Fasting during Shravan Maas holds great significance in Hindu mythology, as highlighted in the Shiva Purana. According to this ancient text, those who fast during this holy month are blessed with the grace of Lord Shiva, and their desires are fulfilled. Shravan Maas Somvar (the Mondays of Shravan) are particularly important to devotees of Lord Shiva.
Shravan Month is considered one of the most auspicious months in Hinduism. This sacred period is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. Devotees undertake strict fasts, practice austerity, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva throughout this month, seeking his divine blessings to fulfill their wishes and desires. On Mondays, known as ‘Shravan Somvar Vrat,’ devotees observe fasts and offer milk, Gangajal (holy water from the holy rivers), and bel patra (leaves of the golden apple tree) to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Experts highlight a specific method for fasting on Shravan Mondays, which includes chanting mantras and offering water (Gangajal or water from any holy river) on the Shivling. Observing this fast is believed to bring spiritual bliss, purify the soul, grant peace of mind, and fulfill all wishes. According to popular Hindu belief, women who fast on Shravan Mondays are blessed with a suitable life partner.
In Hindu mythology, the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) took place during the month of Shravan in the Satyayuga. The devas (gods) and asuras (demons) churned the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki (the king of serpents) as the churning rope. This process yielded numerous treasures and celestial beings, including Airavata, the divine elephant of Lord Indra. Among the remarkable things that emerged was the deadly poison, Halahala, capable of destroying the universe. In a selfless act, Lord Shiva drank the poison to save creation. However, Goddess Parvati, upon seeing him take the poison, held his throat to prevent it from going further, turning his throat blue. Hence, Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth (the blue-throated one).
Shravan is the fifth month of the lunar calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva and regarded as the most auspicious and beneficial month. It is a time filled with other significant rituals such as Raksha Bandhan, Naga Panchami, Govatsa, Shravan Purnima, Vara Lakshmi Vrata, Rishi Panchami, Kalkyavatara, and Putradaikadashi. The Mondays of Shravan Maas are especially significant, as these days are dear to Lord Shiva, making them particularly sacred for his devotees.
Reference By: Eshwar Bhakti
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