Hi! How are you? Today, we’ll chat about Sawan, also called Shravan, a special month in the Hindu calendar. It’s a really important time and thought to be very lucky. Sawan is all about making our hearts and minds pure and fresh again. It’s a time when we can get closer to Lord Shiva, who is the Hindu god that helps things end and start anew.

This year, it’s a 59-day Sawan month starting on 4 July 2023 and ends on 31 August 2023, because of the extra month called Adhik Maas in the Hindu calendar.

During Sawan, there are various rituals and observances that people follow. One of the essential rituals is fasting on Mondays, known as Sawan Somwar. On these days, people avoid eating and drinking and focus on prayers and meditation. They also visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers and donations.

During Sawan, one significant practice is taking a dip in sacred rivers. People believe that this act helps cleanse their bodies and minds, washing away impurities and bringing them closer to the divine. It is a way to purify oneself and seek spiritual connection.

In addition, many Hindus engage in singing special songs and hymns called bhajans and kirtans to express their love and respect for Lord Shiva. These musical devotions are a beautiful way to show devotion and admiration towards the deity.

By partaking in these rituals and observances during Sawan, individuals can experience a deeper sense of purity and closeness to the divine. It is a time of spiritual growth and connection with Lord Shiva, filled with devotion and heartfelt expressions of love and reverence.

Sawan Maas celebrations across India

Different regions in India celebrate Sawan in various ways. Some people observe fasts and offer prayers throughout the month, while others participate in festivals and celebrations. One such festival is the Ganga Dusshera festival, celebrated in holy cities like Haridwar, along the banks of the Ganges River.

Sawan is also a time for music and dance. People engage in different forms of music and dance like bhajans, kirtans, and Garba to express their devotion to Lord Shiva and rejoice in the arrival of the monsoon rains.

Regardless of how Sawan is celebrated, it is a time for Hindus to focus on their spiritual well-being. By following the rituals and observances, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and cleanse their bodies and minds.

The story of Adhik Maas

Let’s take a moment to learn a fascinating story related to Adhik Maas. In Hindu mythology, Adhik Maas was a month that had not been assigned to any god. Feeling sad and lonely, Adhik Maas sought help from Lord Vishnu. Upon hearing his story, Lord Vishnu assigned the month to himself, naming it the Purushottama Maas. It was believed that any good deeds performed during this month would be multiplied, making it an extremely auspicious time to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings and perform virtuous acts.

According to another legend, the sages introduced Adhik Maas, an extra month in the Hindu calendar, to harmonize the solar and lunar calendars. The solar year is slightly longer than the lunar year, so the sages added this extra month periodically to align the two calendars.

Adhik Maas is a significant time in the Hindu calendar as it offers devotees a chance for spiritual purification and rejuvenation. By observing the rituals and practices during this month, people seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and purify their bodies and minds.

Significance of Sawan Maas

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a special month in the Hindu calendar. It’s the fifth month and holds great importance for Hindus. Sawan is a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal, where people devote themselves to Lord Shiva, a powerful deity in Hinduism.

I’d love to share some fascinating stories connected to Sawan with you. One story recount how Lord Shiva became the saviour of the world by drinking a deadly poison called Halahala. This poison was incredibly potent and had the potential to destroy everything in existence. However, Lord Shiva selflessly consumed the poison to safeguard the world, even though it caused him immense agony. After drinking the poison, he sought solace in the Himalayas, where he engaged in meditation to recover from its effects.

During Lord Shiva’s meditation, a mist covered him, and this is why Sawan is also called the month of monsoon. The rain during this time is believed to be Lord Shiva’s tears.

Another story is about Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife, who wanted to marry him. However, Lord Shiva was not easily pleased. To win his heart, Parvati performed intense penance and meditation throughout Sawan, and eventually, Lord Shiva was moved by her devotion.

During Sawan, Hindus are inspired by Parvati’s example and engage in penance and meditation. It is a time to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

Sawan holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar as a month of great importance. It offers us a precious opportunity to nurture our spiritual growth and establish a deeper connection with Lord Shiva, who is held in high regard. This sacred period encourages us to engage in self-reflection, purify our souls, and seek the divine blessings.

Importance of different days of the week during Sawan Maas

Within the month of Sawan, each day of the week is dedicated to a specific deity.

Monday: On Mondays, we focus on Lord Shiva. He is the god of destruction and renewal. People who follow this tradition fast and offer prayers and milk to Lord Shiva.

Tuesday is a special day in Sawan when we pay homage to Gauri, the beloved wife of Lord Shiva. It is a day where women observe fasts and offer heartfelt prayers, seeking happiness and well-being for their families. Their dedication and devotion reflect their profound love and care for their loved ones.

