This month of Sawan (the fifth month of the Hindu calendar) is very important for the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Significance
This is a very holy month during which the universe and cosmos are permeating and supercharged with the energies and blessings of Lord Shiva. These are also called the Shiva Tattvas or the Shiva elements. The devotees of Lord Shiva can purify their body, mind and all senses including the Supreme Self or the Soul by worshiping Lord Shiva and following the rituals related to the worship and dedication to Lord Shiva.
Mondays or Somwars are specially considered very auspicious during this entire month of Shravan Maas or Sawan.
Dates
The Shravan Maas (July-August) month is regarded as being the most auspicious of all the other months in the Hindu calendar. This year, in 2022 , the Shravan Maas begins on July 14th and ends on August 12th, 2022 in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and Bihar. This applies to all the states where the Purnimanta Hindu calendar is followed.
The Amavasya Lunar Calendar is followed in certain states like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Over here the dates are changed slightly and it begins on July 29, 2022 and ends on August 27, 2022.
Notably, in the Tamil scriptures, this is called the Avani and it is the fifth month of the solar year. When the sun enters the Zodiac of Leo, according to the Vedic astrology, the Shravan Maas is known to arrive and make its presence felt.
The birth star of Lord Vishnu is also related to Shravan Nakshtra. This year there will be four Mondays in the month of Sawan. These four Mondays are very auspicious for Shiva devotees. Lord Shiva gives the desired results when worshiped with devotion in the month of Sawan. There are some things that should not be done in the month of Sawan. Devotees of Lord Shiva worship Lord Bholenath with full devotion in the month of Sawan.
Do Not Do These
There are certain actions that one should not do during this month, as it may anger Mahadev, according to the scriptures. This includes:
1) Do not apply oil on the body. Oil is to be donated in the month of Sawan.
2) Do not consume any fish, meat and alcohol, even by mistake. The Devotees should follow a strict Saatvik lifestyle and diet during this holy and auspicious period.
3) Do not consume brinjal during this month.
4) Do not sleep during the day – One should not sleep during the day in the month of Sawan. If you are observing a fast on Monday, do not sleep during the day. Sleep only one time and get absorbed in the devotion of Lord Shiva for the whole day.
Shiva Mantras
One can also chant the following Shiva Mantras with the help of a Rudraksh or silently in the mind:
Om Namah Shivaya!!
Om, I am One with the Supreme Reality.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||
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