The holy month of Shravan (also called Sawan) is one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Hindu calendar. Entirely dedicated to Lord Shivan, this sacred month invites devotees into a deeper connection with the divine, through rituals, stories, and inner reflection. But what makes Shravan so special to Lord Shiva and to his devotees?
Shravan is considered the most auspicious time to worship Lord Shivan, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu trinity. It is a month rich in fasts, rituals, and prayers, especially on Mondays (known as Shravan Somvars), where millions seek Lord Shiva’s grace with heartfelt devotion.
Mythological Significance: Why Shravan Belongs to Mahadev?
1. Shivan drinks poison
According to legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), both devas and asuras attempted to obtain the nectar of immortality. But before Amrit emerged, a deadly poison called Halahala surfaced so powerful it threatened to destroy creation itself.
- To protect all beings, Lord Shivan selflessly consumed the poison, holding it in his throat to prevent harm. This act turned his neck blue, earning him the name Neelkanth (the blue-throated one).
- To ease the burning caused by the poison, the Ganga was poured onto him. A tradition still followed today during Shravan, as devotees offer water and milk to Shiva Lingams.
2. Parvati’s Shravan Somvar Viratham
Another sacred story ties Shravan to Goddess Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati. Determined to win Shiva’s love, she observed rigorous penance and Monday fasts (Somvar Viratham) during Shravan. Pleased by her devotion, Shivan accepted her as his consort in this very month making Shravan a time of divine union and grace.
Why Shravan Mondays Are So Special?
- Mondays are always associated with Lord Shivan, but during Shravan, they are believed to carry immense spiritual potency.
- Unmarried women observe fasts and pray for a husband as devoted and compassionate as Shiva.
- Married couples fast for harmony, health, and longevity.
- Spiritual seekers use this time for silence, meditation, and inner transformation.
Rituals & Practices in Shravan
1. Abhishekam (Sacred Bathing)
Devotees perform Abhishekam by pouring water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee over the Shiva Lingam. This act symbolizes inner purification and the surrender of ego.
2. Offering Vilvam (Bilva) Leaves
The three-pronged Vilva leaf represents the trinity of body, mind, and soul offered in surrender to the Lord. Scriptures say it pleases Lord Shiva more than anything else.
3. Fasting (Shravan Viratham)
Many observe fasts on every Monday in Shravan, dedicating the day to prayer, silence, and mantra chanting.
4. Chanting Mantras
Devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 or 1008 times daily. Each repetition draws the soul closer to divine stillness and awareness.
5. Pradakshina (Circumambulation)
Walking clockwise around the Shiva Lingam is a gesture of reverence, placing the divine at the centre of one’s life.
6. Charity and Annathanam
Offering food, water, clothes, or help to those in need, especially on Mondays, is seen as a powerful way to honour Lord Shivan reflecting his compassion and detachment.
Important Dates Throughout Shravan (4 Mondays)
1st Shravan - July 14
2nd Shravan - July 21
3rd Shravan - July 28
4th Shravan - Aug 4
Legend of King Chitrabhanu
As per the Skanda Purana, King Chitrabhanu unknowingly fasted on a Monday during Shravan. Lord Shiva, pleased by his pure intent, blessed him with divine vision and enlightenment proving that devotion from the heart surpasses even ritual precision.
Shravan isn’t about grandeur, it's about authentic devotion. Lord Shiva, the ascetic god, is easily pleased. A handful of water, a few Vilva leaves, and a heart full of surrender is all he asks for. This month invites devotees to slow down, reconnect, and seek divine grace through simple, meaningful acts.
Shravan is not just a month. It’s a time when faith meets surrender, and Lord Shivan walks beside every devotee who calls upon him with love.
Source / Image Credit : blog.dharmikvibes , pujayagna, Rudraksha Ratna