The first monsoon showers signal the start of Sawan and Chaturmas. According to Hindu tradition, this is one of the sacred months of each year.
Shravan, another name for Sawan, is the fifth lunar month in the Hindu calendar. Lord Shiva is the focus of worship during this blissful month.
Every Monday during this period, also referred to as Shravan Somvar, devotees go to the temple and present Shiva with milk, holy water, honey, flowers, and bael leaves.
Goddess Parvati is honoured on every Tuesday, or Mangalwar. According to Drik Panchang, fasting on Tuesday during this month, is referred to as Mangal Gauri Vrat.
According to legend, Lord Shiva drank venom as part of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the celestial ocean to procure amrit, or nectar, in order to save the world.
It is thought that Goddess Parvati held his neck to prevent the venom from entering his body. His neck turned blue as a result of this ingestion, and he also experienced pain and burns.
As a gesture of appreciation, lord Shiva devotees offer water from the Ganga to aid in the healing of his wounds. Shravan Somvar Vrats are also observed as a way of giving thanks to the Lord, as well as for success, fertility, and marriage.
The full moon day, or Shravan Purnima, which occurs every year, also falls within the Nakshatra known as Lord Vishnu’s birth star.
Hindu mythology states that the Daksh’s daughter was required to give her life in order to reincarnate as Parvati.
She performed penance in the month of Shravan because she wanted to get married to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is said to have been pleased by Parvati’s devotion and thus granted her wish.
Auspicious Dates
The sacred month of Sawan will start on July 14 and end on August 12 this year. The month will have four auspicious Mondays, the first of which will be on July 18.
- First Day Sawan Month– July 14, Thursday
- First Sawan Somvar– July 18, Monday
- Second Sawan Somvar– July 25, Monday
- Third Sawan Somvar– August 1, Monday
- Fourth Sawan Somvar– August 8, Monday
- Last Day Sawan Month– August 12, Friday
Several Hindu festivals, such as Krishna Janmashtami and Naag Panchami, take place during this holy month. Raksha Bandhan and Teej are two festivals that mark the end of Sawan.
