Shravan, according to Hinduism, is considered the holiest month of the year. And among the Mondays of the month, the Somvar (Monday) of Sawan is regarded as the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva. The significance of the Monday during the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar is undeniable. In common parlance, Shravan is referred to as “Sawan.”
Shravan Extends for Two Months in 2023 The sacred month of Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will span two months in 2023 after a gap of approximately 19 years, primarily due to the occurrence of an additional month known as “Malmas.” Shravan, or Sawan, will commence on July 4, 2023, and conclude on August 31, 2023. Here are some notable dates during this period:
- Start of Sawan: July 4
- Sawan Shivratri: July 15
- Additional Month (Adhik Maas): July 18 – August 16
- Conclusion of Sawan: August 31
The Observance of Sawan Somvar Vrat (Monday Fasting)
Sawan Somvar holds great significance, and devotees observe fasts on Mondays throughout the month. They observe fasts from the first Monday to the sixteenth Monday. The sixteen-day fasting process is known as the “Solah Somvar Vrat.” The weekly Monday fast is practiced for a duration of one day, and it is customary to break the fast in the evening. Fasting during the month of Sawan is usually observed in the months of July, August, and September.
Sawan Somvar Dates in 2023 Festivals Date
- First Monday of Sawan July 10, 2023
- Second Monday of Sawan July 17, 2023
- Third Monday of Sawan (Adhik Maas) July 24, 2023
- Fourth Monday of Sawan (Adhik Maas) July 31, 2023
- Fifth Monday of Sawan (Adhik Maas) August 7, 2023
- Sixth Monday of Sawan (Adhik Maas) August 14, 2023
- Seventh Monday of Sawan August 21, 2023
- Eighth Monday of Sawan August 28, 2023
Shravan Month 2023:
Significance of Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha (Story) and Festivals The month of Shravan is extremely dear to Lord Shiva. Throughout this month, various special festivals are celebrated. Our country’s traditions always connect us with the divine, whether it’s a one-day festival or a month-long celebration. Every festival holds its own significance.
The months of the Hindu calendar and their importance are worth exploring. The monsoon season marks the beginning of a series of festivals that last for four months, observed by people of all religions and communities. Similarly, Sawan holds immense significance in Hindu society. It is observed and worshipped through various rituals and customs.
In our country, all three primary seasons occur for a span of four months each. The impact of these seasons on our climate is profound. Due to the dominance of agriculture in India, the monsoon season holds great importance, with the month of Sawan being considered the most significant.
Commencement of Shravan Month in 2023 Shravan month in 2023 began on July 18 and will continue until August 8. During this time, numerous festivals as per Hindu customs are celebrated.
Sawan Somvar Dates in 2023
- First Monday of Sawan: July 10
- Second Monday of Sawan: July 17
- Third Monday of Sawan: July 24
- Fourth Monday of Sawan: July 31
- Fifth Monday of Sawan: August 7
- Sixth Monday of Sawan: August 14
- Seventh Monday of Sawan: August 21
- Eighth Monday of Sawan: August 28
Let us cherish the auspiciousness of the Shravan month, which offers us a sacred journey filled with devotion and celebrations.
The Significance of the Month of Shravan (Sawan Month Mahatva)
Shravan, also known as Sawan, holds the fifth position in the Hindi calendar. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season. In this month, Lord Shiva, the deity of Shravan, is worshipped in various ways.
The entire month is filled with religious festivities, such as Shiva worship, fasting, bathing in holy rivers, and the importance of Shiva Abhishekam. Especially, Mondays of the month, known as “Sawan Somvar,” are considered auspicious and are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
Many women observe fasting and take a pre-dawn bath throughout the month. Unmarried girls keep fasts and perform Shiva puja in this month, seeking a suitable husband. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. In India, the month of Shravan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
It is considered the month of Lord Shiva, and people observe fasts and perform worship dedicated to Him. Mondays hold special significance in the month of Shravan, and on this day, the worship of Lord Shiva is conducted.
