Indeed, the holy Shravan or Saawan month is considered the most auspicious in the Hindu calendar. It is the day when the entire cosmos is charged with divinity and magical powers. As per the Hindu beliefs and tradition, Saawan is the best month to win the grace of the almighty. More specifically, Shravan is the month of Lord Shiva and during Saavan the universe is filled with Shiv Tattvas or the elements of Lord Shiva. Well, Shravan is here and so the opportunity to win the special blessings of Lord Shiva is before us.
Importance Of Shravan Month And Lord Shiva’s Bhakti During Shravan Maas
Shravan is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. It comes after Ashadha month. Shravan month is a very important period for devout Hindus and they consider it to be the holiest month of the year. In fact, every day in the month of Shravan month is considered auspicious. It is believed that one can win the special grace of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu during this holy month. Shravan month, in particular, holds a lot of importance for the devotees of Lord Shiva.
The word “Shiva” connotes Kalyan (welfare). Lord Shiva is the main God in the worship of Panchadev (The Five Gods). Pushpadant has very well explained the glory of Lord Shiva in Shiv Mahima Stotra. He has said that in spite of being an eternal God, Lord Shiva has come to acquire the role of a creator, preserver and destroyer of this mundane world. Shiva is the cause of every living being’s existence. So, let us know some interesting facts related to the Holy Shravan month-:
The Legend Behind Shravan Month
As per the traditional story, the daughter of Daksh had sacrificed her life and was reborn as Parvati in the home of Himalaya King. Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva. That is the reason why she performed penance during Shravan month. Lord Shiva was pleased with the devotion of Parvati and he fulfilled her wish. Lord Shiva likes the Shravan month very much as he got reunited with his wife during this period. Shravan month began on July 25 as per Hindu Calendar & Panchang. During the holy Shravan month, Shivaling is worshipped and people pray to Lord Shiva for the entire night.
Another Story Behind Shravan Month
The legend of Shravan Maas Shiva Puja is referred to the ‘Samudra Manthan’ which was performed during the month of Shravan. Out of the fourteen elements that came out of the ocean during the churning, the ‘Halahal’ poison was consumed by Lord Shiva to save the world. He came to be known as Neelkantha as he held the poison in his throat that turned blue due to the deadly venom. The Shiva Puja during Shravan Maas is a rendition to the Lord who always protects his followers from all dangers & diseases and bestows good health and fortune, which can also be known using Astrology.
The Importance Of Shravan Monday (Somvar)
Monday is represented by Moon, which in turn symbolises Mind. Moon is placed on Lord Shiva’s head. Lord Shiva is believed to discipline the mind of the spiritual aspirant and the devotees. That is why Lord Shiva is especially worshipped on Monday. If you worship Shivaling on Shravan Monday, you can win his special grace. Men, women and especially unmarried girls fast on this day to please Lord Shiva.
Know How Lord Shiva Is Worshipped In Shravan Month
The materials for worshipping Him: Gangajal, akshat (uncooked rice), flowers, Panchamrut (made of milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar), Nadachari (kalava, colourful thread), Yagyopavit, fruits, sweets, incense (agarbatti), dhoop.
Puja Procedure
While worshipping Lord Shiva, be seated facing the East. Thereafter, take some water in the right hand and make your wish. Meditate on Lord Shiva. Then, pour pure water over the Shivling. Pour the panchamrut on the Shivling and keep reciting the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Then once again pour water over the Shivling and offer Akshat (uncooked rice) to the Shivling. Thereafter, place the sacred thread and Bel Patra and put the agarbatti (incense sticks). Offer sweets to the Lord and seek forgiving for the wrong deeds.
The Benefits Of Worshipping Lord Shiva:
- If we perform his Abhishek, our soul gets cleansed.
- If we bathe him with scented water, we are blessed with a son.
- If we offer him Naivaidya, our life’s longevity increases.
- If we light a Diya before his idol, we are graced with knowledge.
- If we offer Pan (betel leaves) to Lord Shiva, we get ample food.
- If we bathe his idol with milk, we get peace of mind.
- If we perform his Abhishek with curd, we get good vehicle and cattle wealth.
- If we perform his Abhishek with ghee, sugar cane water, we are blessed with wealth and happiness.
- If we bathe him with Darbh water, then our problems will get solved.
- If we bathe him with Ganga water, we attain Moksha (salvation).
- If we offer Bhaang to him, we get blessed with victory and our desired wish is fulfilled.
Inauspicious Things In Worshipping Lord Shiva
There are some things which are considered inauspicious if used in the worship of Lord Shiva. Let us now know about them:
Sindur or Kumkum: Scriptures tell us that we should not put kumkum or roli on the Shivling. Lord Shiva is a renunciant and destroyer, so it’s wrong to worship him with sindoor. Rather sandalwood paste is used to worship him.
Tulsi: Normally, tulsi is considered very auspicious but putting Tulsi on Lord Shiva is prohibited. It is believed that Lord Shiva had killed the husband of Tulsi, demon Jaalandhar. So, Tulsi is not put on Lord Shiva’s idol. There is another story that Lord Vishnu had accepted Tulsi as his wife. So, Tulsi leaves are not offered to Lord Shiva.
Shankh (Conch shell): Lord Shiva had killed a demon called Shankhchood. Shankh is the symbol of this demon. That is why water is not offered to Lord Shiva in a Shankh.
So, let us welcome Shravan mahina (month) with loads of joy and enthusiasm and pray to Lord Shiva for blessings and grace.
With Ganesha’s Grace,
Acharya Dharmadhikari,
The GaneshaSpeaks Team