The monsoon season not only brings cooling rains, it also brings the holy month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in July or August. This time is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is full of traditions and religious practices.
In southern and western Indian states, including Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Shravan will begin on August 5, 2024 and end on September 3, 2024.
In northern Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Bihar, Shravan will begin on Monday, July 22, 2024 and end on Monday, August 19, 2024.
Shravan is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar and is the fifth lunar month. Named after the Shravan Nakshatra, which occurs on a full moon day, the month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees offer leaves, flowers, fruits and water to the Shiva Linga during this time.
This month is full of festivals and religious celebrations and is an ideal time for new beginnings. Shravan Monday, known as Shravan Somvar, is particularly significant. Devotees visit temples where Shiva Lingas are constantly washed with holy water and milk, symbolizing purification and devotion.
Importance and Cultural Significance of Shravan
Legend has it that Lord Shiva drank poison during Samudra Manthan and obtained Amrita (nectar) to save the world. Goddess Parvati intervened by grabbing Lord Shiva’s neck and prevented the poison from causing further harm to Lord Shiva, but this caused him further pain and injury.
As part of the Sawan tradition, devotees of Lord Shiva collect holy water from the Ganges to heal Lord Shiva’s wounds. Fasting, observed on a Monday during the month of Shravan, is known as Shravan Shomwar Vrat and is observed to honour Lord Shiva and pray for prosperity, success and marriage. As this month is entirely dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered to be Lord Shiva’s favourite month.
Rudra Abhishek
Rudra Abhishek is a sacred Hindu ritual in honour of Lord Shiva, during which devotees wash the Shiva Lingam with offerings of water, milk, yogurt, honey and ghee. The ritual also involves chanting mantras to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and devotees offer fruits, flowers and belpatra leaves as symbols of their faith.
The atmosphere is purified with burning dope sticks and incense and a pure giddiya is lit, symbolizing the presence of divine light and wisdom.
The ritual symbolizes faith, purification and seeking the blessings of the god and is usually performed by a temple priest or at home as instructed in religious texts. Each offering has a symbolic meaning and represents a different aspect of reverence to Lord Shiva and promotes spiritual growth in the worshipper’s life.
Shravan Fasting
During Shravan Maas, devotees usually observe four types of fasts, which include Sawan Somwar Vrat, Sora Somwar Vrat, Pradosh Vrat and Mangala Gauri Vrat.
Sawan Somwar Vrat
This fast is observed on a Monday (Somvar) of each month, usually spanning four Mondays, but sometimes five.
Solar Somwar Vrat
Young women observe this fast on 16 consecutive Mondays starting from the first Monday of every month in search of their ideal husband.
Pradosh Vrat
Observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi Tithi) of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, this day is considered to be an auspicious day for devotees to worship Lord Shiva with strict fasting and puja during Pradosh Kaal.
Mangala Gauri Vrat
This fast, observed on Tuesdays during Shravan Maas, is aimed at ensuring a happy married life and happiness and longevity for partners.
Shani Vrat
On Saturdays during Shravan Maas, devotees primarily observe Shani Vrat to propitiate Lord Shani and seek his blessings.
Rules of Shravan Fasting
timing
It starts with sunrise and ends with sunset. Some people fast all day.
Dietary restrictions
I am a vegetarian. Avoid onions, garlic, non-vegetarian foods, grains and legumes.
Hydration
Fluid intake varies from person to person, with some people choosing to fast by abstaining from fluids entirely.
Religious practices
Visit a Shiva temple and perform special prayers and rituals.
Breaking the Fast
After sunset, have a light breakfast, starting with some fruit and snacks.
Compliance
Usually, Mondays in the month of Shravan may span multiple Mondays or the entire month.
Benefits of Shiva Puja in the month of Shravan
Spiritual growth and peace of mind
Praying to Lord Shiva during Shravan helps people purify their inner selves, grow spiritually and bring about peace and personal development.
God Bless
Showing faith in Lord Shiva on Shravan brings the blessings of Lord Shiva and fulfils the devotee’s wishes and divine boons.
Protection from negativity
Worshipping Lord Shiva during Shravan protects devotees from obstacles and negative energies and provides divine protection and guidance.
Overall well-being
Observing the rituals of worship of Lord Shiva at Shravan promotes holistic healing and benefits the physical, mental and emotional health of the devotee.
Family harmony
Participating in the rituals of worship of Shiva during Shravan strengthens family ties and promotes harmony, love and unity in the home.
