Shravana, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar (typically July–August), is one of the holiest months dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each Monday (known as Somvar) in this month holds immense religious importance and is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Mahadev (Lord Shiva).
Devotees observe fasts, perform Rudrabhishek, chant Shiva mantras, and visit Shiva temples with deep devotion, believing that such acts during this month earn special blessings from Lord Shiva, including marital harmony, good health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
🌕 Why Shravana Month is Special for Lord Shiva
The significance of Shravana is deeply rooted in Hindu Puranic lore, particularly surrounding the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), one of the most powerful mythological episodes.
According to the Puranas, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison called Halahala emerged, which threatened to destroy all of creation. To protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison, which turned his throat blue (Neelkantha). This selfless act is believed to have taken place during the month of Shravana, making this month profoundly sacred.
🗓️ Importance of Mondays (Somvar) in Shravana
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Monday (Somvar) is already sacred to Lord Shiva.
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During Shravana, these Mondays are even more potent for spiritual practices.
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Devotees observe Somvar Vrat (Monday fasting) to seek blessings for:
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Early and happy marriage
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Fertility and childbirth
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Fulfillment of desires
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Relief from diseases
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Moksha (liberation)
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🪔 Rituals of Shravana Somvar
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Early Morning Bath: In holy rivers or at home before sunrise.
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Fasting: Devotees fast throughout the day, consuming only fruits, milk, or sabudana.
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Shiva Abhishekam: Offerings of water, milk, honey, ghee, bel leaves (bilva), and flowers to the Shivlinga.
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Chanting of Mantras:
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“ॐ नमः शिवाय” (Om Namah Shivaya)
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“Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra”
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Reading Scriptures: Recitations from Shiva Purana, Rudram, or other Shaiva texts.
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Evening Aarti and Bhajan: Songs and devotional music in praise of Lord Shiva.
📖 Mythological Stories Associated with Shravana and Shiva
1. Samudra Manthan and Halahala Poison
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Myth: When the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean for Amrita (nectar), Halahala, a deadly poison, surfaced. Fearing its impact, the gods sought Shiva's help.
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Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat to protect the world. His throat turned blue, giving him the name Neelkantha.
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Shravana month is believed to be the period when this event occurred.
2. Legend of Parvati’s Penance
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Goddess Parvati observed strict fasts and performed intense penance during the month of Shravana to win the heart of Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva accepted her as his consort.
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Hence, unmarried girls observe Shravana Somvar to get a husband like Lord Shiva.
3. Story of King Chitrabhanu
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From Skanda Purana: King Chitrabhanu of Ikshvaku dynasty observed the Somvar Vrat in a past life. As a result, in his next birth, he was born as a king and remembered his previous life due to divine blessing.
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He narrated the significance of the Monday fast to his queen and citizens, encouraging its practice.
🔖 Scriptural References (Mentioned Texts)
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Shiva Purana
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Vidyeshwar Samhita and Rudra Samhita describe the greatness of Lord Shiva and rituals like Rudrabhishek during Shravana.
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Skanda Purana
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Details the fasting story of King Chitrabhanu and glorifies Shravana Somvar.
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Padma Purana
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Speaks of Parvati’s penance and the divine nature of the month.
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Lingam Purana
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Emphasizes the significance of offerings to Shiva, especially during Shravana month.
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Vayu Purana
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Mentions the appearance of Halahala poison and Shiva's Neelkantha form.
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Mahabharata
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In Anushasana Parva, Bhishma explains to Yudhishthira the greatness of Shiva, especially in the month of Shravana.
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🌸 Beliefs & Benefits
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It is believed that a single Shravana Somvar Vrat is equal to fasting on 16 Mondays (Solah Somvar Vrat).
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Fulfills heartfelt wishes and removes all forms of Doshas (planetary afflictions).
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Offers peace, divine protection, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
If you're a devotee of Mahadev, the month of Shravana is your divine opportunity to connect deeply with Shiva through devotion, discipline, and love.
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