Shravan Mas - The Holy Month of Festivals

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Shravan Mas - The Holy Month of Festivals

 

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

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

 

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

 

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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