The Things Shiva Devotees Should Know About Auspicious Shravan Maas

Shravan Month Start and End Dates = 16th July – 18th August

According to Hindu mythology, in 2016, the Shravan Month is starting from 16th July to 18th August which is characterized by heavy rains, floods, and different religious festivals. Each year Shravan month is considered as the holiest of all months. It is the favorite month of Lord Shiva.

Here, we introduce some special facts about Shravan Maas that should be known by Lord Shiva devotees during this period……

1:- The great churning of the ocean ‘Samudra Manthan’ had taken place in the month of Shravan – Lakshami (Goddess of Wealth), Moon, Nectar, Kalpavriksha (Wish fulfilling tree), Rambha (celestial beauty) and Kamdhenu (a cow that provides all products of desire) were among the 14 chief products obtained from this churning.

2:- One of the byproducts of this churning was ‘Halaahal’ (great poison) – This Halaahal poison could destroy all living beings, therefore, Lord Shiva decided to drink it up for the greater good. Lord Shiva placed this poison in his neck and after that he got the name ‘Neelkanth’ (One with blue neck).

This tractate is also a symbol of Yogic beliefs that one should drink up the negativities instead of throwing them out on others.

3:- Shiva got the crescent moon on His head during this month – The moon was used to reduce the impact of poison. Due to this reason, the devotees offer milk, flowers and bel leaves to Lord Shiva during Shravan Maas.

4:- Observing fast on Monday during Shravan Maas to please Lord Shiva – Devotees observe the strict or partial fast as per their beliefs and convenience. While some do it to find perfect life partners, others fast on all Mondays during this period to be granted the boon of health, wealth, will power, or spiritual bliss.

5:- Mangala Gauri Puja – The most rewarding, fast ‘Mangala Gauri Puja Vrat’ is also done during this month.

6:- Literally meaning of the word ‘Shravan’ is ‘to hear’ – During this month, devotees should listen to all things that help them progress on their spiritual journey.

The devotees utilize the Shravan Month listening to spiritual discourses, sermons and noble words. There are also many other stories on how this month came to be known as Shravan.

7:- The Shravan constellation can be seen on a full moon night - It is a constellation pictured as the three footprints of Vamana.

The stars are also pictured as Shravana Kumar carrying his blind parents.

8:- Rishi Markandeya had perfected the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during the month of Shravan – The Sages say that Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most powerful mantras that can even enable a devotee to avert definite death.

The Three-Eyed God is believed to be the most generous to all. While you may stick to the rituals, perform Pujas and help those in need to make the best of this auspicious month. It goes without saying that every second of time and every particle of the Universe belongs to the Supreme. Anytime or anywhere, it is always a good time and a good place to knock on His doors.

Some important Hindu festivals in Shravan Month

Shravan Maas Kanwad Yatra 2016 Date Time
Most Famous Shravani Mela 2016 of Jharkhand
Shravan Somwar Vrat 2016
Hariyali Teej 2016
Shravan Maas Lord Shiva Shivratri 2016