Lord Shiva and Shravan Month

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 moon transits to 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. 

In north India Shravan began from the Guru Poornima (July 2) when Moon transits Shravan Nakshtra. As per Vikram Samvat calendar which is based on Lord Sun's (Solar) transit in 12 Rashi's, Shravan begins in mid July when Lord Sun transits to Cancer, the zodiac ruled by the Moon. In Maharashtra and many other parts of India who follow Sak Samvat Calender Shravan begins after Amavas is over, which was on July 20 this year.

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.

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 among the deva's and 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.

Things to do during Shravan month

• Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa.

• Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead.

• Make offerings of Bel leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shiva Ling.

• Recite Shiv Chalisa and Aarti.

• Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.

• Fasting on Mondays. Girls who fast on all Mondays of Shravan get a good husband.

Shravan Somvar Vrat (Monday fasting on Shravan month)

One of the name of Lord shiva is soma - saha uma. For the Lord someshvara Who wears the soma, the moon crescent on the matted hair, on the somavara day (Monday), this festival is observed. 

Though all Mondays can be observed as vrat there are special mondays when it is much more emphasised to observe like the shravan Somvar and karthikai sOmavAr. According to skandha purANa, on the Mondays of the month kArthikai (mid Nov to mid Dec) this vrata is observed. 

Way of observing

After taking bath pray to the Auspicious and Graceful Lord Shiva. Anointing the Lord with Panchamritam and other pleasant substances, hail the Lord offering bilvapatra leaves. During the day don't take any solid food. You can take Milk/ buttermilk/ fruit juice/ fruits . After Sun Set in the evening pray to Lord Shiva and break your fast and eat normal solid food (avoid onions and garlic) . Your fasting should start from 12 in the midnight and ends at in the evening on Monday. It is believed that one who fasts on all Monday of Shravan has all prayers from the heart answered. It is not necessary to undergo rigid practices. Even for this fast, different people may have different practices....e.g. some people may not have buttermilk or some may have specific mantras to be chanted. You can follow whatever gives you a peace of mind.

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 worshiping 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 worshiped without fail.

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-Panchami Kalkyavatara Putradaikadashi Hindola or Swinging Narali Purnima Shravani Purnima Pavitraropana Raksha Bandhan

Vara Lakshmi Vrata Rishi Panchami Govatsa and Bahula Sitala Saptami Janmashtami Ajaikadasi Pithori Pola