Introduction
According to the Hindu Vedic calendar, the holy Shravan month is the fifth month. This month starts with the full moon (Purnima) and ends with the full moon in the North Indian region, mainly. The Shravan month is regarded as very auspicious in the overall subcontinent. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this month is deemed to have deep cultural and mythological significance. Associated with various festivals, the Shravan month offers deep-rooted insights about ancient traditions and their importance in modern life. Here is a discussion of various facts connected to the Shravan month, including its mythological significance, religious importance, and some interesting facts.
Why is the Shravan month celebrated?
Mythological significance
As per Hindu mythology, the history of the Shravan month finds its roots in an epic event known as the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The heavenly beings (devas) and the asuras (demons) joined forces to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Several powerful and divine objects came into existence during this process. One of them, “Halahala” or the pot of poison, threatened all existence. To protect the world from its fatal effects, Lord Shiva ingested the poison. It turned his throat blue, which earned him the name Neelkantha. This divine event is believed to have occurred during Shravan, making it sacred for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Also Read: Bhavishya Malika: The Ancient Prophecies of Achyutananda Das
Religious importance
The devotees observe various rituals during this month to seek divine blessings:
Abhishekam: A ceremonial bath offered to the Shiva Lingam using milk, curd, ghee, honey, and jaggery (panchamrit), while chanting hymns and mantras.
Tribute of the Bilva leaf: Bilva leaves are sacred and offered to Lord Shiva to earn his blessings and fulfill desires.
Performing bhajans and chanting mantras: Devotees sing devotional songs and chant sacred mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya”.
Fasting: Many keep fasts every Monday, known as “Shravan Sombar”, believed to bring good health, prosperity, and marital bliss.
The spiritual journey to pilgrimages: Shravan sees massive pilgrimages to Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Amarnath (J&K), and Pashupatinath (Nepal).
Interesting facts about the Shravan month
Auspicious to start spiritual observances
The Shravan month is ideal for beginning practices like yoga, meditation, and mantra chanting due to its spiritual energy.
Avoidance of cutting hair
As a symbol of growth and natural harmony during monsoon, traditional beliefs discourage cutting hair during Shravan.
Eating non-veg is discouraged
Lord Shiva, also known as Pashupatinath, is the protector of all living beings. Devotees avoid non-vegetarian food during this month out of reverence.
Festivals celebrated in the Shravan month
Shravan is packed with festivals such as Nag Panchami, Guru Purnima, Janmashtami, and Rakhi Purnima.
Shravan month celebration at a glance
- Observe fasting every Monday with devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Offer water to the Lord each morning while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”.
- Refrain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
- Engage in charity and community service, especially for the needy.
- Read scriptures like the Shiv Puran and sing bhajans or kirtans.
Conclusion
The significance of Shravan lies not only in religious observance and mythology but in spiritual awakening, self-reflection, and harmonizing with the divine energies of nature. With a perfect blend of mythological depth, discipline, and environmental awareness, the Shravan month is a powerful time to detox the soul and purify the body.