Dr Kamani Dutta
“Salutations to Rudra, the blue-throated one, the conqueror of death, the Lord of all, the eternal and auspicious Shiva”
India is a land of festivals that showcase its rich cultural heritage. According to the Hindu calendar, ‘Shravan’ also known as Sawan, is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. Mondays in Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, is just around the corner and devotees are gearing up to celebrate it with great zest and zeal. In 2024, the Shravan month will start on July 22 and end on August 19. Shravan 2024 is observed with numerous significant rites and fasts, especially the Sawan Somwar Vrat, which holds great importance for devotees. Many devotees observe a 16 Monday fast, popularly called as Solah Somwar Vrat, starting from the first Monday of Shravan.
Devotees observe fasts, perform special prayers, and visit Shiva temples to seek blessings. To achieve spiritual development and receive the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, people observe fasts and participate in various religious rituals. It is believed that fasting on Mondays during this month brings blessings and fulfills wishes. Throughout the day, devotees abstain from food and liquids and pray to Lord Shiva. This practice is believed to purify both body and mind, bringing individuals closer to God. Many Hindus see Shravan as a time for purification and penance. Fasting and abstaining from certain foods and activities are ways to cleanse the body and soul. Fasting has been linked to a number of health benefits including weight loss. Many also abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol as a sign of respect for Lord Shiva.
Observing Vrat (fasts) on Shravan Somvar is considered beneficial for unmarried girls. Both married and unmarried women participate in this fast, but for different reasons. Unmarried women observe the Shravan Somvar Vrat to find their ideal life partner, while married women do so for the long life of their husbands and to ensure a happy marital life. It is believed that by fasting on Mondays during Shravan and worshipping Lord Shiva, devotees can fulfill their desires and be blessed with peace, prosperity, and abundance.
The chanting of mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya”, reciting shiv chalisa and Maha Mrutunjaya jaap and reading of scriptures like the Shiva Purana are common practices during this month. Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Shiva in this month can bring prosperity, health, and happiness.
In the Hindu Vedas and Puranas, the holy month of Shravan is wholly devoted and dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva who is pleased very easily and with simple worship. Shravan is considered a spiritually significant month, and devotees partake in various practices to enhance their spiritual well- being. Its religious significance, combined with vibrant festivals and traditional practices, make it a period of devotion, celebration, and reflection. The rituals and observances during Shravan not only enhance the spiritual connection of individuals with the divine but also strengthen communal bonds and cultural identity. By worshipping Bhole Baba with a sincere heart on this day, all your wishes are fulfilled.
(The author is a faculty Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu)
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