Shravana Masam [ KARKKADAKOM ]

July 5, 2007

Shravan Masam The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmasams. On Purnima , or during the course of the month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravanam. This month is spread out with innumerably religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious. Shravanam is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of this month, known as Shravanam Somvaram, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga 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 Masam The legend says that when the churning of oceans -Palazhi Manthanam - took place in the month of Shravanam, 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 strength of the 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 sacred water of the Ganges. It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month. As, Mondays 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 Shravana Weekdays Each day of Shravanamasam 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 Guru. Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulsi. Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravanam Saturdays, with the object of object of obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivaram (wealth Saturdays). Sundays: are meant for worshipping the Sun

god. Especially in Shravana masam, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail.

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