Fasting in the Month of Shravan
Many people observe fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva in the month of Shravan. Among these fasts, the Shravan Somvar and Saur Sankranti fasts are the most prominent.
Shravan Somvar fast signifies fasting on Mondays of the Shravan month. It is believed that by observing this fast, Lord Shiva blesses the entire world with prosperity, wealth, and protection.
Shiva Linga Puja in the Month of Shravan
Shiva Linga puja holds special significance in the month of Shravan. People worship the Shiva Linga during this month and pay their respects to Lord Shiva with devotion.
Pouring water on the Shiva Linga during this month is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings. It is said that offering water to the Shiva Linga during Shravan month brings the grace of Lord Shiva.
Worship of the Navagrahas
The worship of the Navagrahas (nine celestial planets) holds great importance in the month of Shravan. It is believed that worshiping the Navagrahas frees a person from negativity and brings wealth, health, happiness, and prosperity.
Performing the Navagraha puja in the month of Shravan brings prosperity in all aspects of life and increases mental strength.
Safety Measures in the Month of Shravan
Certain safety measures are followed in the month of Shravan. It is believed that performing these measures brings the blessings of the deities and ensures protection.
Some of these measures include observing the Shravan Somvar fast, pouring water on the Shiva Linga, helping others, practicing truthfulness and justice in actions, and worshiping the Navagrahas.
These measures are considered highly effective for ensuring safety in the month of Shravan.
Fasting and Worship Rituals in the Month of Shravan
Fasting and worship rituals hold significant importance in the month of Shravan.
People observe the Monday fasts and perform worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, in the month of Shravan, it is considered essential to pour water on the Shiva Linga, offer bel leaves and incense, wear a sacred thread or a rosary, recite prayers and aarti in praise of Lord Shiva, and chant mantras.
All these rituals are considered crucial for receiving the blessings of Lord Shiva in the month of Shravan.
Charitable Donations in the Month of Shravan
Making charitable donations in the month of Shravan is also of great importance. People remain actively engaged in religious and noble activities during this month and give special significance to acts of charity.
Donating grains, clothing, food, water, and other essentials during Shravan is believed to bring wealth, health, and happiness to individuals. Furthermore, donating to cow shelters, ashrams, helping the poor and children are also considered highly significant during the month of Shravan.
Stories Associated with Shravan Month (Shravan Ki Katha)
Why is the month of Shravan considered Lord Shiva’s favorite?
It is said that Shravan is an extremely beloved month of Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Mata Sati, the daughter of Daksha, sacrificed her life and endured a cursed existence for many years. Afterward, she took birth as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalaya king.
To attain Lord Shiva as her husband, Parvati observed rigorous penance throughout the month of Shravan. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva fulfilled her wish. Hence, due to their reunion, Shravan became an extremely dear month to Lord Shiva.
This is why unmarried girls pray to Lord Shiva during this month, seeking a good husband.
It is also believed that Lord Shiva visited his in-laws’ home during the month of Shravan, where he received a grand welcome and anointed with holy water. This is why the significance of abhishek (anointment) is emphasized.
According to religious belief, the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) took place during the month of Shravan.
During this event, the Halahala poison emerged, which Lord Shiva consumed to protect creation, earning him the name Neelkanth (the one with a blue throat). All the deities poured water on him as a gesture of appreciation.
Therefore, water holds a special place in the abhishek (anointment) of Lord Shiva.
In the monsoon season, Lord Vishnu goes into yogic sleep, and during this time, the entire universe comes under Lord Shiva’s authority. Hence, in order to please Lord Shiva during the monsoon season, people perform various religious rituals, charity, and observe fasting.
The Importance of Bel Patra (Bilva Leaves)
Bel Patra holds special significance in the worship of Lord Shiva. It is said that once a robber waited on a tree for his prey during the night. However, as time passed, no one arrived.
At that moment, a feeling of repentance arose within the robber’s heart, and he started tearing the leaves of the tree and throwing them down. That tree was a Bilva tree, and underneath it, a Shiva Linga was installed.
