Start Date: Sawan, also known as Shravan, is the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered highly auspicious. In 2024, Sawan is expected to begin on July 21, 2024.
End Date: The month of Sawan will end on August 19, 2024.
Puja Rituals and Significance
Puja Rituals
- Abhishekam: Devotees perform the Abhishekam of Lord Shiva, which involves bathing the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances. This ritual is believed to purify the soul and bring blessings.
- Rudra Abhishekam: A more elaborate form of Abhishekam, Rudra Abhishekam involves chanting specific mantras while performing the ritual. It is considered highly auspicious and is said to bring peace, prosperity, and remove negative energies.
- Offering Bilva Leaves: Bilva (Bael) leaves are sacred to Lord Shiva and are offered during Sawan. Each leaf has three parts, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s trident.
- Fasting (Vrat): Many devotees observe fasts during Sawan, especially on Mondays (Somvar), which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some people also fast on Tuesdays, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
- Chanting Mantras: Chanting Shiva mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra” is a common practice. It is believed to bring spiritual growth and inner peace.
- Prayers and Bhajans: Singing devotional songs and hymns (bhajans) in praise of Lord Shiva is a significant part of Sawan celebrations.
- Lighting Lamps (Deepam): Lighting lamps with ghee or oil in front of the Shiva Linga or idol is believed to dispel darkness and bring divine light into one’s life.
Significance
- Spiritual Upliftment: Sawan is a time for spiritual rejuvenation. Devotees engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices to strengthen their connection with the divine.
- Purification: The rituals performed during Sawan are believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. It is a time for self-reflection and penance.
- Blessings of Lord Shiva: Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Shiva during Sawan brings his blessings, leading to prosperity, happiness, and the removal of obstacles.
- Connection with Nature: Sawan coincides with the monsoon season in India, symbolizing fertility and growth. It is a reminder of the close connection between nature and spirituality.
Why We Celebrate Sawan
Sawan is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva, who is considered the destroyer of evil and the transformer within the Hindu trinity. It is believed that during this month, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The celebration of Sawan is also linked to various mythological stories, including the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the universe.
What to Do During Sawan
- Observe Fasts: Fasting is a common practice to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Devotees often observe fasts on Mondays and other auspicious days.
- Attend Puja and Rituals: Participate in the various pujas and rituals performed in temples and at home.
- Chant Mantras: Regularly chant Shiva mantras and read sacred texts.
- Perform Abhishekam: Conduct the ritual of Abhishekam with sacred substances.
- Offer Bilva Leaves: Offer Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
- Visit Shiva Temples: Pilgrimage to prominent Shiva temples and shrines.
What Not to Do During Sawan
- Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food: It is customary to avoid meat and other non-vegetarian foods during Sawan.
- Abstain from Alcohol and Tobacco: Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is strictly avoided.
- Refrain from Anger and Negative Thoughts: Maintain a positive and calm demeanor.
- Limit Physical Intimacy: Devotees often practice celibacy during Sawan to focus on spiritual activities.
- Avoid Cutting Hair and Nails: Many people avoid cutting their hair and nails as a mark of respect.
Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva during Sawan. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, carry sacred water from the Ganges River to offer at Shiva temples, especially in Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Sultanganj. The Kanwar Yatra is marked by devotion, austerity, and the chanting of devotional songs.
Best Time
The best time to perform rituals and pujas during Sawan is early morning, especially during the Brahma Muhurta (approximately one and a half hours before sunrise). Mondays are considered particularly auspicious, and performing rituals on these days is believed to yield maximum benefits.
Conclusion
Sawan is a deeply spiritual and significant month for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is a time of intense devotion, self-purification, and spiritual growth. By following the rituals, observing fasts, and engaging in devotional activities, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
