India Lifestyle

Sawan 2017: Know more about the holiest month of Shiva

Sawan 2017: Know more about the holiest month of Shiva

In Hindu religion, Sawan month is considered as the holiest month. It is also called as Shravan month. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva saved the universe by drinking poison which emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the milky ocean) during the month of Sawan. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save everyone and so powerful was the impact that his neck turned blue. Hence, he got the name Neelkanth. Fourth Monday of Sawan month have immense significance in India.

In Sawan month Indian people worship Lord Shiva (shiva linga) with leaves of bel patra, flowers, bhang (cannabis), Ganga water (holy water), milk, curd and honey. The thousands of Shiva devotees visit the temple of lord shiva and perform Gangajal Abhishekam. Many of the bring Kawad from Haridwar and bring Gangajal from Haridwar by walking to their hometown to the temple of Lord Shiva to worship on Shivratri.

This year, July 10 marked as the beginning of Sawan month in north India and celebrations will continue till August 7, 2017. Some Followers of Lord Mahadev or Shiva observe the Sawan Vrat where they fast for the entire month or some did fasting just on Mondays, popularly known as the Shravan Somvar Vrat. People do fast for the long life of their children and loved ones, the others do it for a happy married life. It is also believed that fasting and worshipping the Lord during this month provides one with wealth and luxury. They eat sweat to open their fast only one time in a day.

 

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Shilpi Gupta

Food Technologist by Profession and Blogger by Destiny. love to write articles on food technology, spirituality and social issues.