Saawan, the Shravan Maas as per Hindu calendar is the most auspicious month dedicated to lord Shiva. This month is fruitful in procuring quick blessings from lord Shiva with the Shiva Puja every Monday as well as whole month. Amongst Hindus, the Solah Somvar fast is initiated in this month. Also, Saawan Somwar fast is kept by Hindus to please the lord of destruction and get wishes turned true. Why does remembering and worshipping Lord Shiva in this month hold so much significance in Hindus and what is the reason behind it? Let us delve into why Lord Shiva is worshipped in the month of Saawan.
What Made Shravan Maas- The Month to Worship Shiva?
Shravan Maas, the month followed by Ashadh Maas as per the Hindu calendar is the month when the entire Hindu community immerses themselves in adoration of Almighty Shiva. It is being said that Samudra Manthan, the churning of ocean was conducted in the month of Saawan. The division of things that came out of the ocean on churning were divided between demons and Gods, but the poison (vish) was denied by both. Lord Shiva, to protect the universe from destruction, consumed the poison and held it in his neck. It is believed that the neck of Shiva turned blue after consuming the fatal only and since then, lord Shiva was named Neelkanth. Lord Shiva lost his consciousness and fell on the ground. Brahma, the creator of the Universe sprinkled Ganga water on him and did his Abhishek to control the augmenting effect of Poison on Shiva. This is the reason why devotees from across the country collect water barefoot from Ganga (Haridwar) and offer it to Shivling of the temple where they started it the journey. It is called kawad in Hindi.
There is also a tale associated with the Shiva and Shravan Maas that sati took birth as Parvati to the wife of the King of Himalaya. Parvati realized her inclination towards Lord Shiva at a young age. She fasted Saawan Somvar to please Lord Shiva and eventually ended up becoming his better half. Lord Shiva got pleased with her and accepted her as his wife in the month of Saawan. Another saying about the month of Saawan is that all deities fall asleep in this month other than Lord Shiva. It is the reason why he is worshipped in this month of Saawan as being awake only he can bless you with your wishes turning true.
How to Worship Lord Shiva
It is being said that while worshipping lord Shiva, you must first of all worship Lord Ganesha, followed by swami Kartikay, Nandi, goddess Parvati, and in the last worship Shiva. Sit while facing toward East direction. You would need rice, panchamrit, Roli, Chandan, flower, Til, Prashad, misri, Kamal Gatta, Laung, Supari, Dhatura, Belpatra, and Ganga Jal.
Mix Ganga jal in pure water and pour on all Gods in the sequence stated above, Then offer panchamrit on all the deities in the same order followed by Pure water mixed with Ganga jal. Apply Chandan on the forehead of all deities and vermillion of Maa Parvati. Offer rice, Til, Roli, Moli, supari, janeu, kamalgatta, any fruit, Dhatura, flowers, Belpatra on all Gods. Light diya of ghee and agarbatti in front of Shiva, after that chant Shiva Mantra, Shiva Chalisa and Shiva Aarti. There are many more mantras to amuse Shiva like the Maha Mritunjaya mantra, which on chanting daily brings the blessings of Lord Shiva. If doing Solah Somvar, then read Solah Somvar Vrat Katha and if you are fasting only for Saawan Somvar Vrat then read Saawan Somvar Vrat Katha. Also read the benefits of Shiva Sahasranam.
Things you should not offer to Lord Shiva
A few things like Belpatra and Dhatura must be included in the Pujan of Lord Shiva to amuse him and procure his blessings. Also, few items shouldn’t be offered to Lord Shiva as he isn’t fond of them. Take a look at things that you must not apply or offer to Shiva.
Do not offer Conch Shell (Shankh)- It is believed that Shankh signifies demon Shankhchood who was killed by Lord Shiva. Therefore, water isn’t offered to him in Conch shell.
Say no to Vermillion or Sindoor- Offer KumKum or Sindoor to Maa Parvati, but as far as Lord Shiva is concerned, do not apply KumKum on him. Sandalwood paste or Chandan tika is advised on his forehead or Shivling.
Don’t offer Tulsi Leaves on Shiva- It is wrong practice to offer Tulsi Leaves to God Shiva as Lord Vishnu had declared her to be his wife. There is another story that Husband of Tulsi, demon Jalandhar was killed by the deity who lives on Kailash Mountain.
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Charity in Saawan to multiply blessings
Charity in the month of Saawan helps to attract good luck, tranquillity, and peace in the lives of devotee and donors. Charities of white food items and clothes have special significance in this month. Distribution of Kheer and donation of white clothes or items as a Prasad is widely practiced by Hindus to attract the blessings of lord Shiva.
