Sravana Maasam

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Sravana Maasam -(The Holy Month of Festivals)

 

The month of Sravana 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 " Sravana " rules the

sky, hence the month is called Sravanam.

 

This month is spread out with innumerably religious festivals and

ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious.

 

Sravanam is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of this month,

known as Sravana Somavaram, is a special day in Siva 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 (Bilva) leaves and flowers and fast

till sunset. The nandadeep (24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples.

 

Lord Siva and Sravana Masam

 

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

took place in the month of Sravanam, fourteen different types of rubies came

out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons, except Halahal

(poison).

 

Lord Siva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name

Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Siva. To reduce the strong

effect of poison, Lord Siva wore the crescent moon on his head.

 

All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Siva to make

lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Sravanam, the

Siva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

 

It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Sravana month.

 

As, Mondays or Somavarams of Sravana month are specially observed with

austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Siva as this day is sacred

to Lord Siva. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honoured. The

belief is that in Sravana month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of

punya.

 

Significance of Sravana Weekdays

 

Each day in the month of Sravana has a special significance and has its own

ritual

 

Monday: is the day of Lord Siva 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 Buddha and Guru.

Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulasi.

Saturday: are for Saturn (Sani). It is also known as Sravana Saturdays

with the object of obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara

(wealth Saturdays).

Sunday: are meant worshipping the Sun god. Sun worship was general in the Vedic

period and even now it is so. Especially in Sravanam, every Sunday the Sun is

worshipped without fail.

 

Festivals in Sravana Month

 

During this month people practice many rules and regulations while praying and

also fast. Sravana 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

Srravani Purnima

Pavitraropana

Raksha Bandhana Vara Lakshmi Vratam

Rishi Panchami

Govatsa and Bahula

Sitala Saptami

Janmashtami

Ajaikadasi

 

" Dharmo Rakshati Rakshithaha "

(If you protect Dharma, Dharma will in turn protect you.)