Shravana (Shravan, Saawan) is one of the most spiritually charged months in the Hindu calendar. Falling between July-August, it aligns with the monsoon season in India, a time when the earth is nourished, the air is fragrant with rain-soaked earth, and devotion ripens effortlessly in the heart.
🕉️ Why is Shravana Sacred?
🔭 Astrological Significance:
The month is named after the Shravana Nakshatra (star), which is prominent during this period. “Shravana” means to listen – symbolising deep spiritual listening and receptivity to divine wisdom.
The month is named after the Shravana Nakshatra (star), which is prominent during this period. “Shravana” means to listen – symbolising deep spiritual listening and receptivity to divine wisdom.
🕉️ Mythological Significance:
It is believed that during this month, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) took place. As the deadly poison (Halahala) emerged, Lord Shiva drank it to save the universe, holding it in his throat (becoming Neelkantha, the blue-throated one). Hence, Shravana is deeply devoted to Shiva, the ultimate protector.
It is believed that during this month, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) took place. As the deadly poison (Halahala) emerged, Lord Shiva drank it to save the universe, holding it in his throat (becoming Neelkantha, the blue-throated one). Hence, Shravana is deeply devoted to Shiva, the ultimate protector.
🧘🏽♂️ Shravana and Lord Shiva
🙏 Why Mondays (Shravana Somvar) are special:
Each Monday of Shravana is dedicated to Shiva, who is known as Someshwara (Lord of Soma, the Moon). Devotees fast and perform special abhishekams (ritual baths) to honor his grace.
Each Monday of Shravana is dedicated to Shiva, who is known as Someshwara (Lord of Soma, the Moon). Devotees fast and perform special abhishekams (ritual baths) to honor his grace.
💧 Abhishekam rituals include pouring:
- Milk: for purity and devotion
- Water: for cleansing and surrender
- Honey: for sweetness in life
- Yogurt: for fertility and health
- Ghee: for removal of negativity
- Bilva leaves: for awakening of spiritual consciousness
It is said that offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to Shiva Lingam during Shravana washes away karmic burdens carried over lifetimes.
🌿 Rituals and Practices During Shravana
🌸 1. Fasting (Upavasa):
Devotees observe partial or full fasts, especially on Mondays. Some consume only fruits and milk, maintaining sattvic purity to enhance spiritual receptivity.
Devotees observe partial or full fasts, especially on Mondays. Some consume only fruits and milk, maintaining sattvic purity to enhance spiritual receptivity.
🕯️ 2. Shiva Abhishekam:
Performing daily or weekly abhishekams to Shiva Lingam at home or in temples, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” with deep surrender.
Performing daily or weekly abhishekams to Shiva Lingam at home or in temples, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” with deep surrender.
📿 3. Rudraksha Wearing:
Rudraksha beads, associated with Shiva’s tears of compassion, are worn for protection, health, and spiritual growth.
Rudraksha beads, associated with Shiva’s tears of compassion, are worn for protection, health, and spiritual growth.
🌺 4. Bilva Patra Offering:
Offering Bilva leaves is considered the highest form of devotion in this month. The three leaflets represent the three eyes of Shiva and the tri-gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) being surrendered to him.
Offering Bilva leaves is considered the highest form of devotion in this month. The three leaflets represent the three eyes of Shiva and the tri-gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) being surrendered to him.
🪔 5. Reading or Listening to Shiva Purana & Rudram Chamakam:
Shravana is the month of “Shravana” – sacred listening. Listening to ancient Shiva stories and Vedic chants purifies the mind.
Shravana is the month of “Shravana” – sacred listening. Listening to ancient Shiva stories and Vedic chants purifies the mind.
🙏 6. Kanwar Yatra:
In North India, devotees called Kanwariyas carry water from the Ganga in pots (kanwars) and offer it to Shiva temples, walking barefoot for miles in deep devotion.
In North India, devotees called Kanwariyas carry water from the Ganga in pots (kanwars) and offer it to Shiva temples, walking barefoot for miles in deep devotion.
🍃 7. Charity & Seva:
Acts of charity, feeding the poor, helping animals, and community service are encouraged to dissolve personal ego and embody Shiva’s compassion.
Acts of charity, feeding the poor, helping animals, and community service are encouraged to dissolve personal ego and embody Shiva’s compassion.
🌌 Spiritual Meaning of Shravana
Shravana is not just about rituals; it is about listening to life with reverence:
✨ Listening to your own inner silence.
✨ Listening to the wisdom of nature as rain nourishes the earth.
✨ Listening to the still voice of Shiva within you, which says: “Be still, and know you are the Infinite.”
✨ Listening to the wisdom of nature as rain nourishes the earth.
✨ Listening to the still voice of Shiva within you, which says: “Be still, and know you are the Infinite.”
💭 In Essence
Shravana is the month to cleanse, purify, and reset your spiritual life. As rain cleanses the earth, let your devotion cleanse your karma. As Shiva drank the poison to save the world, reflect on what you are willing to transform within yourself for the greater good.
“He who listens deeply (Shravana), speaks truth (Satya), and acts in dharma becomes dear to Shiva, the Consciousness that pervades all.”
May this Shravana bring you deep peace, blessings, and the awakening of divine listening within.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Om Namah Shivaya.
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