The leaf thrown by the robber fell on the Shiva Linga, and due to his genuine remorse, a true sense of devotion was conveyed. Being pleased, Lord Shiva appeared before him, putting an end to his misdeeds and showing him the right path. This is why Bilva leaves hold special significance.
The Significance of Shravan Somvar Vrat (Monday Fasting in Shravan)
Monday, ruled by Lord Shiva, is considered highly auspicious. Throughout the year, Mondays are considered favorable for Shiva devotion. However, the importance of Mondays in the month of Shravan becomes even more significant. In the month of Shravan, there are five or four Mondays, and special fasting, known as Ekadashi or Purna Vrat, is observed.
Ekadashi fasting involves performing evening prayers and breaking the fast afterward. The worship of Lord Shiva is performed during the Pradosh period. In many places, schools have a half-day holiday on Shravan Somvar.
The Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan holds great importance. People undertake this pilgrimage by wearing saffron attire and carrying holy water from sacred rivers in a kanwar (a wooden or bamboo pole).
The kanwar is decorated with flowers and bells. Many Kanwariyas chant “Bol Bam” slogans and undertake a pilgrimage to offer the holy water to the Shiva Linga. According to legends, Ravana was the first one to undertake the Kanwar Yatra, and Lord Rama also offered water to the Shiva Linga in the form of a kanwar. Thus, both men and women observe this practice in their own ways during the month of Shravan.
The significance of Bhujariya in Shravan is that it is sown on the day of Nag Panchami, which falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). Bhujariya is sown by placing soil in a tokni (a small earthen pot) and sowing wheat seeds.
It is then worshipped until the day of Purnima (full moon). On Shravan Purnima, which is also the day of Raksha Bandhan, the Bhujariyas are distributed among family members and relatives.
In Shravan, special fasting and worship are observed for Lord Shiva, particularly on Mondays. The worship of Lord Ganesha is performed first, as it is believed to be auspicious to invoke Lord Ganesha before any other deity. After that, the worship of Lord Shiva is conducted.
The worship method for Shravan Somvar (Monday) is as follows:
- Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
- Take water in your right hand and make a sankalp (pledge) for observing the Shravan Somvar fast.
- Pour Ganga water on all the deities.
- Perform the abhishek (anointment) of Lord Shiva with the chanting of the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra.
- Offer sacred items like akshat (rice grains), white flowers, sandalwood paste, bhang (hemp), datura, cow’s milk, incense, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar), supari (betel nut), and bel patra to Lord Shiva.
- While offering the items, chant the mantras “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Shivaya Namah” and apply sandalwood paste on the Shiva Linga.
- On the day of Shravan Somvar, it is advisable to read or listen to the story associated with the fast and conclude with an aarti (ritual of waving a lamp).
- Offer ghee and sugar as prasad to Lord Shiva.
- Afterward, perform the puja of Goddess Gauri.
In the month of Shravan, there are also two Ekadashis (eleventh day of the lunar month) that hold significance:
- Putrada Ekadashi: It falls in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). It is believed to fulfill the desire for a child and is observed with fasting and special prayers.
- Kamika Ekadashi: It falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Shravan and is considered auspicious for attaining spiritual purification.
There are various festivals celebrated in the month of Shravan, such as:
- Sawan Somvar: Devotees observe fasting and worship Lord Shiva on Mondays during the month of Shravan.
- Hariyali Teej: Celebrated on the third day of Shravan’s Shukla Paksha, it is a special festival for married women who pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
- Nag Panchami: It is observed on the fifth day of Shravan’s Shukla Paksha and involves the worship of snake deities.
- Raksha Bandhan: Celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan, it is a special festival that signifies the bond between brothers and sisters.
- Shravani Mela: This fair is celebrated in Jharkhand and involves the ritual of taking a holy bath in sacred rivers.
