The month of Shravan is considered very auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is holiest months in Hindu Calendar. Each day of Sawan is regarded as very pious. Special prayers and rituals are performed in Shiva temples. It is believed that the worship of Shiva during Shrawan month is 108 times more powerful than worshipping during normal days. It is believed that those who observe Sawan Somwar vrat will have their desires fulfilled and will have all their prayers answered by the Shiva.
Sawan Maas
Shravan Maas is the first month of the Chaturmas period, which are four months (Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik) dedicated for bhakti and revering the Divine. As per scriptures during this period Lord Vishnu goes in to Yoga Nidra (state of deep meditation) on the Adi Shesha (seven-hooded serpent) underneath the Kshirasagara (cosmic ocean) and Lord Shiva takes care of the whole creation. We can interpret this as the preservation and nurturing aspect of life (governed by Lord Vishnu), stopping to make way for destruction(Lord Shiva). Finally, the old has to give way for the new, so creation, nurturing, destructions remains an endless cycle. Devotees follow strict sattvic lifestyle and indulge in devotion and worship to seek blessings and protection from the Divine during this period.
Samudra Manthan : Churning of Ocean
According to the Legend, the “Samudra Manthan” or churning of oceans took place in the month of Shravan. During the churning of the ocean , the deadly poison came out, and was consumed by Lord Shiva which he stored in his throat, subsequently turning his throat blue, and hence Shiva is attributed to the name Neelkantha. To reduce the poison’s impact, Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. To lessen the effect of the poison the Gods and Devas started offering the water from the Holy Ganges to Lord Shiva. Thence forth performing Abhishek on Shivalingam with gangajal became a ritual.
The Legend of Goddess Parvati
Another popular mythological story associated with Shravan month is the tale of Goddess Parvati’s dedication and devotion to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Parvati observed rigorous penance and performed intense prayers during this month to seek Lord Shiva as her divine consort. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her wish and accepted her as his wife. Consequently, many unmarried women and married couples worship Lord Shiva during Shravan month, seeking his blessings for a prosperous and harmonious married life.
Shravan Celebration
Shravan month is very auspicious and sacred too. Pooja, aradhna, mantra siddhi and other spiritual practices if done properly then no doubt devotee will achieve success . Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa. Offer Bhibhuti to Shiva and apply some on your forehead. Make offerings of Bilva leaves, panchamrit (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shivalingam. Recite Shiva Chalisa and do Aarti. Chant Shiva Panchakshri mantra & Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get the blessings of Bholenath!
The Shravan month is synonymous with auspicious festivals and events. It is the best time to conduct all-important religious ceremonies, as almost all days in this month are auspicious for shubh arambh, i.e. good start. Shravan maas’ ruling deity is Lord Shiva. In this month, each Monday is celebrated as Shravan Somvar across all temples with the Dharanatra hanging over the Shiva linga, bathing it with holy water and milk, throughout the day into the night.
Devotees offer Bael leaves, flowers, holy water and milk, i.e. Falam-Toyam, Pushpam-Patram to lord Shiva on every Shravan Somwar. They fast until the sun goes down and the Nandadeep, the Akhand Diya, burns throughout.
