Today marks the beginning of Sawan or Shravan. It is considered to be the most auspicious month of the Hindu Calendar. The holy month which is the fifth in the Hindu Calendar falls during the month of July-August and is known for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Also in this month, Naag Panchami is also celebrated in the month of Shravan.
To offer Lord Shiva the holy water and for worshipping him, lakhs of people go on the Kanwar pilgrimage every year. Devotees also keep fasts and workship Goddess Parvati seeking protection.
Sawan month starts today on July 17 and will conclude on August 15 with the celebration of Rakshabandhan. The entire month is devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva for his blessings. People also go to Jyotirlingas for pilgrimage and offer holy water of river Ganges to the Shivlinga.
In the month of Sawan, there will be four Mondays. Men, women and unmarried girls worship the god on this day and also observe the fast. Special Rudra Abhishek Puja is also performed by people with desires of a child, healthy life or a successful career. This year Shivratri will be celebrated on July 30.
Significance of Sawan
Legend suggests, Lord Shiva had consumed Halahal (Poison) that came out of the ocean during the churning of the ocean. As Lord Shiva did that to save the world, his devotees performed a Puja as a rendition to him who always protects his followers from dangers and diseases.
It is also said that Lord Shiva held the venom in his throat which turned it blue and thereby it is referred to as Neelkantha.
Pooja in Sawan
Many people go on Kanwar Yatra during the Holy Month of Sawan. They go on to fetch water from the holy river and carry Kanwars on their shoulder to offer to Shivlinga of their nearest temples.
Once the Kanwar is filled with the Holy water, it must not be kept on the floor or at any surface until it is offered to Lord Shiva. This is when the pilgrimage comes to an end.
People also perform Shivarchan at their homes and pray to Lord Shiva for his blessings.
