The Hindus commemorate the holy month of Shravan, which started on July 4 and will continue till August 31. This year the month of Shravan will last for 59 days, an event happening after a gap of 19 years (the last one was in 2004), resulting in eight Shravan Mondays instead of the usual four in a month. According to astrologers, the Adhik Maas, Malmaas, or the Purusthotam Mas has increased the Shravan month this year per astrological calculations and the Hindu calendar.
In north India, Shrawan, which takes its name from the Nakshatra Shravan, is commemorated in the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. Interestingly, the Northern and Southern Indian states observe this month on various dates. While South India uses the Amavasyanta calendar (no moon), North India uses the Purnimant (full moon) calendar.
The Shrawan Maas celebration honors Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and part of the trinity of Hindu Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Millions of Hindus in India and elsewhere observe spiritual devotion, fasting, and celebration. They seek blessings, purify their minds, and maintain spiritual discipline by fasting. Fasting during Shravan is believed to bring peace, happiness, and prosperity.Shravan typically occurs during the rainy season, and the rain is believed to be Lord Shiva’s blessing and a symbol of the rebirth and renewal of life.
There are five reasons or mythological facts why the month of Shravan is dear to Lord Shiva. The first reason is Markandeya, the son of Markandu Rishi, who undertook arduous penance throughout the month of Shravan in order to live a long life. The second reason is that, though content with life on earth, Lord Shiva visited his in-law’s home every monsoon, where he was welcomed with a Jalabhishek.
The third reason is that in mythology, Samudra Manthan, or churning of the milky ocean in search of Amrit, took place during the month of Shravan. The fourth reason is according to Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva himself is water, so water offered to him is to be found in water in a way, and therefore Shiva loves the consecration of water. The fifth reason is that Lord Vishnu goes into Yognidra in the month of Shravan at the beginning of Chaturmas; hence all the responsibility falls on Lord Shiva. That’s why this Shravan is dear to Lord Shiva.
To demonstrate their devotion and dedication, Lord Shiva worshippers carry holy water on their shoulders from sacred rivers in little pots called Kanwars, and pour it on the Shiva linga. There is a famous legend behind this tradition of pouring water on Lord Shiva. Different rubies emerged during Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. Some were divided among the devas and the asuras, while one ruby remained untouched as it was the deadliest poison that could destroy the universe and every living being.
Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, so his throat turned blue, and he came to be called Neelkantha. All devas started offering water from the holy river of Ganga to reduce the effects of the poison. Thus, the tradition of pouring water on Shiva linga (Abhishekam) is believed to have started. The Holy Water nurtures and nourishes the brain and soul with goodness, compassion, noble thoughts, and a satvik mindset. The legend also has it that Lord Ram covered a distance of 109 kilometers carrying holy water from the Ganges and poured on Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan.
It is also believed that holding fast on Mondays during Shravan brings good luck to the fast holders. While they will be blessed with joy and happiness, their desires will also be fulfilled. For unmarried women fast-holders, it is believed that they will get healthy and handsome husbands. And the married ones will be blessed with the good health of their husbands.
