Shravan Month , Shravan Maas

The fifth month in Hindu calendar is Shravan Maas, starting in late July and ending in the third week of August. The star 'Shravan' rules the sky during Purnima or full moon day, or during the course of the month, hence the moth is known as Shravan Month. Shravan Maas is considered the holiest month of the year as it comes with innumerable religious festivals and ceremonies. Almost every day of the month is considered auspicious.

The story behind Shravan Month, says that the churning of oceans or Samudra Manthan took place in this month. During the churning, Halahal (poison) came out, which was consumed by Lord Shiva and stored it in his throat. His throat turned blue due to the impact of the poison, hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva. To reduce the impact of the deadly poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. Also, Gods and people started offering the water of Holy Ganges to Shiva to lessen the effect of poison.

When is Shravan Month 2013?

The auspicious period of Shravan Month 2013 starts from July 23 and ends on August 21 in the Hindi Calendar is Saka 2070. The Shravan Maas Mondays fall on July 29, August 5, August 12 and August 19. These Mondays are dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.

Shravan Maas Puja

The Shravan Maas ushers in a host of auspicious days and festivals.

First of all Shravan Maas Puja is Shravan Somvar Vrat, wherein people observe fast on all Mondays of Shravan Month. Shravan Somvar is more emphasized for fast as the entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The fast should be observed after taking bath. People should pray to the auspicious and graceful Lord Shiva, anointing the Lord with Panchamritam and other pleasant substances like bilva leaves. One can liquid food or fruits during the day and pray to the Lord in the evening to break the fast.

As per the popular belief, one who fasts on all Monday of Shravan has all prayers answered by the Lord.

Shravan Month Festivals also includes Mangala Gouri Puja, which is observed on Tuesdays in Shravan Month.

Other festivals and auspicious days in Shravan Mahina 2013:

• Hariyali Amavasya – August 6
• Hariyali Teej – August 9
• Kalki Jayanti – August 11
• Nag Panchami – August 11
• Tulsi Das Jayanti – August 13
• Raksha Bandan – August 20
• Putradaikadashi
• Hindola or Swinging
• Narali Purnima
• Shravani Purnima
• Pavitraropana
• Vara Lakshmi Vrata
• Rishi Panchami
• Govatsa and Bahula
• Sitala Saptami
• Janmashtami
• Ajaikadasi
• Pithori
• Pola

Importance of Shravan Month/Shravan Maas:

Each day of the Shravan Month has its specific significance and ritual.

• Monday: is the day of Lord Shiva worship.
• Tuesday: Gauri is worshipped in every home by women for the good health of their family
• Wednesday: is dedicated to Vithala, a form of Vishnu or Krishna.
• Thursday: are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru.
• Friday: for worshipping Lakshmi and Tulsi.
• Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravan Saturdays, to obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays).
• Sundays: are meant to worship the Sun god. Sun worship was general in the Vedic period and even now, it is so. Especially in Shravan, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fai

Things To Do during Shravan Month/Shravan Maas:

• Wear Rudraksh

• Use a Rudraksh mala for Japa

• Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead

• Perform Monday Fast with austerity to please Lord Shiva. It is a popular belief that girls who fast on all Mondays of Shravan get a good husband.

• Make offerings of Bel leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shiva Ling.

• The popular belief goes by saying that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of punya.br />
• Recite Shiv Chalisa and Aarti.

• Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.