3 AUG 2016 SHRAVAN MAAS

Why is Shravan Maas the holiest month in the Hindu Calendar?

By Nikita Banerjee

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Shravan Maas is considered as one of the holiest months in the year as per the Hindu calendar. It is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. In 2016, Shravan Maas begins on 20th July 2016.

But why is this month called Shravan? It is believed that on Poornima or a full moon day or at any time during this month, the Shravan Nakshatra or star rules the skies and hence, this month derives its name from this nakshatra.

Devotees offering Patram-pushpam & falam-toyam to Shiva linga in Shravan Maas

The Shravan maas is synonymous with auspicious festivals and events. It is the best time to conduct all-important religious ceremonies, as almost all days in this month are auspicious for shubh arambh, i.e. good start. Shravan maas’ ruling deity is Lord Shiva.

In this month, each Monday is celebrated as Shravan Somvar across all temples with the Dharanatra hanging over the Shiva linga, bathing it with holy water and milk, throughout the day into the night. Devotees offer Bael leaves, flowers, holy water and milk, i.e. Falam-Toyam, Pushpam-Patram to lord Shiva on every Shravan Somwar. They fast until the sun goes down and the Nandadeep, the Akhand Diya, burns throughout.

The significance of Lord Shiva in Shravan Maas

The Samudra Manthan is a very important episode as per the Puranas. The churning of the milky ocean, i.e. Samudra Manthan in search of the amrit, took place during the month of Shravan. During the churning, 14 different rubies emerged from the ocean. Thirteen rubies were divided among the devas and the asuras, however, Halahal, the 14^th ruby remained untouched as it was the deadliest poison which could destroy the whole universe and every living being. Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored the poison in his throat. Due to the impact of the poison, his throat turned blue and he came to be called Neelkantha.

Such was the impact of the poison that Lord Shiva wore a crescent moon on his head and all the devas started offering water from the holy river of Ganges to lord Shiva to reduce the effects of the poison. Both these events took place in the Shravan Maas and therefore, it is considered very auspicious to offer holy Ganga water to Lord Shiva in this month. 

Importance of wearing Rudraksh in Shravan Maas

Devout devotees of Lord Shiva consider it auspicious to wear Rudraksha in the month of Shravam. Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva as his the ruling deity of the day. However, Mondays in the Shravan maas as known as Shravan Somwar and are highly auspicious, and celebrated with all austerities.

Rituals to following Shravan Maas

• Offering milk to lord Shiva in Shravan Maas leads one to earn a lot of punyas.
• Wear Rudraksha and use it for japas.
• Bhibhuti is considered very important if offered to lord Shiva. Some of it should be smeared on the forehead as well.
• Offer panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, butter or ghee, honey and jaggery) and bael leaves to Shiva linga.
• Chant the shiva chalisa and perform regular aarti of lord Shiva.
• Chanting the Mahamritunjay mantra is very auspicious.
• Fast on all Shravan Somvars. This is important for young women seeking good husbands. 

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