Shravan is the fifth month of Hindu calendar which is observed by Shiva devotees. The month is known for fasting an offering prayers, this month is considered highly auspicious.
It is a month which is dedicated to the veneration of Lord Shiva, who is also known by the name Mahadeva, Maheshwar, Neelkanth, Rudra, Naresh, Shankar, etc.
Sawan is one of the most awaited months of the Hindu calendar, as the devotees of Lord Shiva wait for this pious month all the year round, in order to pay their devotion to Lord Shiva.
The most important part about Shravan is fasting Mondays. Monday fasting is purely dedicated to Shiva. The story attached to this is that following the Samudra Manthan several valuable gemstones emerged out of the sea. What also emerged was poison, which Shiva swallowed. To protect her husband, Parvati, his consort immediately held his neck to prevent the poison from entering his body. This resulted in Shiva’s throat turning blue (with the poison) and earning him the moniker, Neelkanth (The One with the Blue Throat). Devotees dedicate an entire month to Shiva and these fasts are observed strictly.
What are the benefits of Sawan Somvar Vrat?
As per beliefs, there are many benefits of fasting on Shravan Mondays. People who are said to be facing problems in their marital life or those who are facing marriage delays can observe fasts on Mondays. This fast is observed by women largely to get a good husband. It is believed that reciting the Solah Somvar Vrat, which means the 16 Fasting Mondays, makes Shiva happy and he blesses his devotees with prosperity and happiness. And if these beliefs are anything to go by, it is also said that Parvati observed the Solah Somwar Vrat to get married to Shiva.
During this fasting period, one needs to stay away from any kind of negative energies and only do good deeds. The Hindu culture has many beliefs like these and it is a divine feeling to watch devotees from all over observe these rituals religiously.
What Mantra is chanted in this month?
Any Shiva Mantra including Om Namah Shivay can be chanted during Sawan.
Vrat rules according to scriptures
According to the scriptures, there are certain rituals to be followed, while observing a fast in the month of Sawan. They are given as follows:
● The one who is observing the fast, should wake up early in the morning, and take a bath to eliminate any kind of impurity from their body.
● Milk should be offered to Shiva Lingam in any Shiva Temple.
● Prayers to Lord Shiva should be offered twice a day. The first puja should be done early in the morning, while the second one should be done after the Sunset.
● For the puja, diya is lighted up, and flowers are offered to Lord Shiva.
● Solah Somvar Vrat Katha (Sawan Vrat Katha) is an important facet of Sawan, and is to be recited during the Vrat. The Vrat Katha describes the life of Mahadeva.
● After the evening Puja, the fast can be broken, and normal food can be consumed.