Wednesday: Wednesdays are dedicated to Vithala, a divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. Those who observe this day fast and offer prayers, along with sesame oil, to Vithala. This act of devotion symbolizes their reverence and seeks blessings for a blessed and prosperous life.

Thursday: Thursdays are dedicated to Buddh, the god of knowledge, and Guru, the god of teachers. People fast on Thursdays and offer prayers and rice cakes to these deities.

Friday: Fridays are for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Tulsi, the sacred basil plant. On this day, devotees fast and offer prayers and rice to Lakshmi and Tulsi.

Saturday: Saturdays are devoted to Shani Dev, the god of Saturn. People fast and offer prayers and black sesame seeds to Shani Dev.

Sunday: Sundays are dedicated to the Sun god. On this day, devotees fast and offer prayers and water to the Sun god.

Sawan is a significant month that offers us a special chance for spiritual purification and revitalization. Through active participation in the daily rituals and practices, we can seek blessings from the divine beings and enhance our spiritual well-being. It is a wonderful occasion to strengthen our bond with our faith and seek divine guidance.

Pujas and Rituals during Sawan Maas

During the month of Sawan, there are special rituals and observances that hold great significance. Let’s explore them together:

Fasting on Mondays, known as Sawan Somwar, is an important ritual. On these days, people avoid eating food and drinking water. Instead, they focus on prayers and meditation. They also visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, where they offer prayers and make donations.

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a highly significant month in the Hindu calendar. Sawan provides us with a unique chance to experience spiritual growth and renewal. By embracing the rituals and practices linked to each day, we can seek the blessings of the deities and enhance our spiritual well-being. It is a beautiful way to strengthen our connection with our faith and seek guidance from the divine.

Among the important rituals of Sawan, bathing in holy rivers holds great importance. Taking part in this practice is thought to cleanse both our physical and mental selves, forging a stronger connection with the divine. Furthermore, many Hindus involve themselves in the singing of bhajans and kirtans, which are devotional hymns and songs that celebrate the qualities and virtues of Lord Shiva.

Pooja thalis, an essential part of Sawan rituals, are available with us. To order a Pooja Thali and enhance your worship experience, click here. These beautifully crafted trays are perfect for offering your prayers and seeking blessings during this auspicious month.

Benefits of Pujas and Rituals

By following the rituals and observances of Sawan, we can experience several benefits. Firstly, it provides us with spiritual cleansing. Sawan is a special time to purify ourselves physically and spiritually. Engaging in these rituals helps us cleanse our body and mind and feel a deeper connection with the divine.

Furthermore, Sawan provides us with a chance for renewal. It is a time to release the past and embrace fresh beginnings. By embracing the rituals and practices, we can infuse our lives and relationships with a sense of rejuvenation.

Moreover, Sawan is a special time to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. By following these prescribed rituals, we can humbly seek Lord Shiva’s guidance, support, and assistance in achieving our aspirations and overcoming obstacles.

If you are yearning for a dedicated period to focus on your spiritual well-being, Sawan offers you an auspicious time. By faithfully following these rituals and observances, you can cleanse your body and mind, invigorate your existence, and invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is a remarkable way to nurture and enrich your spiritual journey.

During Sawan, there are delightful foods and beverages to relish. These foods are considered highly significant as they are believed to have a purifying effect on both the body and mind.

Furthermore, it is advised to refrain from consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food during the Sawan period. These foods are considered heavy and mundane. Instead, it is advisable to opt for light and pure foods known as sattvic foods.

Here are some guidelines to bear in mind during Sawan:

Do’s:

– Maintain a positive attitude and avoid negative thoughts.

– Donate food and clothes to those in need.

– Help others who require assistance.

Don’ts:

– Engage in arguments or fights with anyone.

– Consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food.

– Cut your hair or nails unnecessarily.

By following these guidelines, we can make the most of the sacred month of Sawan and experience its spiritual benefits.

Here are some additional details for your knowledge:

Sawan Somwar dates in 2023:

July 10, 17, 18, 24, 31

August 7, 14, 16, 21, 28

Tips for fasting on Sawan Somwar:

Start your day with a glass of milk or water.

Eat light and pure foods throughout the day.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Take time to meditate or pray regularly.

Some special dishes enjoyed during Sawan:

Shrikhand: A sweet dish made with yogurt, sugar, and spices.

Puran Poli: A flatbread with a sweet lentil filling.

Aloo Tikki Chaat: A savory snack made with potatoes, chickpeas, and spices.

Places to visit during Sawan:

Baidyanath Dham: A famous Shiva temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Haridwar: A holy city situated on the banks of the Ganges River.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A renowned Shiva temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Make the most of this special time, embrace the rituals, and enjoy the spiritual journey of Sawan

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