- Kajari Teej: Celebrated on the ninth day of Shravan’s Shukla Paksha, it is particularly observed by farmers and women. Fasting is observed, and special prayers and rituals are performed. This festival is mainly celebrated in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
During the month of Shravan, various customs and traditions are followed. It is believed that the worship during this month should be performed together with family members, promoting unity and harmony. It is considered auspicious to engage in acts of charity and read or listen to sacred scriptures like the Sundar Kand, Ramayana, and Bhagavatam. Throughout the month, bhajans (devotional songs), Shiva abhishek, and Satyanarayan Katha (a story about Lord Vishnu) are also performed. The act of giving donations is considered significant during this month.
List of Festivals in Shravna-2023
- July 4, 2023 (Tuesday) – Beginning of the month of Sawan, First Mangala Gauri Vrat
- July 6, 2023 (Thursday) – Gajanan Sankashti Chaturthi
- July 7, 2023 (Friday) – Beginning of Panchak
- July 9, 2023 (Sunday) – Kalashtami, Bhanu Saptami
- July 10, 2023 (Monday) – First Sawan Monday
- July 11, 2023 (Tuesday) – Second Mangala Gauri Vrat
- July 13, 2023 (Thursday) – Kamika Ekadashi
- July 14, 2023 (Friday) – Shukra Pradosh Vrat
- July 15, 2023 (Saturday) – Sawan Monthly Shivaratri
- July 16, 2023 (Sunday) – Karka Sankranti
- July 17, 2023 (Monday) – Shravan Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya, Second Sawan Monday, Hariyali Amavasya
- July 18, 2023 (Tuesday) – Beginning of Adhikmas, Third Mangala Gauri Vrat
- July 21, 2023 (Friday) – Vinayak Chaturthi (Adhikmas)
- July 24, 2023 (Monday) – Third Sawan Monday (Adhikmas)
- July 25, 2023 (Tuesday) – Fourth Mangala Gauri Vrat (Adhikmas)
- July 29, 2023 (Saturday) – Padmini Ekadashi
- July 30, 2023 (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh Vrat
- July 31, 2023 (Monday) – Fourth Sawan Monday (Adhikmas)
- August 1, 2023 (Tuesday) – Adhikmas Purnima Vrat, Fifth Mangala Gauri Vrat
- August 2, 2023 (Wednesday) – Beginning of Panchak
- August 4, 2023 (Friday) – Vibhuvan Sankashti Chaturthi
- August 7, 2023 (Monday) – Fifth Sawan Monday (Adhikmas)
- August 8, 2023 (Tuesday) – Sixth Mangala Gauri Vrat (Adhikmas), Kalashtami
- August 12, 2023 (Saturday) – Param Ekadashi
- August 13, 2023 (Sunday) – Ravi Pradosh Vrat
- August 14, 2023 (Monday) – Adhikmas Monthly Shivaratri, Sixth Sawan Monday
- August 15, 2023 (Tuesday) – Seventh Mangala Gauri Vrat (Adhikmas)
- August 17, 2023 (Thursday) – Singh Sankranti
- August 18, 2023 (Friday) – Malayalam New Year
- August 19, 2023 (Saturday) – Hariyali Teej
- August 20, 2023 (Sunday) – Sawan Vinayak Chaturthi
- August 21, 2023 (Monday) – Nag Panchami, Seventh Sawan Monday
- August 22, 2023 (Tuesday) – Eighth Mangala Gauri Vrat, Kalki Jayanti
- August 23, 2023 (Wednesday) – Tulsidas Jayanti
- August 25, 2023 (Friday) – Varalakshmi Vrat
- August 27, 2023 (Sunday) – Sawan Putrada Ekadashi
- August 28, 2023 (Monday) – Som Pradosh Vrat, Eighth Sawan Monday
- August 29, 2023 (Tuesday) – Onam/Thiruvonam, Ninth Mangala Gauri Vrat
- August 30, 2023 (Wednesday) – Raksha Bandhan
- August 31, 2023 (Thursday) – Sawan Purnima Vratr Parayan