According to the Hindu calendar, the month from mid-July to mid-August is called Shravan and all the fasts observed on Mondays in this month are known as Shravan Somawar Vrat. This month and all the Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that offering prayers to Shiva in this period are happily accepted.
Legend
Samudhra Manthan took place in the month of Shravan. When various products came out of the ocean as the result of the efforts of Gods and demons alike, they were equally distributed among them. But one product which could not be accepted by either of the parties was Halahal. Shiva decided to drink the poison. It turned his throat blue and thus, he saved the universe from destruction. Therefore this month and the Somwar fasts are observed to honor him and to show him gratitude.
How to Observe a Fast
People wake up early in the morning and take bath, followed by performing purification rituals. They chant Shiva’s name throughout the day. Devotees visit the temples and offer prayers to Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Nandi. The offerings can be made of white flowers, water, honey, milk, curd, sugar, clarified butter, clothes, rice, bilva leaves and sandalwood. People can also perform rituals with a Shiva Lingam at their homes. They first have to clean the place to perform rituals and then place the idols of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha.
People observe fasts the whole day, although some people opt for partial fast and may consume fruits. They prefer wearing white clothes. Some end their fasts in the evening after praying to Shiva and some observe the fast for twenty-four hours and consume food the next morning. People also distribute prasad on this occasion.Recitation of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is considered very auspicious. Devotees can even read Shiva Purana.
Temples are often decorated with lights and flowers. People sing hymns in the praise of the deity. People might also prefer staying vigil throughout the night and keep reciting Shiva’s name and meditate.
Benefits of Observing the Fast
People who observe this fast, gain wisdom and intellect. Couples who want to have a son or who are expecting a baby, also find these fasts significant. Unmarried girls observe this fast to please Shiva and gain a devoted husband like him. Wealth and prosperity can also be gained. Married ladies keep the fasts for the well-being of their husbands and their long life. These fasts are also known as Sawan Somwar Vrats.
Dates
Various parts of India like Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh follow the Amavasyant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a no moon day and other states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar follow the Purnimant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a full moon day. This difference in calendars provide difference in the beginning and ending of the Shravan.
According to Purnimant Lunar calendar, the first day of Shravana... Read More
Legend
Samudhra Manthan took place in the month of Shravan. When various products came out of the ocean as the result of the efforts of Gods and demons alike, they were equally distributed among them. But one product which could not be accepted by either of the parties was Halahal. Shiva decided to drink the poison. It turned his throat blue and thus, he saved the universe from destruction. Therefore this month and the Somwar fasts are observed to honor him and to show him gratitude.
How to Observe a Fast
People wake up early in the morning and take bath, followed by performing purification rituals. They chant Shiva’s name throughout the day. Devotees visit the temples and offer prayers to Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Nandi. The offerings can be made of white flowers, water, honey, milk, curd, sugar, clarified butter, clothes, rice, bilva leaves and sandalwood. People can also perform rituals with a Shiva Lingam at their homes. They first have to clean the place to perform rituals and then place the idols of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha.
People observe fasts the whole day, although some people opt for partial fast and may consume fruits. They prefer wearing white clothes. Some end their fasts in the evening after praying to Shiva and some observe the fast for twenty-four hours and consume food the next morning. People also distribute prasad on this occasion.Recitation of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is considered very auspicious. Devotees can even read Shiva Purana.
Temples are often decorated with lights and flowers. People sing hymns in the praise of the deity. People might also prefer staying vigil throughout the night and keep reciting Shiva’s name and meditate.
Benefits of Observing the Fast
People who observe this fast, gain wisdom and intellect. Couples who want to have a son or who are expecting a baby, also find these fasts significant. Unmarried girls observe this fast to please Shiva and gain a devoted husband like him. Wealth and prosperity can also be gained. Married ladies keep the fasts for the well-being of their husbands and their long life. These fasts are also known as Sawan Somwar Vrats.
Dates
Various parts of India like Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh follow the Amavasyant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a no moon day and other states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar follow the Purnimant calendar according to which the lunar month ends on a full moon day. This difference in calendars provide difference in the beginning and ending of the Shravan.
According to Purnimant Lunar calendar, the first day of Shravana... Read More
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