Romesh Mengi
Lord Shiva is the conglomeration of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, the three main presiding deities unified in one absolute form. Also revered as the supreme God in which the word ‘GOD’ stands for ‘G’ – Generator , ‘O’- Operator; D-destructor.
The word ‘Shiva’ means ‘Auspicious of all Auspicious and also Auspicious even in Inauspicious’ since he is the presiding deity in the crematorium where the impure body travels for its final Journey and then the body gets purified by his grace and attains salvation.
Lord Shiva is the Supreme form of the Trinity in oneness. Lord Shiva is the most popular Hindu God. He bestows numerous boons upon his devotees. On the one hand, he does the crude job of destruction and on the other magnanimity! He inspires, cares for and protects his devotees
The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course of the month the star ‘Shravan’ rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan. This month is spread out with innumerably religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious.
Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each monday of this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset.
The significance of Lord Shiva in Shravan Month
The Samudra Manthan is a very important episode as per the Puranas. The churning of the milky ocean, i.e. Samudra Manthan in search of the amrit, took place during the month of Shravan. During the churning, 14 different rubies emerged from the ocean. Thirteen rubies were divided among the devas and the asuras, however, halahal, the 14th ruby remained untouched as it was the deadliest poison which could destroy the whole universe and every living being. Lord Shiva drank the Halahala and stored the poison in his throat. Due to the impact of the poison, his throat turned blue and he came to be called Neelkantha.
Such was the impact of the poison that Lord Shiva wore a crescent moon on his head and all the devas started offering water from the holy river of Ganges to lord Shiva to reduce the effects of the poison. Both these events took place in the Shravan Maas and therefore, it is considered very auspicious to offer holy Ganga water to Lord Shiva in this month.
Devout devotees of Lord Shiva consider it auspicious to wear Rudraksha in the month of Shravam. Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva as his the ruling deity of the day. However, Mondays in the Shravan maas aRE known as Shravan Somwar and are highly auspicious, and celebrated with all austerities.
According to another legend, Devi Sati also sacrificed heself in this month and before dying she swore that she would marry Shiva in every succeeding life. Devi Sati was born as Parvati in her next life. She fasted during the month of sawan due to which Lord Shiva was impressed and they used to meet up on Monday. Since then, the Monday and fasting has a great importance in the Month of savan.
Rituals to following Shravan Month
Offering milk to lord Shiva in Shravan Month leads one to earn a lot of punyas.
Wear Rudraksha and use it for japas.
Bhibhuti is considered very important if offered to lord Shiva. Some of it should be smeared on the forehead as well.
Offer panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, butter or ghee, honey and jaggery) and bel leaves to Shiva linga.
Chant the shiva chalisa and perform regular aarti of lord Shiva.
Chanting the Mahamritunjay mantra is very auspicious.
Fast on all Shravan Somvars. This is important for young women seeking good husbands.
This year, the Shravan month started from Monday, 10th of July, 2017 which was be observed as the 1st day of Shravan Month as well as 1st day of Shravan Somvar Vrat. Shravan Somvar Vrat will be observed on every Monday i.e. on 10th July, 17th July, 24th July, 31st July and 7th August which will be the last day of Shravan Month.
This entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and worshipping him during this month is said to bring most auspicious results and blessings of Lord Shiva. Many people observe fast for this entire month and make offerings to Lord Shiva everyday.
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