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Importance of Shravan Mahina in Hindu Religion - Spiritual Significance of Sawan Month in Hinduism

Shravan Mahina, or Sawan Month, in the Hindi calendar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of great importance. In 2024, Shravan Mahina is from July 22 to August 19 in traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India and is of great spiritual significance. Special prayers and rituals are performed in Lord Shiva temples and in sacred places associated with Siva. Kanwarias travel to the origin of Ganga River to collect holy water, or Gangajal, to bath the Shivling at their homes or in villages. Somvar or Mondays in the month is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva.
  • In Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, Shravan month begins on August 5 to September 3, 2024. 

Spiritual Significance of Sawan Month in Hinduism

Important Days and Activities in the Month

  • Shravan Somvar Vrat
  • Kavad Yatra
  • Mangala Gauri Puja
  • Shravan Shivratri
  • Shravan Purnima
  • Yatras to Shiva Temples
  • Shravan Mahina is also the first month of Chaturmas – the four holiest months in Hindu Hindi Calendar.

Story in Hindu Scriptures

It is believed that Lord Shiva to save the world drank the poison ‘halahala’ that came out during the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean. It is said that the gods in Hindu pantheon assembled to witness this holy act of Shiva. Water from Ganga is offered to cool Lord Shiva and to alleviate the ill effects of the poison.

Shravan Puja

  • The main Shravan Puja is the worship of Shivling with Gangajal, Bilva leaves or pure water. 
  • Some people observe fast on Mondays. 
  • Many people observe different vows during the month like having only vegetarian food, or reading a particular Holy Scripture on all days of the month.

Visiting Shiva Temples

  • Shiva temples across North India have special poojas in this month. Deoghar Baidyanath Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Temple is visited by millions of Hindus in the month of Sawan.

Monday is of Great Significance

  • Another unique feature is the strict observance of Sawan Somwar Vrat. 
  • Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Mondays in Shravan Mahina are even more auspicious.

Other Rituals in the Month

  • Mangala Gouri Puja is performed on Tuesdays in Shravan Month.
  • Saturdays in Shravan month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shani.
  • Millions of devotees visit the Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar and offer Ganga water collected from Sultanganj as Abhishek on the Shivling at the Deoghar Temple. This is the period of the Shravani mela at the temple.
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