Shrvaan Maas
What makes Shravan maas the holiest of all Hindu months?
It was because during this month, the samundar manthan (churning of ocean) took
place, when Lord Shiva stepped in and saved the whole cosmos or universe from
destruction.
While churning the ocean by Devtas and demon kings, it is believed that 14 various
types of rubies were derived. It's been said that 13 of these were evenly distributed
between the Devtas and demons, but the jahar (poison or halahal) was spared.
None of the Devtas or the demons were willing to consume or accept this strong
poison - except Sri Shiva-ji - who drank the jahar but kept the liquid in his throat -
thus deriving his name: Nilkantha (Nil - meaning blue) and Kantha(throat).
It is said in various scriptures that to minimise the very strong effects of the poison,
Sri Shiva-ji wore the tiny crescent of the Chandar Devta (moon) on his forehead.
It is also believed that offering Ganga jal on Shiva lingam also started around this
month to calm the effects of the poison in Lord Shiva's throat.
Every day of this Sharvan month has its own significance, and rituals that can be
observed. However, no days are more auspicious than Shravan Mondays.
While Mondays in Sharvan maas are particularly auspicious for Sri Shiva-ji, other
days of this month are very special for the following:
Tuesdays
Devi Gauri or Parvathi or Durga, especially by women for good health of their
family:
WednesdaysLord Vishnu or his reincarnations like Sri Krishna and Sri Ram.
ThursdaysGayatri Devi, saraswati or your own Guruji.
FridaysSri Laxmi and Tulsi Vrinda Devi.
SaturdaysShani Devta - particularly important for fighting ill-effects of Shani in
regards to obstacles of wealth being derived in homes.
SundaysWorshipping of Lord Surya.It is considered particularly beneficial to start
Solar Somvaar Varat (16 Mondays of fasting) during the month of Shravan.
The star Shravan rules the astrologies during Shravan Maas – this is where the
month derives its name. This is the holiest month for Shiv bhakti - similar to the
month of Kartik for Lord Vishnu’s bhakti.
During this month Lord Shiva’s devotees should:
- Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa
- Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead
- Make offerings of Bael leaves, milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey and gur on Shiva Ling
- Recite or Shiv Katha and Aarti
- Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
For all other Mantras, Chalisas and devotional songs please check the Bhakti and
Puja webpage on this site.
