Shravan‬, the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

#‎Shravan‬, the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is considered as “the Destroyer” or “the Transformer” among the Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. It is the fifth month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. As per Vedic Almanac, the star Shravan rules the sky during this period and hence is also called Shrawan mas. Almost all the days of this month are propitious, filled with numerous rituals and festivals to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Significance of Shiva Puja in Shravan Month:

According to the legend, Samudra Manthan (the churning of oceans) took place in the month of Shravan. During the samundra manthan, fourteen different types of rubies came out and the thirteen of these were distributed among the demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva came to rescue, drank the Poison and stored it in his throat. The throat turned blue due to effect of poison and hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Lord Shiva. In order to reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison.

Since then, Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in Shravan . Each Monday of Shravan, known as Shravan Somvar, is observed with austerity and is devoted to worship Lord Shiva. Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves, and flowers, chant the Shiva mantra and fast till sunset. Sixteen Mondays or Solah Somwar fasting also begins from the first Sombar of Shravan month.

Both men and women observe fast to please Lord Shiva. The married women take fasting to attain prosperity and a long, peaceful family life and unmarried women to attain eternal blessing from Lord Shiva for good life partner.