The month Shravan (Sawan) is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. This month is believed to be particularly dear to Lord Shiva. The devotees of Shiva perform various rituals and customs during this month. In Hindu mythology, the month of Shravan holds great significance and is considered auspicious month. It is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and usually falls between July and August.
Now the question is: Why the Shravan month is dear to Lord Shiva? There are many more months in a year. But why particularly, Shravan is dear to Lord Shiva? As per my standpoint, as a believer and devotee of Lord Shiva. What seems to me, in fact, number 5 is dear to Lord Shiva. I can explain my point of view by presenting the following points. Though I haven’t read these anywhere; it is my sheer observance:
As the Shravan month is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, it is dear to Lord Shiva.
Om Namah Shivai, the Panchaxari Mantra, is one of the dearest Mantra to Lord Shiva.
Total number of Shiv Parivar’s members is also five. They are– Lord Shiva, wife-Goddess Durga, two sons- God Ganesha and Kartikay and the biggest devotee- Nandi ji Maharaj.
The Abhishek (ritualistic bathing of the deity) of Lord Shiva is also performed by Panchamrita (made of five sacred substances: milk, honey, desi ghee, mishri and curd).
And, the Panch Mukhi (five lined) Rudrakash out of all is the dearest to the Lord Shiva.
As per the observance of mine, five is the most loving number to Lord Shiva. That’s why fifth month of Hindu’s calendar is particularly dear to Lord Shiva.
As per the Hindu mythology, Shravan month is one of the favourite months the Lord Shiva because during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) Lord Shiva consumed all the poison came out from the ocean. Lord Shiva held the poison in his throat. Due to the effect of poison His throat turned blue. From that day onwards Lord Shiva is also called and known by the name of “Neelkanth Mahadev.” To ease the effects of the poison, Lord Shiva is said to have taken refuge in the month of Shravan. Devotees worship Lord Shiva during this month and offer Him Panchamrita, prayers, fasting and perform special rituals.
Devotees of Lord Shiva observe various forms of spiritual practices during the month of Shravan. Many people undertake fasting on Mondays (known as Shravan Somvaar). Which are considered highly auspicious. They offer milk, flowers and Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) to Lord Shiva. The Abhishek of Lord Shiva (ritualistic bathing of the deity) is also performed by the devotees with Panchamrita.
Kanwar Yatra is one of the most auspicious and important part of Shravan month. Devotees of Kanwar Yatra are known as Kanwariyas. At the beginning of this month large number of Kanwariyas reach on the bank of sacred rivers and the river Ganga, Har ki Pedi, Haridwar. They take Ganga Jal (the holy water of river Ganga) in their Kanwars (pots). They walk long distances to reach temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kanwar Yatra usually takes place during the first half month of Shravan. Last year, around four crore Kanwariyas reached to Har Ki Pedi to fetch the holy water of river Ganga. This year more than 5 crore Kanwariyas are expected to arrive. The Kanwariyas engage in singing devotional songs of Lord Shiva. Most often, almost all of them recite Har-Har… Bam-Bam… They perform acts of self-discipline and devotion.
Sawan is marked by several festivals and celebrations that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the most important festivals is Shivratri, which falls during this month. It is called Shravan Shivratri. Devotees keep night-long vigils, chant prayers and participate in various cultural activities to express their devotion to Lord Shiva.
Overall, the month Shravan holds immense spiritual significance for Lord Shiva’s devotees. They keep on engage all the month in various rituals, penance and celebrations to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to turn their spiritual connection deepen. Happy Shravan to all. May Lord Shiva Bless you all the ways… Har-Har… Bam-Bam…
Inder Arora – Motivational Speaker
