Sacred month of Shravan / Sawan

The month of Shravan (also known as Sawan) holds immense reverence in the Hindu calendar, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. This sacred period, spanning approximately from mid-July to mid-August in the Gregorian calendar, represents much more than just a temporal marker. It signifies profound spiritual significance, ancient mythological connections, and rich cultural traditions. As we delve into the essence of Shravan, we'll find out why this month is so intimately linked with Lord Shiva, exploring its astronomical origins, mythological foundations, and the diverse rituals that make it one of the most spiritually charged periods in Hinduism.

Etymology and Astronomical Significance of Shravan / Sawan

The name "Shravan" or "Sawan" finds its roots in the Shravana Nakshatra that dominates the sky during this period. Astronomically, this month coincides with the monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent, typically falling between July and August. The arrival of life-giving rains after the scorching summer heat makes this period particularly significant. This seasonal renewal mirrors the spiritual rejuvenation that devotees seek during Shravan.

The exact timing of Shravan varies between northern and southern India due to different calendrical systems. Purnimanta calendar (followed in North India) starts on the first Purnima of July while Amanta calendar (followed in South/West India) starts on the first Amavasya of July every year.

Why Shravan is Sacred to Shiva?

The profound connection between Shravan and Lord Shiva stems from several pivotal events in Hindu Purana (Mythology) that are believed to have occurred during this month.

The most prominent legend associated with Shravan is the epic "Samudra Manthan", the churning of the cosmic ocean by devas (gods) and asuras (demons) to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. During the churn, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged from the mouth of Vasuki (the celestial Serpent), threatening to destroy all creation. In this crises, Lord Shiva intervened by consuming the poison. However, to prevent the poison from reaching his stomach, his consort "Goddess Parvati" pressed his throat, trapping the venom there. This act turned Shiva's throat blue, earning him the epithet Neelkanth (the blue-throated). The poison caused Shiva immense pain and generated tremendous heat in his body. To soothe him, Lord Brahma began pouring Ganga jal (water from the Ganges) over him. This established the tradition of performing abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Shiva lingams with water during Saavan.

Another significant mythological connection involves Goddess Parvati's penance. She performed intense austerities during Shravan to win Shiva's affection. She observed Vrat on Mondays (Saavan Somvaar), an act of devotion that ultimately led to their divine re-union. This is why Saavan Somvaar Vrat (Monday fasting during Saavan) holds such importance, particularly for unmarried women seeking a virtuous spouse and married women praying for their husbands' well-being.

Worship of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is believed to be esp. receptive to worship at this time. Mondays (Shravan Somvaar) are observed with fasting, prayers, poojas with offerings like water, milk, bilva leaves, honey, curd, and chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.

Lord Shiva is the Ashutosh (easily pleased). Even simple offerings during Saavan please him deeply.

Worship of Murugan

Best time to worship - Mondays (Shravan Somvar), Shravana and Ardra nakshatra days. Shravana denotes the union of Shiva and Shakti and the birth of Lord Kartikeya (Murugan).

Shiva is the Panchaanana – the five elements of nature (ether, air, fire, water, and earth), when these five elements united with the Shakti, the sixth element, it gave birth to Shadaanana (six headed) aka Lord Kartikeya (Murugan). He represents everything associated with number six such as the sixth tithi, the third eye chakra (6th chakra), the six pointed triangle. Third eye chakra is the Guru that teaches you everything about the existence.

Guru Tattva

The concept of Guru Tattva originates from the sacred relationship between Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya. In the Skanda Purana, the largest of the 18 Mahapuranas, there is a story that highlights this principle. Once, Lord Kartikeya was sent to learn from Lord Brahma. He asked Brahma the meaning of the Pranava Mantra, “AUM”. Brahma was unable to explain it to his satisfaction, so Kartikeya returned to Lord Shiva. When Shiva asked why he came back, Kartikeya told him what had happened and then asked Shiva if he himself knew the meaning of “AUM”. Shiva smiled and said, “No”.

Kartikeya then offered to explain it to him but only on one condition. He said, “To explain this, I must be in the position of a Guru. The student must be seated at a lower level, and knowledge must flow from the higher level to the lower.” Lord Shiva accepted this and bowed before Kartikeya, giving him the seat of a Guru. Kartikeya then revealed the true meaning of “AUM” to Shiva. From that moment, he came to be known as Swaminatha, the Guru of Shiva.

Guru Tattva, Lord Shiva and Murugan

Guru Tattva is placed higher than Lord Shiva.

It's important to note that Lord Kartikeya is depicted as just a war God in some cultures but He and Lord Ganesha, both are the representation of duality of the universe. Shakti is manifested in every living being including planets, stars, white and dark matter. Shakti is manifested through three principles i.e. Iccha (will), Gnana (knowledge) and Kriya (action). Life needs these three things, thus the saying “Shakti is the principle of life”. Lord Kartikeya represents this principle through his consorts Valli (Iccha), Devasena (Kriya) and His Spear (Gnana).​

Other Occasions

Shravan month hosts several important religious festivals such as:

1. Raksha Bandhan (celebrated on Shravan Purnima, honouring sibling bonds).

2. Nag Panchami (worship of Snake deities on the fifth tithi after Shravan Amavasya).

3. Varalakshmi Vrat Pooja is celebrated during Friday occurring before Shravan Purnima. Goddess Mahalakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and the bestower of wealth and prosperity. Vara Lakshmi is a form of Mahalakshmi among her eight forms (Ashta Lakshmi).

4. Mangala Gowri Vrat is celebrated on every Tuesday of Shravan month for marital harmony and bliss. Mangal Gowri is a form of Goddess Parvati.