Savan Month: Deeply spiritually and historically significant in Hinduism, the lucky month of Sawan/Shravan is between July and August. The holy Sawan Mahina is all set to start on July 22 and finish on August 19 this year. Sawan Month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, whose adherents go through many rites meant to bring benefits from the god.
Monday, sometimes known as the Sawan Somwar, is one of the significant days in this clean month. Hindu tradition’s supreme deity, Lord Shiva, takes the stage during the Sawan month. Starting Monday, Sawan Mahina begins with Sawan Somwar, the day set aside just for Lord Neelkantha, or Shiva. Every Monday in this month, followers will engage in certain ceremonies, follow the Sawan Somwar vrat, and ask God’s prayers.
History of Savan Month
Savan Somvar also referred to as Shravan Somvar, is a significant observance in the Hindu religion that is specifically dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity who is recognized as the transformer and destructor within the Hindu trinity. The term “Savan” is used to describe the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, Shravan (July–August), while “Somvar” is the name of a Monday. Mondays are held in high regard to worship Lord Shiva during this auspicious period.
The tradition of observing Savan Somvar has ancient origins, which are profoundly rooted in Hindu mythology and scriptures. It is believed by the Puranas that the roiling of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in the month of Shravan resulted in the emergence of a variety of precious items, including the lethal poison Halahala.
Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect the universe from the toxic vapors, which caused his throat to turn blue. Consequently, he was given the name Neelkanth (the blue-throated one). Devotees dedicate the Mondays of Shravan to intense worship and fasting as a gesture of gratitude and reverence for his sacrifice and to obtain his blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Savan Somvar has many customs. Shiva devotees visit Shiva temples, take a holy bath, and rise early to offer milk, water, Bilva leaves (Bael leaves), and other sacred objects to the Shiva Lingam, Lord Shiva’s emblem. Fasting is essential to this practice. Some followers fast on water and fruits, while others have a solitary vegetarian meal after sundown. Reciting hymns like the Shiva Chalisa and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, chanting mantras, and washing the Shiva Lingam are traditional during this time.
Unmarried women who fast and pray for an ideal spouse, akin to Lord Shiva, who is renowned for his devotion and strength, hold Savan Somvar in immense significance. Conversely, married women fast for the prosperity of their families and the health and longevity of their spouses.
The profound cultural and religious significance of Savan Somvar is reflected in the spiritual fervor and devotion that are on display. It is not only a period for personal spiritual development and contemplation but also a communal celebration that unites devotees in collective worship and festivity. The rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual traditions of Hinduism are preserved through the transmission of the practices and beliefs surrounding Savan Somvar through generations.
Savitri Amavasya 2024 (India): A Day of Fasting for Married Hindu Women
FAQs About Savan Month
What is the total number of Mondays in the month of Sawan?
Five sacred Sawan Mondays occur during the month of Sawan.
What are the advantages of the 16-hour fast on Mondays?
The purpose of the Monday fast is to fulfill the desires of individuals. Unmarried women are the ones who mostly observe this because it helps them in their search for a compatible spouse, like Shiva.
What foods should be consumed during Shravan Somvar Vrat?
You may consume nuts, fruits, dairy products such as milk and butter, and specific flours, such as Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat flour), Singhare ka Atta (water chestnut flour), and Rajgira ka Atta (amaranth flour).
Auspicious Rituals Performed in Savan Month
Sawan Puja
involves waking up, bathing, and dressing in clean clothes. Offerings are made to Shiva and Parvati idols.The holy sacrifice Panchamrit contains Lord Shiva’s favorite elements. Visitors donate to Shiva temples. Lord Shiva’s mantras and hymns are also chanted.
Rudra Abhishek
Another name for Lord Shiva is Rudra, which signifies anger or fury. Tandav, his cosmic dance, expresses his anger. The devotees perform Abhishek by pouring holy water and Panchamrit on a Shiva idol during Sawan. It cleanses them of sin. Milk, sugar, ghee, honey, curd, Ganga jal, Bael Patta, and other Shiva favorites make panchamrit. The Rudra Abhishek is auspicious. This purifies your body and mind and brings insight.
Kanwar Yatra
North Indian devotees carry water on their backs to convey their love. They conduct this fortunate ritual barefoot. This is Kanwar Yatra. One of the most important Shravan Month rituals in north India. Saffron-clad devotees carry Kanwar pots from holy rivers. They also visit Shiva’s sacred sites. This shows their devotion to God.
Interesting Facts Regarding Savan Month
- Fasting, an important aspect of Savan Somvar, provides multiple health benefits. Intermittent fasting may boost brain function, metabolism, and inflammation, according to research. Fasting aids digestion, detoxification, and mental clarity.
- Fasting during Savan Somvar matches the body’s circadian rhythm. Better hormone management, sleep, and wellness can result from this alignment. Eating only fruits and water or one meal after sunset can help preserve this biological clock.
- Health advantages come from offering Lord Shiva Bilva (Bael) leaves, milk, and water. Bilva leaves are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Milk provides calcium and other nutrients, while water is needed for health.
- India’s monsoon season generally corresponds with Shravan (July–August). The increased humidity and cooler temperatures might affect health, but Savan Somvar rituals and nutrition may help. Fasting meals can provide nutrients and boost immunity, which is important during the rainy season when diseases are more common.
- Chanting mantras, meditating, and attending religious ceremonies activate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing tension and relaxing. The devotees’ spiritual activities during Savan Somvar make this especially important.
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2024 (India): Learn about the History and Facts
