Sawan Somwar 2026: August 10, 2026, brings a special combination for devotees of Lord Shiva. The day is being observed as the second Monday of Sawan in many parts of North India, and it also coincides with Som Pradosh Vrat. This gives worshippers two important opportunities for Shiva Puja—Jalabhishek in the morning and Pradosh worship after sunset.
Sawan Mondays are traditionally considered auspicious for offering prayers to Lord Shiva, while Pradosh Vrat is also dedicated to him. When Pradosh falls on a Monday, it is known as Som Pradosh.
According to religious belief, worship performed on this combination is associated with peace of mind, harmony in relationships, health, marriage-related prayers and the removal of obstacles. These are faith-based traditions, however, and should not be treated as guarantees of specific outcomes.
Here is a detailed guide to the puja timings, rituals and offerings for August 10.
When Does Trayodashi Begin on August 10?
According to the Panchang timings mentioned for New Delhi, Krishna Paksha Dwadashi in the month of Sawan will continue until around 8:00 AM on August 10.
After that, Trayodashi Tithi will begin and continue until approximately 4:54 AM on August 11.
Pradosh Vrat is generally observed on the day when Trayodashi is present during the Pradosh period after sunset. Since that condition is met on August 10, Som Pradosh Vrat will be observed on this day.
For New Delhi and nearby areas, the Pradosh Puja period is stated to be approximately:
7:05 PM to 9:14 PM
Timings can differ slightly from city to city because of variations in sunset. Devotees should therefore check a local Panchang for exact timings.
Best Time for Morning Jalabhishek
Those planning to begin the day with Shiva worship can perform Jalabhishek after bathing and wearing clean clothes.
For New Delhi, Brahma Muhurta is mentioned as approximately:
4:22 AM to 5:05 AM
Sunrise is expected at around:
5:47 AM
Devotees can visit a temple during Brahma Muhurta or after sunrise, depending on convenience and local temple timings.
The emphasis during morning worship can remain on simplicity—clean water, belpatra, flowers and mantra chanting.
How to Perform Morning Shiva Puja
Before approaching the Shivling, devotees may first offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Nandi.
Clean water can then be poured slowly over the Shivling in a gentle stream.
Those wishing to offer milk should use only a small quantity where the temple permits it. Clean water may be offered again afterwards.
Traditional offerings can include:
- Clean water
- Belpatra
- White flowers
- Chandan
- Akshat
- A small quantity of milk, where permitted
Bel leaves should ideally be fresh and clean. A three-leaf belpatra is commonly considered auspicious in many Shiva traditions.
While offering water, devotees can chant “Om Namah Shivaya”. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra may also be recited.
There is no need to arrange elaborate or expensive offerings. Simple worship performed with concentration and discipline is considered meaningful in many traditions.
Missed the Morning Puja? Check the Abhijit Muhurta
People who cannot visit a temple early in the morning may perform Shiva worship later in the day.
For New Delhi, the Abhijit Muhurta on August 10 is mentioned as approximately:
12:00 PM to 12:53 PM
During this period, devotees can light a lamp before a Shivling or image of Lord Shiva at home.
They may recite Shiva Chalisa, chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times or simply sit quietly in meditation.
Those who do not have a Shivling at home can worship through an image or mental remembrance of Lord Shiva.
Rahu Kaal Timing on August 10
Monday's Rahu Kaal is stated to fall between:
7:27 AM and 9:07 AM
Regular prayer, mantra chanting and daily worship are generally not considered prohibited during this period.
However, devotees who are beginning a special religious vow or a new ceremonial observance may prefer to choose a different time according to their family or temple tradition.
Why Evening Som Pradosh Puja Is Important
The second major worship period begins after sunset.
Pradosh refers to the transitional period between day and night and is traditionally regarded as an auspicious time for Shiva worship.
Because August 10 falls on a Monday, the observance becomes Som Pradosh.
For New Delhi, the main Pradosh worship window is approximately:
7:05 PM to 9:14 PM
During this period, devotees can perform a more elaborate form of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
How to Perform Som Pradosh Puja in the Evening
Begin by cleaning the puja space and arranging the required items.
Offer clean water to the Shivling, followed by belpatra, white flowers, sandalwood and akshat.
A ghee lamp can then be lit before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Those observing family traditions may also offer appropriate items associated with Goddess Parvati.
After this, devotees may recite the Pradosh Vrat Katha, Shiva Chalisa or other Shiva prayers.
Aarti can be performed at the end, followed by personal prayer.
The evening puja need not be limited to Jalabhishek. Lamp lighting, mantra chanting, prayer and meditation are also important parts of the observance.
Morning and Evening Puja Serve Different Purposes
The two worship periods can be approached differently.
Morning worship may focus more on:
- Jalabhishek
- Belpatra
- Mantra chanting
- Beginning the day with calmness and devotion
Evening Som Pradosh worship may place greater emphasis on:
- Joint worship of Shiva and Parvati
- Lighting a lamp
- Aarti
- Pradosh Vrat Katha
- Personal prayers and reflection
Devotees praying for harmony in marriage or relationships may choose to worship Shiva and Parvati together in the evening.
Those seeking mental peace or strength during difficult circumstances may chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
These practices remain matters of religious faith and should not be understood as assured remedies.
What Can Devotees Eat During Som Pradosh Vrat?
People observing a fast can follow the form of fasting that suits their health and family tradition.
Common fasting foods may include:
- Fruits
- Milk
- Makhana
- Sabudana
- Other permitted vrat foods
A strict fast is not necessary for everyone.
People with medical conditions, pregnant women, elderly devotees and those taking regular medication should avoid fasting in a way that could affect their health.
The spiritual idea of a vrat is also associated with self-control. Devotees may therefore try to avoid anger, harsh speech and dishonesty during the day.
Helping someone in need with food, clothes or other essentials can also give the observance a broader social meaning.
What Should You Offer on Shivling on August 10?
There is no requirement to use a large quantity of puja material.
Clean water remains one of the simplest and most widely used offerings.
Belpatra, white flowers, chandan and akshat may also be offered according to tradition and temple rules.
If milk is offered, devotees should avoid waste and follow temple instructions.
The quantity of the offering is less important than cleanliness, discipline and sincere participation.
Two Opportunities for Shiva Worship on August 10
August 10 gives devotees two distinct periods for worship.
The morning can begin with Jalabhishek and mantra chanting, while the evening can be reserved for Som Pradosh Puja after sunset.
For those in New Delhi, Brahma Muhurta is stated to be from around 4:22 AM to 5:05 AM, while the main Pradosh Puja period is approximately 7:05 PM to 9:14 PM.
Since timings change with location, devotees should verify local sunrise, sunset and Panchang details.
The essence of the day is not in collecting elaborate puja items but in combining devotion with discipline, calmness and respect for others.
Whether worship is performed at home or in a temple, simple offerings, mantra chanting and sincere prayer can form the heart of the observance.
Disclaimer: This article is based on commonly followed religious beliefs, Panchang traditions and customary practices. Puja timings and rituals may vary depending on location, temple tradition and community. Readers should check a local Panchang or consult a knowledgeable religious authority for location-specific guidance.
