Sawan Start Date Kab Hai?
Sawan, also known as Shravan, is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar and holds significant importance in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The beginning of Sawan marks the onset of the monsoon season in India and is a time for various festivities, fasting, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each year, the start date of Sawan varies based on the Hindu calendar, which is a lunar calendar. The month of Sawan usually falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar.
Determining the Start Date of Sawan
The start date of Sawan is calculated based on the positioning of the moon, particularly the full moon (Purnima) and the new moon (Amavasya). The month of Sawan begins on the new moon day (Amavasya) and ends on the new moon day of the following month. In 2021, the start date of Sawan is on Friday, 25th June.
Significance of Sawan
1. Devotion to Lord Shiva: Sawan is considered an auspicious month for Shiva worship. Devotees observe fasts on Mondays (Shravan Somvar) and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
2. Spiritual significance: The month of Sawan symbolizes purity, devotion, and spiritual growth. It is believed that prayers and penance performed during this month bring spiritual merit and fulfillment.
3. Festivities and rituals: Various rituals and festivities are observed during Sawan, such as Kavad Yatra (pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganges) and Kanwar Yatra (devotees carrying holy water to offer at Shiva temples).
Celebrations and Observances
During the month of Sawan, devotees engage in various practices and observances to show their devotion to Lord Shiva. Some of the common rituals and practices during Sawan include:
1. Fasting: Devotees observe fasts on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar, and abstain from consuming food until sunset. Some may follow a strict fast of consuming only water or fruits.
2. Abhishek: Offering milk, water, honey, and bael leaves (bilva patra) on Shivling during prayers and performing Abhishek is a common practice during Sawan.
3. Kanwar Yatra: Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, embark on a pilgrimage to fetch holy water from the Ganges and carry it back to offer at their local Shiva temples.
4. Recitation of Mantras: Chanting of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and other Shiva mantras is considered auspicious during the month of Sawan.
FAQs:
1. What is the significance of Sawan month in Hinduism?
Sawan holds great significance in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is considered an auspicious month for spiritual growth and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
2. Why do people observe fasts during Sawan?
Fasting during Sawan, especially on Mondays (Shravan Somvar), is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and fulfill devotees’ wishes. It is also seen as a way to purify the mind and body.
3. What is Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan. They carry holy water from the Ganges to offer at Shiva temples as a mark of devotion.
4. How is Abhishek performed during Sawan?
Abhishek is a ritual where devotees offer items like milk, water, honey, and bael leaves on the Shivling while chanting prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Which are the auspicious days in Sawan for worshipping Lord Shiva?
Mondays are considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva worship during the month of Sawan, known as Shravan Somvar. Devotees offer prayers, perform Abhishek, and observe fasts on these days.
In conclusion, the month of Sawan is a time of spiritual significance and devotion for followers of Hinduism, especially devotees of Lord Shiva. It is a time for prayers, fasting, and various rituals to seek blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Devotees engage in practices like fasting, Abhishek, Kanwar Yatra, and recitation of mantras during this auspicious month to deepen their connection with the divine.
