One of the most fortunate months in the Hindu calendar is Sawan, sometimes referred to as Shravan. Drik Panchang states that Sawan is going to run from July 22 to August 19 in 2024. Sawan Somwars, or five Mondays during Sawan celebration, are part of this year’s 29-day celebration. For followers of Lord Shiva who fast and offer prayers on Mondays, these are especially important days.
Table of Contents
Relevance of Sawan Month
Sawan is devoted to Lord Shiva and is regarded as the holiest month in the Hindu calendar. It is thought that at this time, prayers have more power to reach the divine because of the cosmic setup that makes divine forces more accessible. For the blessings of Lord Shiva, devotees engage in a variety of spiritual practices, including as fasting, prayer, and rituals. Mondays are considered sacred to Lord Shiva, hence Monday fasting, or Shravan Somwar, is especially significant.
2024 Sawan Somwar Calendar
The Sawan month in 2024 will consist of five Mondays, each of which will provide a unique opportunity for followers to observe fasts and take part in prayers.
This is the Sawan Somwar calendar in detail:
- Sawan has begun on July 22, 2024 (the first Shravan Somwar vrat).
- July 29, 2024: The 2nd Vrat of Shravan Somwar
- August 5, 2024: The Third Fast of Shravan Somwar
- 4th day of Shravan Somwar Vrat: August 12, 2024
- Sawan Ends on August 19, 2024 (the last or fifth Shravan Somwar vrat).
The Historical and Legendary Importance
Shravan or Sawan is a mythologically and historically significant month. Hindu scriptures believe that this month is thought to have seen a number of significant events:
Samudra Manthan: Samudra Manthan, the legend of the Devas and Asuras spinning the ocean to gain Amrit (the nectar of immortality), is one of the most well-known stories connected to Sawan. A deadly poison known as Halahala that has the power to destroy the universe appeared during this procedure. In order to rescue the universe, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, which caused his throat to turn blue and gave him the name Neelkanth. In the month of Shravan, we celebrate this act of selflessness.
Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati: The celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is another interesting occasion commemorated during the month. In mythology, Goddess Parvati fasted throughout Sawan in order to gain Lord Shiva’s love and adoration. Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion and specified her as his spouse; this month, followers celebrate their union. Because of this, it is seen to be highly fortunate to fast on the first Monday of each month.
The Kanwar Yatra : The Kanwar Yatra is a major pilgrimage that is carried out by followers of Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, who bring water from the sacred Ganges River for offering it to Shiva temples. As a penance and devotional act, this rite is carried out.
Rituals practiced during Sawan
In order to get Lord Shiva’s blessings, devotees undertake a variety of rites and customs throughout the month of Sawan:
- Fasting: It’s customary to observe fasts on Somwars. Often, devotees abstain from grains and cereals and just consume water or fruits on Sawan Mondays.
- Abhishekam: This important practice involves ceremoniously bathing the Shiva Lingam in water, milk, honey, and other sacred liquids. Offering Abhishekam on is thought to appease Lord Shiva and bring his blessings.
- Chanting and Praying: Followers recite Lord Shiva-focused mantras and prayers, such as the Shiva Chalisa and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. It’s also blissful to take part in the Shiva Aarti, a devotional hymn.
- Visiting Shiva Temples: An essential component of celebrating the month is going to Shiva temples and making prayers. During this month, many devotees travel to well-known Shiva temples on pilgrimage.
- Puja Vidhi: On Sawan Somwar, devotees who are fasting ought to get up early, take a bath, and change into fresh, clean clothes. They should then tidy their house, the puja area, and the temple. You can attend a temple to worship the Shivlinga, or you can carry out the rite at home. This entails offering belpatra (leaves), applying white sandalwood to Lord Shiva, and completing the traditional bathing of the Shivlinga, known as Abhishekam. After that, they have to light a diya or ghee lamp, hear the tale of the Sawan Somwar fast, and offer aarti, or devotional hymm , to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It’s crucial to carry out the puja in the morning and at night.
Chanting mantras during Sawan
- ॐ नमः शिवाय॥ “Om Namah Shivay”
- ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगंधिं पुष्टिवर्धनम। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥ “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
- ॐ नमः पार्वती पतये, हर-हर महादेव:।। “Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev”
The Final Words
In Hinduism, the month of Shravan, is extremely significant because it is a time for deep devotion to Lord Shiva and spiritual activities. Devotees ask Lord Shiva for his heavenly blessings by fasting, attending Sawan Somwars prayers, and engaging in rituals. The season, which takes place in 2024 from July 22 to August 19, offers believers a unique chance to strengthen their spiritual ties and encounter Lord Shiva’s almighty mercy.
