Shravan Month :  151 Benefits of Shravan Month (Sawan Maas) in Hinduism

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1. INTRODUCTION

Shravan Month or Mass is also known as Sawan Month.

In the vast landscape of the Hindu lunar calendar, few months are as revered, auspicious, and spiritually intense as the month of Sawan (also known as Shravan). Falling during the monsoon season, usually between July and August, Sawan is deeply intertwined with devotion to Lord Shiva, Vedic rituals, and profound spiritual growth. Temples overflow with chanting, devotees undertake fasts and pilgrimages, and the atmosphere is suffused with bhakti (devotion).

2. WHAT IS SHRAVAN MONTH?

Sawan or Shravan Maas is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It typically starts after Ashadha Purnima and continues till Shravan Purnima. In regions that follow the Purnimanta calendar (like North India), it is counted from full moon to full moon. In Amanta calendar regions (like Maharashtra and Gujarat), it is counted from new moon to new moon.

Sawan is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, and each Monday (Somwar) of this month is celebrated as Shravan Somwar, a powerful and auspicious time for fasting and worship.

1.  Timing and Duration :
   
   
   • Begins: Around mid-July
   • Ends: Around mid-August
   • Duration: 29 to 31 days
   • Comes during: The monsoon or rainy season in India

3. WHY IS IT CALLED SAWAN?

1.  Etymology and Meaning :
   
   The name “Sawan” (or “Shravan”) is derived from the Nakshatra (constellation) “Shravana”, which is prominent during the full moon of this month. In Sanskrit:
   
   
   • Shravana = “hearing” or “listening”
   • The month is symbolic of listening to spiritual discourses, prayers, and sacred sounds, which purify the soul.
   
   The Shravana Nakshatra is also associated with Lord Vishnu, but the month is predominantly connected with Lord Shiva, who is deeply worshipped during this time.

4. HISTORICAL AND SCRIPTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1.  Connection with the Samudra Manthan :
   
   
   One of the most significant mythological events associated with Sawan is the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). According to Hindu scriptures:
   
   
   • During the churning, Halahala, a deadly poison, emerged from the ocean.
     
     
   • To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison, which lodged in his throat, turning it blue—earning him the title Neelkantha (the blue-throated one).
     
     
   • To ease the burning effect of the poison, the Devas offered water from the Ganges to Shiva.
     
     

   This act of offering water to Lord Shiva continues in the Shravan month, particularly through Abhishekam (ritual bathing).

2.  Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana References :
   
   
   According to Shiva Purana, worshipping Lord Shiva with bilva leaves, water, and milk during this month can destroy all sins and grant moksha (liberation).
   
   Skanda Purana also emphasizes the importance of Shravan as the time when devotees’ prayers reach the divine more powerfully than in other months.

5. WHY IS SAWAN SPECIAL IN HINDUISM?

1.  Devotion to Lord Shiva :
   
   
   Sawan is considered the holiest month to offer prayers to Mahadev (Lord Shiva). Devotees undertake:
   
   
   • Shravan Somwar Vrat (Monday fasting)
     
     
   • Kanwar Yatra (pilgrimage to collect Ganga water)
     
     
   • Daily Rudrabhishek
     
     
   • Chanting of Shiva mantras like Om Namah Shivaya
     
     
   It is believed that prayers during Sawan are heard more swiftly and have more spiritual potency.
   
   
2.  Spiritual Cleansing and Karma Purification:
   
   
   The monsoon season is seen as a time when the body and mind are more receptive to spiritual transformation.
   
   
   • Fasting helps cleanse the digestive system.
     
     
   • Chanting mantras purifies mental karma.
     
     
   • Charity, meditation, and ritual bathing are emphasized
     
     
   Sawan is a time for introspection, healing, and spiritual discipline.
   
   
3.  Importance of Shravan Mondays (Somwars):
   
   
   Each Monday in Sawan is sacred to Shiva. Devotees:
   
   
   • Observe fasts
     
     
   • Visit Shiva temples
     
     
   • Perform Abhishekam with milk, water, honey, curd, and ghee
     
     
   • Offer bael leaves, dhatura, flowers, and bhasma
     
     
   It is believed that unmarried girls who fast on Mondays in Shravan are blessed with an ideal husband, just like Parvati was granted Lord Shiva.