The monsoon season brings more than just cooling rains. It also brings Shravan, a holy month in the Hindu calendar that usually falls in July or August. This time is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is filled with traditions and religious practices.
For Southern and Western states of India, including Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Shravan will start on August 5, 2024, and end on September 3, 2024.
For Northern states of India,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 most sacred months in the Hindu calendar, marking the fifth month of the lunar year. Named after the Shravan Nakshatra, which is seen on full-moon days, this month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees offer leaves, flowers, fruits, and water to the Shiva Linga during this time.
This month is rich in festivals and religious events, making it an ideal time for new beginnings. Mondays in Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, are especially significant. Devotees visit temples, where the Shiva Linga is bathed continuously with holy water and milk, symbolising purification and devotion.
Importance and Cultural Significance of Shravan
According to legend, Lord Shiva consumed poison during the Samudra Manthan to obtain Amrit (nectar) and save the world. Goddess Parvati intervened by holding his neck, preventing the poison from harming him further, but this caused Lord Shiva additional pain and injuries.
As part of the Sawan tradition, devotees of Lord Shiva fetch holy water from the river Ganga to heal his wounds. Fasts observed on Mondays during Shravan, known as Shravan Shomvar Vrats, are held to honour Lord Shiva and to pray for prosperity, success, and marriage. Since this month is entirely devoted to Lord Shiva, it is considered his favourite month.
Rudra Abhishek
Rudra Abhishek holds significance as a sacred Hindu ceremony dedicated to honouring Lord Shiva. During this ritual, devotees bathe the Shiva lingam with offerings like water, milk, yoghurt, honey, and ghee. The chanting of mantras accompanies the ceremony, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva, while devotees offer fruits, flowers, and belpatra leaves as symbols of devotion.
The atmosphere is purified with burning dhoop sticks and incense while lighting a pure ghee diya symbolises the presence of divine light and wisdom.
The ritual symbolises devotion, purification, and seeking divine blessings, usually performed in temples by priests or at home with guidance from religious texts. Each offering has a symbolic meaning, representing different aspects of reverence toward Lord Shiva and fostering spiritual growth in the worshipper’s life.
Shravan Fasting
During Shravan Maas, followers usually observe four types of fasts, including Sawan Somwar Vrat, Solah Somwar Vrat, Pradosh Vrat, and Mangala Gauri Vrat.
Sawan Somwar Vrat
This fast occurs every Monday (Somvar) of the month, typically spanning four Mondays, occasionally five.
Solah Somwar Vrat
Young girls observe this fast for 16 consecutive Mondays to seek an ideal husband, starting from the first Monday of the month.
Pradosh Vrat
Held on the 13th day (Trayodashi tithi) of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, devotees consider this day auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva with a strict fast and puja during the Pradosh Kaal.
Mangala Gauri Vrat
Observed on Tuesdays during Shravan Maas, this fast aims for a happy married life and the well-being and longevity of one’s partner.
Shani Vrat
On Saturdays during Shravan Maas, followers observe Shani Vrat primarily to appease Lord Shani and seek His blessings.
Shravan Fast Rules
Timing
Starts at sunrise and ends at sunset; some fast the entire day.
Dietary Restrictions
Strictly vegetarian; avoid onions, garlic, non-vegetarian food, grains, and pulses.
Hydration
Water intake varies; some may opt for complete waterless fasts.
Religious Practices
Visit Shiva temples and perform special prayers and rituals.
Breaking the Fast
Breakfast with a simple meal after sunset; start with fruits or light snacks.
Observance
Typically, on Mondays of the Shravan month, it can extend to multiple Mondays or the entire month.
Benefits Of Shiva Puja In Shravan Month
Spiritual Growth and Inner Peace
Praying to Lord Shiva during Shravan helps people cleanse their inner selves and grow spiritually, bringing peace and personal development.
Divine Blessings
Showing devotion to Lord Shiva in Shravan invites his blessings, granting devotees their wishes and divine favors.
Protection from Negativity
Honoring Lord Shiva during Shravan shields worshippers from obstacles and negative energies, providing divine protection and guidance.
Overall Well-being
Observing Shiva worship rituals in Shravan promotes overall healing, benefiting devotees’ physical, mental, and emotional health.
Family Harmony
Participating in Shiva worship rituals during Shravan strengthens family ties and promotes harmony, love, and unity within households.