Sawan Month
Sawan, also known as Shravan or Shravana, is a highly auspicious month in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Shiva. The month is marked by various religious activities, fasts, and rituals performed by devotees to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. In 2024, Sawan holds special significance, and here’s everything you need to know about its starting date, significance, and associated traditions.
Sawan Starting Date 2024
In 2024, the holy month of Sawan begins on Monday, July 22th, and will conclude on Tuesday, August 19th. This period is particularly revered because it is believed that during this time, Lord Shiva’s presence is more accessible to his devotees, and their prayers are more likely to be answered.
According to Marathi panchang In 2024, the holy month of Sawan begins on Monday, August 5th, and will conclude on Tuesday, September 3rdh.
Significance of Sawan
Sawan is considered the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and holds immense spiritual importance. It is during this month that the monsoon season is in full swing in India, symbolizing the renewal of life and the washing away of impurities.
Key Aspects of Sawan:
- Devotion to Lord Shiva: Devotees dedicate this month to worshipping Lord Shiva. Temples are often adorned with flowers and lights, and special prayers are conducted.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts, known as “Sawan Somvar Vrat,” on Mondays during Sawan. It is believed that fasting and praying to Lord Shiva on these days can bring prosperity, health, and marital bliss.
- Kawad Yatra: This pilgrimage involves devotees, known as Kawadias, carrying holy water from the Ganges River to offer to Shiva temples, especially in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other places.
- Rituals and Pujas: Various rituals, including Rudrabhishek (a special worship of Shiva using holy water, milk, and honey), are performed during this month.
Traditional Practices During Sawan
- Sawan Somvar Vrat (Monday Fasting): Mondays during Sawan are considered highly auspicious. Devotees wake up early, bathe, and visit Shiva temples to offer prayers and perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga). They fast for the entire day, consuming only water, fruits, and specific fasting foods.
- Offering Bel Patra: Bel leaves (Bilva leaves) are considered very dear to Lord Shiva. Offering these leaves to the Shiva Linga is a common practice during Sawan.
- Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant the Shiva mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and other hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings.
- Kawad Yatra: Thousands of devotees embark on this yatra, carrying water from the Ganges to offer at Shiva temples. The journey is often long and arduous, symbolizing the devotion and penance of the devotees.
Legends and Myths Associated with Sawan
The month of Sawan is steeped in various legends and myths. One popular belief is that it was during this month that Lord Shiva drank the poison (Halahala) that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the world. This act turned his throat blue, earning him the name “Neelkanth” (the blue-throated one).
Another legend suggests that Sawan is the month when Goddess Parvati observed rigorous fasts and performed penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart and marry him.
Conclusion
Sawan is a month of deep spiritual significance, filled with devotion, rituals, and celebrations dedicated to Lord Shiva. By observing fasts, performing rituals, and participating in the Kawad Yatra, devotees express their unwavering faith and seek divine blessings.
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