Shravan Mas - The Holy Month of Festivals

[Guest guest]

(From Id Debu7366 of Sri Babaji J. Kalianandaswami's Group)

 

Shravan Mas - The Holy Month of Festivals

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The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender

beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the

Chaturmas. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course of the

month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called

Shravan. This month is spread out with innumerably religious

festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are

auspicious.

 

Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of

this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva

temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to

bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga

high with Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset. The nandadeep

(24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples.

 

Lord Shiva and Shravan Mas

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The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan -

took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of

rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the

demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and

stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue

throat) is attributed to Shiva.

 

To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent

moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the

Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison.

 

Since, this happened in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva

devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

 

It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan

month. As, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially

observed with austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of

Shiva as this day is sacred to Lord Shiva. No other Mondays of other

months are so greatly honoured.

 

The belief is that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva

earns a lot of punya.

 

Significance of Shravan Weekdays

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Each day in the month of Shravan has a special significance and has

its own ritual.

 

Monday: is the day of Lord Shiva worship.

Tuesday: Gauri is worshipped in every home, by women for the good

health of their family.

Wednesday: are dedicated to Vithala, a form of Vishnu or Krishna.

Thursday: are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru.

Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulsi.

Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravan

Saturdays, with the object of object of obtaining wealth. These days

are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays).

Sundays: are meant worshipping the Sun god. Sun worship was general

in the Vedic period and even now it is so. Especially in Shravan,

every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail.

 

Festivals in Shravan Month

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During this month people practice many rules and regulations while

praying and also fast. Shravan has a special importance as it

ushers in a host of auspicious days and festivals like:

 

Naga-Panchami

Kalkyavatara

Putradaikadashi

Hindola or Swinging

Narali Purnima

Shravani Purnima

Pavitraropana

Raksha Bandhan

 

Vara Lakshmi Vrata

Rishi Panchami

Govatsa and Bahula

Sitala Saptami

Janmashtami

Ajaikadasi

Pithori

Pola

 

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