Significance of Shravan:
‘Shravan’ is the 5th month in the Hindu Calendar. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the realm of Hindu mythology, the sacred ‘Shravan’ holds a profound significance.
This is the most auspicious month and the favorite of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that Shivji himself visited the earth and that the Lord’s energy is practically accessible during this month. Therefore there cannot be a more auspicious opportunity to worship and pray to the Mahadev to seek his blessings.
Shivji’s sacrifice:
The most popular event of the ‘Samudra Manthan‘ or churning of the ocean occurred in this month. It happened between the Gods and Asuras. There were 14 kinds of pious things and gems that came out as a result of this churning. These were equally divided between the Gods and the Asuras. But along with it came poison that had the power to destroy the entire universe. No one dared to go near it. Lord Shiva came to the rescue. He drank and stored the poison in his throat turning it blue, thus giving him the name ‘Neelkanth’. He gave the gift of life to everyone and saved destruction. The poison was so strong that he started having fever. To control the temperature he had to wear a crescent moon on his head for cooling effects. All the Gods also started offering water and milk to reduce the effectiveness of poison. This entire episode signifies his sacrifice for the creation.
Spiritual worship:
A mixture of 5 elements – milk, sugar, ghee, curd and honey (panchamrit), ‘bilva’ and flowers are offered to the lord. Shravan is a time of devout observance, fasting, worshiping and praying to Lord Shiva. Thus, the devotees seek his blessings and divine grace. The intertwining narratives of Shravan and Shiv Mahima highlight the power of devotion, sacrifice, and compassion.
Chanting of Om Namah Shivay and Mahamrityunjaya mantra holds major importance through out the month to please Shivji. People engage in reading the holy ‘Shiv puran’ a book dedicated to Mahadev and mata Parvati including all other gods.
Inference:
Hence we can conclude that this month is spiritually important in terms of seeking blessings and eternal bliss that stays within oneself. The various practices of fasting, praying and self reflection aims to purify ones mind and soul by immersing themselves in the divinity.
We will read more about our beloved Bholenath in the next article that will follow soon.
Jai Shiv Shambhu
Jai Bholenath
