🌼 All About the Fourth Shravan Monday Fast – A Day of Deep Devotion and Blessings
On Monday, 4 August 2025, Hindus across India are observing the Fourth Shravan Somvar Vrat – a spiritually elevated day dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, Bholenath, or Neelkanth. The fast, falling on the Dashami Tithi till 11:41 AM and transitioning into Ekadashi, is part of the holiest month in the Hindu calendar – Shravan Maas.
Let’s explore the spiritual depth of this sacred observance in detail, including its history, timeline, significance, rituals, and daily life impact.
📜 History of Shravan Somvar Fast
The roots of Shravan Somvar fasting trace back to ancient Puranic scriptures, where Mondays (Somvars) during Shravan are seen as exceptionally auspicious for Lord Shiva worship. This is the month when Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison to save the universe during the Samudra Manthan. His selfless act inspired deep devotion, and since then, devotees offer penance and love through fasting every Monday of Shravan.
The Fourth Monday is particularly crucial because it brings devotees closer to Antim Somvar, wrapping up their spiritual efforts. Many believe that the last two Mondays hold the power to fulfill unfulfilled desires if one fasts with pure devotion.
📌 Panchang for 4 August 2025 – Fourth Shravan Somvar
Day: Monday
Date: 4 August 2025
Tithi: Dashami till 11:41 AM, then Ekadashi begins
Nakshatra: Anuradha till 9:12 AM, then Jyeshtha
Rahu Kaal: 07:24 AM – 09:05 AM (Inauspicious for new tasks)
Yamagand: 12:00 PM – 12:53 PM
Abhijit Muhurat: 12:00 PM – 12:53 PM (Auspicious)
Dishashool: East (Avoid traveling in this direction)
📚 Interesting Facts About Fourth Shravan Somvar
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ultimate deity of transformation and detachment.
Part of Solah Somvar Vrat – Women and girls often begin or continue their 16-Monday fast for wish fulfilment.
Linked to both Karma and Moksha, balancing worldly desires and liberation.
Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Ujjain Mahakaleshwar, and Somnath see lakhs of devotees.
Fruits, milk, and belpatra are the most offered items in puja.
Many people walk barefoot to Shiva temples as a form of penance.
Ekadashi begins after 11:41 AM, enhancing the spiritual weight of the day.
🕰️ Timeline of Fourth Shravan Somvar Rituals
| Time | Ritual/Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM | Wake up in Brahma Muhurta, bathe with Ganga Jal |
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Visit a nearby Shiva temple with offerings |
| 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Perform Rudrabhishek with milk, curd, honey |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Chant Shiva Mantras, especially “Om Namah Shivaya” |
| 12:00 PM – 12:53 PM | Perform prayers during Abhijit Muhurat |
| 1:00 PM onwards | Read Shiv Puran, perform meditation and charity |
🔱 Significance of Fourth Shravan Somvar Fast
1. Spiritual Accumulation
Each Monday of Shravan builds spiritual merit. By the fourth, the devotee’s energy and focus reach a strong spiritual peak.
2. Wish Fulfillment
Whether it is good health, a job, peace, or marriage, Lord Shiva is believed to grant heartfelt desires of the devotee on Shravan Somvars.
3. Blessings for Married Life
Married women observe the fast for their husband’s long life, while unmarried girls pray for a virtuous partner like Lord Shiva.
4. Remover of Negativities
Fasting and worship on this day are said to remove planetary doshas, especially Chandra (Moon) and Rahu-related troubles.
5. Mental Clarity and Strength
The energy of the Moon and Lord Shiva brings calm, detachment, and clarity of thought – crucial in today’s stress-filled life.
🌼 Wishing Messages for Fourth Shravan Somvar
Spread divine blessings with these heartfelt wishes:
“On this 4th Shravan Somvar, may Bholenath destroy all your sorrows and fill your life with light, love, and laughter.”
“May Mahadev bless you with a pure heart and peaceful mind this Shravan Monday.”
“Wishing you abundant joy and fulfilled wishes on this sacred 4th Somvar of Sawan. Har Har Mahadev!”
🙌 Importance in Our Life
In modern times, the Fourth Shravan Somvar reminds us:
To pause and reflect
To fast not just from food, but from ego and negativity
To be grateful, through charity and compassion
To focus on family bonding, as the whole household often participates in the vrat and aarti
This ancient tradition is a subtle reminder to live a value-based life in sync with nature and inner balance.
🌍 Societal Importance
The Fourth Shravan Somvar has a collective cultural impact:
Temples turn into community centers of prayer, langar, and bhajan evenings
Small vendors and rural artisans benefit from the religious gatherings and sales of puja items
Environmental awareness rises as people worship with natural elements like bael leaves, river water, and milk
It promotes eco-conscious spirituality, where reverence to nature is part of divine worship.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What can we eat during Shravan Somvar fast?
Answer: Fruits, milk, dry fruits, and sattvic foods like sabudana, kuttu, or singhara atta are allowed.
Q2: What if I can’t fast the whole day?
Answer: Devotion matters more than ritual. Partial fasting or simply chanting Shiva’s name with sincerity is acceptable.
Q3: Can men observe the Shravan Somvar Vrat?
Answer: Absolutely. While it’s more common among women, men too can keep the fast for spiritual benefit or wish fulfilment.
Q4: Can I drink tea or coffee?
Answer: Devotees often avoid caffeinated drinks. Herbal teas or lemon water are alternatives if you need energy.
Q5: Why is the 4th Somvar important?
Answer: It spiritually prepares you for the final Antim Somvar. It also falls close to important festivals like Raksha Bandhan or Nag Panchami, creating a divine buildup.
🔔 Important Ritual Points
Clean your home and altar before sunrise.
Offer fresh flowers, bael leaves, and ghee lamp to Shivling.
Avoid non-veg, alcohol, and tamasic food on this day.
Donate clothes, food, or money to the poor in Mahadev’s name.
✨ Conclusion – Daily Life Impact of the 4th Shravan Somvar
The Fourth Shravan Monday isn’t just a religious obligation. It’s a spiritual opportunity – to turn inward, purify intentions, and reset emotional energies.
In our chaotic world, taking even one day a week to practice mindful living, kindness, silence, and devotion has incredible impact. It strengthens your inner self, brings families together, and reinforces values that last a lifetime.
Whether you perform the full fast or just light a lamp and chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” you are connecting with the timeless power of faith and simplicity.
🧾 Final Summary:
Observed on: 4 August 2025 (Monday)
Occasion: 4th Shravan Somvar Vrat
Best Time: Morning and Abhijit Muhurat (12:00–12:53 PM)
Focus: Devotion, fasting, chanting, charity
End Goal: Mental peace, divine blessings, fulfilled desires
