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-PanchamiKalkyavataraPutradaikadashiHindola or SwingingNarali

PurnimaShravani PurnimaPavitraropanaRaksha Bandhan

Vara Lakshmi VrataRishi PanchamiGovatsa and BahulaSitala SaptamiJanmashtamiAjaikadasiPithoriPola

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