The month of Saawan or Shravan maas is the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in July and August. It’s a time when the monsoon rains pour down, bringing relief from the scorching summer heat and filling the environment with freshness and greenery.
However, there’s more to this holy month. Shravan Maas is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered highly auspicious.
But why and how is this month related to Lord Shiva?
Well, there's a lot of fascinating history and tradition behind it which we’ll be discussing in this detailed blog.
The Legend Behind Saawan and Lord Shiva
According to Hindu mythology, during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), both gods (devas) and demons (asuras) came together to churn the ocean to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality. Along with all the good things that emerged from the ocean there was also a deadly poison called Halahala. While everything was equally distributed among the devas and demons, no one was willing to accept the poison.
Amid this crisis, Lord Shiva stepped and drank the poison, holding it in his throat to prevent it from spreading. This act turned his throat blue, and got him the name Neelkanth, which means "the blue-throated one."
It is believed that the act of consuming the poison caused immense pain and heat in Shiva's body. Hence to ease and soothe him down, Lord Bhrama started pouring Ganga jal on him. And ever since then, the practice of offering jal (water) to Shiva became a norm that is practiced even today.
Apart from this, there's another interesting story connecting Shiva to Shravan Maas (Saawan). It started when Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the King of the Himalayas. From a young age, Parvati felt a strong connection to Lord Shiva. Hence, to win his favor, she performed strong penance and fasted on Mondays during Saawan (Saawan Somvar). Her devotion paid off, and Shiva was so pleased that he accepted her as his wife during this very month. Another belief about Saawan is that while all other deities sleep during this time, Lord Shiva is the one who remains awake. This is why devotees worship him in Saawan, as he is the only one who can grant their wishes.
How to Worship Lord Shiva During the Shravan Maas?
Here are some tips on how you can worship Lord Shiva during the auspicious month of saawan:
1. Start with a Cleansing
Begin your day with a bath to purify yourself physically and wear clean, preferably white or light-colored clothes. Meanwhile, also try to keep your mind free from any negative or intrusive thoughts.
2. Visit a Shiva Temple
If possible, visit a nearby Shiva temple. Mornings are the best time for prayers, but any time that works for you is good. If you can’t visit a temple, you can create a small worship space at home.
Also Read - 11 Tallest Lord Shiva Statues in India
3. Perform Abhishekam
Abhishekam is the ritual of pouring gangajal along with other sacred substances on the Shiva Lingam, which is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. Here are a few things you should add to the holy water before offering it to the lord:
- Water: To symbolize purity and the cleansing of sins.
- Milk: For nourishment and to seek blessings for health and longevity.
- Yogurt: For prosperity.
- Honey: For sweetening life and seeking divine grace.
- Ghee: For spiritual awakening.
Offer these, one by one while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” or other Shiva mantras.
4. Offer Bilva Leaves
Bilva (or Bel) leaves are particularly dear to Lord Shiva. Make sure the leaves you offer are fresh and are in a pair of three leaflets. Place them on the Shiva Lingam while reciting prayers.
5. Light a Lamp and Incense
Light an oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks to fill the air with pure fragrance and positivity. The lamp symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance, while incense purifies the air.
Also Read - Learn Why Lord Shiva is Worshipped as a Lingam?
6. Chant Mantras and Pray
Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva helps in focusing your mind and invoking his blessings. Some popular ones include:
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ॐ नमः शिवाय || Om Namah Shivaya Meaning: I bow to Shiva |
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ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् | उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥ Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat Meaning: Om, we offer our reverence to the three-eyed deity, whose presence is both fragrant and nourishing. Just as cucumbers are freed from their vines, may we too be released from the chains of mortality and attachment to transient things, allowing us to remain connected to the eternal essence that pervades all. |
These mantras help protect you from negative energies. Besides this, you can also recite or listen to Shiva Chalisa, a devotional hymn in praise of Lord Shiva.
6. Fasting
Many devotees observe fasts during Saawan, especially on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar. Fasting can be complete (without any food or water) or partial (consuming fruits, milk, and water). It’s a personal choice and depends on your health and devotion.
7. Meditation and Reflection
Spend some time in meditation, focusing on Lord Shiva. Visualize his serene form, and reflect on his qualities of detachment, compassion, and wisdom. This practice helps in calming the mind and deepening your spiritual connection.
Festivities and Celebrations Celebrated During Shravan Maas
Saawan is also a time for celebrations and festivities. One of the most popular festivals during this month is Teej, celebrated by women for marital bliss and the well-being of their spouses. They dress up in vibrant colors, especially green, and participate in various cultural activities and rituals dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
Another significant event is the Kanwar Yatra, where thousands of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, embark on a pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganges and offer it to Shiva temples. This yatra is a testament to their devotion and dedication to Lord Shiva.
Takeaway
As you walk through this month, perhaps take a moment to reflect on the stories of Shiva, engage in a simple ritual, or even just spend a few minutes in meditation as this will somewhere help you get closer to Lord Shiva. Who knows? You might just feel a bit of that divine connection that millions of devotees cherish every Saawan.
