Do you know why Shravan is the favourite month of Lord Shiva? The whole month filled with traditions and religious practices for the Hindus is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the love between him and his devotees.
Celebrating the onset of monsoon with enthusiasm and devotion, devotees show their love and surrender by eating only satvik food, putting up swings on trees, bringing water from holy rivers on foot for Shiva Linga, and much more. You can see how humanity and devotion bring everyone together with the camps put up on the devotee’s road to the river Ganga serving them food, medicine, and a place of refuge.
If you have been celebrating Shravan as a religious practice or are curious to learn about it, this guide is for you. It covers its history, culture, importance, food, and many other things so you can celebrate it authentically.
If you have a wish you want to express to Lord Shiva or just find your spiritual path then Shravan is the perfect month for it. Considered as the ideal time for new beginnings, the month is filled with festivals and religious events.
Marking the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, Shravan has been crowned as one of the most sacred months. It is named after the Shravan Nakshatra, seen on full moon days and prompts Shiva devotees to offer the Shiv Linga leaves, flowers, fruits, milk, and water.
The Mondays in the month, known as Shravan Somvar, are especially important which leads devotees to offer water, milk, and other auspicious items to the Shiva Linga symbolizing their devotion and purification.
The history of the Shravan month is quite interesting. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva once consumed poison during the battle between Devs and Asurs, also known as Samudra Manthan. He did this to obtain Amrit (a holy nectar and save the world). Goddess Parvati, his wife, intervened by holding his neck and preventing the poison from harming him any further. The poison stopped at his throat then and there but it caused him irrational burning.
As a part of the Shravan month processions, the devotees of Lord Shiva go and fetch holy water from the river of Ganga and offer it to him. It is said that this water helps heal his wounds and ease the burning sensation left by poison. Some also observe fasts on Mondays during the month, also known as Shravan Somwar Vrats, to honour the Lord and pray for success, prosperity, and marriage.
During the month of Shravan, the devotees usually observe fasts and the ones who don’t, they eat only satvik food for the month. Satvik foods are ripe, raw, lightly cooked food. They are freshly prepared and are high in nutrients.
There are four types of fasts observed in the month of Shravan:
Trimbakeshwar temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas or sacred shrines, celebrates Shravan with utmost enthusiasm. The temple is decorated so beautifully that everyone who visits is left awe-struck. The Godavari river flowing near the temple is a popular holy river whose water is fetched and offered to the Shiva linga during the Shravan month as a sign of devotion.
Also, a special pooja is held at the temple for celebrating Mahashivratri during the Shravan which includes an all-night vigil, Rudrabhishek and a grand procession to celebrate the festival. Many devotees become a part of this celebration and enjoy the festivities with enthusiasm and complete surrender.
Hence, the month of Shravan is auspicious for Hindus and is celebrated by observing various rituals. They seek divine blessings from Lord Shiva in the month and observe rituals for inner peace and spiritual growth.
At Viveda Wellness Resort in Nashik, we celebrate the sacred month of Shravan with special care and reverence. Nestled in serene surroundings, our resort offers a perfect retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural essence of this auspicious time. Our wellness programs during Shravan include traditional rituals, yoga, and meditation sessions designed to align with the month’s spiritual energy. Guests can also enjoy our specially curated Satvik meals, prepared without onion and garlic, to honor the fasting traditions. Join us at Viveda to experience the holistic harmony of Shravan, where spirituality meets luxury, and every moment is crafted to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
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