Shravan Month Starting Date And Importance, Fasting Rules & More

Sawan is a special month for Hindus and it usually happens from late July to the third week of August. This month is highly important for followers of Lord Shiva. During Sawan, many festivals and religious ceremonies, known as poojas, take place. The Mondays in the month of Sawan are particularly special and are observed as Shravan Mass Somvar.

The month of Shravana is important in India because it’s when the southwest monsoons arrive, bringing much-needed rain. During Shravana, many Hindus choose to fast. They fast on Mondays to show their respect to Lord Shiva and on Tuesdays to honour Goddess Parvati.

Importance of Shravan Month

Shravan Month, everything seems a little more special at this time of year. With the arrival of the monsoon rains, the summer heat and dust are removed from the air. Additionally, it is a month devoted to one of the primary gods of Hinduism, Lord Shiva.

According to legend, Lord Shiva, the great preserver and destroyer, ingested the poison that threatened to wipe out humanity during this month. Quite valiant, don’t you think? Mondays are now highly celebrated in Shravan as a tribute to him.

Temples are crowded with people who are praying, singing and requesting favours; it’s like a gigantic thank-you note to Shiva.

Lord Shiva Puja Vidhi

Take a bath, get dressed in clean clothes and rise early. Prepare offerings such as fruits, flowers (particularly bel leaves, or bilva patra), milk, curd, honey, ghee and dhoop (incense) after cleaning the puja space.

Express your Devotion and intention of your Puja and ask the Being of Your Family. Chant prayers or mantras seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.

Shiv Mantra in Sanskrit

ॐ नमः शिवाय: Most popular and versatile mantra

ॐ शिवायच महायागाय: signifies offering a great sacrifice to Lord Shiva.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगंधिम पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बंधनान् मृत्योर मुक्षीय माम्ृतआत्: known as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Lord Shiva as the “three-eyed one” and seeks liberation from mortality and attainment of immortality.

ॐ क्लीं नमः शिवाय: Attracting Lord Shiva’s blessings and fulfilling desires.

ॐ नमः भगवते रुद्राय: Lord Shiva’s fierce aspect as Rudra and seeks his protection.

Shiv Mantra in English

• Om Namah Shivaya
• Om Shivaayacha Mahaaayaagaya
• Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urva Rukmiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritaat
• Om Kleem Namah Shivaya
• Om Namah Bhagavate Rudraaya

The Legend About Lord Shiva

During the month of Shravana, it is believed that Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking poison. This poison was discovered when the Gods and Demons were stirring the ocean to find a special drink called ‘Amrit’ or Nectar.

While mixing, they came across a dangerous poison called ‘Halahal’ that could destroy everything. The Gods prayed to Lord Shiva for help and he drank the poison to protect the world.
The Gods gave Lord Shiva the holy water of the Ganga River to reduce the effect of poison. As a result, his throat turned blue, Hence he is called ‘Neelkanth’ or Blue Throat. This event occurred on a Monday. That’s why Mondays, also known as ‘Somvar’ in the month of Shravana are considered very lucky.

Sawan Fasting Types And Benefits

Worshipping Lord Shiva during this month is considered more fruitful than during normal days. Many observe fast for a happy married life or for the happiness of their children. Some only observe the fast on Monday, known as the “Sawan Somvar Vrat”.

Observing fast during this is considered healthy according to scientific belief as well and our digestive system slows down during this season.

Apart from fasting, feeding the poor, cows, offering Bilvapatra to Lord Shiva and early morning worship are the major things done during Sawan to seek blessings from God.

Types of Fasting in Shravan Month

1. Saatvik Fasting
2. Phalahaar Fasting
3. Nirjala Fasting
4. Ekadashi Fasting
5. Pradosh Fasting
6. Deergh Fasting
7. Toote Fasting
8. Prat Fasting
9. Adop Fasting (1 Meal One day)
10. Rasop Fasting (Juice Fast)

Benefits of Fasting During Shravan Month

Health Benefits:

• Detoxification: Fasting, particularly with a focus on fruits and vegetables, helps to eliminate accumulated toxins in the body.
• Digestive Rejuvenation: By giving your digestive system a break from processing heavy meals, fasting can promote better digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Weight Management: Reduced calorie intake during fasting can lead to weight loss or weight management.
• Metabolic Boost: Short-term fasting may lead to a temporary increase in metabolic rate, helping the body burn calories more efficiently.
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels, mainly benefiting those with diabetes or prediabetes.

Spiritual Benefits:

• Self-Discipline: Fasting requires willpower and control, Improve self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment.
• Focus and Clarity: Fasting can lead to improved mental clarity and focus and gives the chance for deeper spiritual connection.
• Inner Peace: self-denial during a fast can foster a sense of inner peace and detachment from material desires.
• Devotional Expression: a way to express devotion to Lord Shiva and connect with the spiritual significance of Shravan.

Shravan Fasting Rules

The month of Shravan is a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline. Many devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts during this period. You can find out about the foods you can eat and the foods you can’t eat while fasting.

Food You Should Eat While Fasting in Shravan Month

Fruits

• Apples
• bananas
• oranges
• grapes
• melons
• pears
• pomegranates

Vegetables

• Potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• bottle gourd
• spinach
• cucumber
• okra
• pumpkin

Whole Grains (Depending on the fast)

• Buckwheat
• millets (like rajgira)
• quinoa

Nuts and seeds

• Almonds
• cashews
• walnuts
• peanuts
• flaxseeds
• chia seeds

Milk and Milk products

• Milk
• curd (yoghurt)
• buttermilk
• paneer (cottage cheese)

Fats and Oils

• Ghee
• coconut oil

Foods That Should Avoid While Fasting in Sharavan Month

Non-vegetarian Items

• Meat (chicken, lamb, fish, etc.)
• Eggs

Grains (depending on the fast)

• Wheat
• Rice
• Barley
• Certain dals (lentils) like masoor dal and urad dal

Vegetables (sometimes)

• Onions
• Garlic
• Some might avoid leafy greens due to the potential presence of insects during the monsoon season

Other

• Salt (some fasts exclude it entirely, others use specific salts like sendha namak)
• Alcohol
• Tobacco and other intoxicants
• Packaged and processed foods (due to preservatives and potential lack of purity)
• Certain spices (mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds) are considered tamasic

Fats and Oils

• Excessive oil consumption is generally discouraged.

List of Shravan Month Somwars and Festivals

 Here are some important dates of the festivals during Sawan Month 2024.

Shravan Somwar 2024

Shravan Month can start and end differently in different states. Check the list to know the beginning and ending dates in your state.

Sharvan Somwar Dates as Per Purnimanta Celender in North India: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.

Sharvan Somwar Dates as Per Manta Celender: Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Shravan Somwar Dates As Per Solar Celender: Nepal and other parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh

Shravan Month Festivals 2024

All The Festivals Celebrated during Shravan Month in 2024 Are Listed Here With the Date and Day.

Puja Performed in Shravan Month

With the help of Yatradham.org Book your Shravan Months Yatra and Puja Devote yourself to Lord Shiva and Get Blessed.

12 Jyotirling Temples To Visit in Shravan Month With Accommodation

Get a complete guide on 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva Puja and Abhishek

1. Panchopchar Puja
2. Rudri Puja
3. Abhishek Puja
4. Panchamrit Abhishek Puja
5. Rudrabhishek Puja
6. Laghu Rudrabhishek

Hope, this information is helpful to follow Sharavan Month. Visit top tourist places and temples this Sharavan and you can even perform puja during this month and take blessing from Lord Shiva.

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