri-leafed ones, are dear to Shiva. Offering them in Sawan is considered highly meritorious, symbolising devotion and self-surrender.

Dhatura And Bhang: Dhatura and Bhang, associated with Shiva's ascetic nature are offered to seek spiritual growth and self-discipline. This act is believed to bring strength and focus, reflecting the devotee's pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

ALSO READ: Ashunya Shayana Vrat 2025: Date, Time, Significance And Vrat Vidhi

The month of Sawan is not just about rituals and offerings, it is a time for inner purification and genuine devotion. By worshipping Lord Shiva with sincerity and adherence to scriptural guidelines, we invite his divine blessings, which can bring new purpose and enlightenment to our lives.