The month of Shravan
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 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.
Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each Monday of this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in temples where the Dharanatra hangs over the ling or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the ling high with Bael leaves and flowers and fast till sunset. The Nandadeep (24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples.
Lord Shiva and Shravan Mas
The churning of oceans “Samudra Manthan” between Dev (Demi-Gods) and Danav (Demons) took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the Dev and Danav’s, 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 Devs (Demi-Gods), thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to reduce the effect of poison.
Ever since, this event too place in the month of Shravan, all devotees offer the Ganges water to Lord Shiv especially during this month.
It is highly auspicious to wear a Rudrakash in Shravan month. As, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially observed with austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Shiv as this day is sacred to Lord Shiv. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honoured.
Shree Hindu Temple always performs special Shiv Abhishek on each Monday of Shravan mas (month).
Things to do during Shravan month
During the Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of punya.
• 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, Ghee – 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.
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 worshipping 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 worshipped without fail.