Introduction

The Shravan Maas or the month of our revered and loved Mahadev is the 5th month in the Hindu Calendar. It is named after the ruling Nakshatra during those specified dates. This entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Vedic astrology when the Sun enters the zodiac Leo, it sets the beginning of this auspicious month. As per the lunar calendar it sets in on a full moon day or Poornima. Along with being a holy month, this is a month of various Hindu festivals Raksha Bandhan, Mangala Gauri Vrat, Naag Panchami, Haryali Teej and Rishi Panchami.

This festival filled holy month is auspicious for offering prayers to Lord Shiva along with performing various vedic rituals to purify the mind body and senses as Shiva tattvas fill the cosmos. Devotees observe fast for Mondays starting from the first Monday of Shravan Maas until sunset and Akhand diya is lit throughout this time.

The Sawan month is celebrated 15 days apart between North and South India. In South India the onset of Sawan is 15 days after the onset in North India.

Important dates and events in Shravan 2020

As per the year 2020 the dates for North and South India are as follows:

North India: 6th July-3rd August

South India: 21st July-19th August

Shravan Calendar for North India

Shravan Maas Katha

Shravan signifies the time when Lord Shiva drank venom that arose from “Samudra Manthan” as Devas and Asuras battled for ambrosia. As Goddess Parvati held his throat to prevent the poison from being swallowed, His throat turned blue giving him the name of Neelkanth.

It is also considered the favorite month of Lord Shiva as it is during this period that Goddess Parvati observed rigorous fasting to please Lord Shiva to marry him. Many devotees visit Haridwar and Gangotri and other religious places during this month symbolizing Kavad Yatra. They bring Gangajal in a Kavad and offer it Lord Shiva and so these devotees are called Kavadiya.

Pujas that can/should be performed during Shravan Maas

1. Somvar Vrat
2. Shiv Puja
3. Rudra Chamakam Yagna
4. Mahamritunjaya Puja
5. Magala Gauri Puja
6. Shravan Shivratri

Benefits of these Puja

1. Positive and healthy mind, body and soul.
2. Achievement of success and prosperity.
3. Longevity of life.
4. Puja at Trayambakeshwar removes dosha.
5. Protection against disease.
6. Those facing delay/obstacles in marriage should fast during this month.

 Rituals ideal for Shravan Maas

1. Rudra Abhishek to cleanse ones sins by offering Panchamrit, Bael leaves and Dhatura among other items considered dear to Lord Shiva.
2. Chanting “Shiva Mantra”,“Om Namah Shivay” ,“Mahamrituyunjay Mantra”, “Rudra Gayatri Mantra” with or without a Rudraksha mala 108 times in the morning or evening.
3. Read stories of Lord Shiva, Shiva Puran or Shravan Vratkatha
4. Fasting either partially or rigorously, maunvrat, avoiding salt, non vegetarian diet, onion, garlic, green leafy vegetables and brinjals.

Written by: Dr.Geetanshu