Sawan month – The term Shravan or Sawan month conjures up exciting visions of fully drenched movie stars romancing in the rain and matching their steps to melodious music!
For some of you, it also brings on the staid image of a happy farmer pampering his thirsty crops.
However, dear friends, this month carries a spiritual significance too, specifically if you are a Hindu.
- Om Namah Shivaya!
Oh, yes, this is the perfect time for Lord Shiva’s annual visit to Earth. He remains amongst us for the whole month. This year, North India will receive his favours from July 10, 2017 to August 7. South India will benefit from July 24, 2017 until August 21, 2017.
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What should you do?
Well, to begin with, visit a temple every Monday. Sit down before the Shiva Linga and chant the Lord’s name with devotion, offering holy water, Bel Patra, milk and flowers all the while.
- Think, will you be able to stay off food too, or will your tummy keep protesting too loudly for comfort? Well, quieten it, and get started on your once-in-a-week fast. Obviously, that special day is Monday.
- Medical practitioners declare that the human digestive system slows down during this month, thanks to the presence of scarce sunlight and heavy rains. Do gorge on vegetarian foodstuffs only, please!
- If you have the determination to do so, subsist on sago and fruits for the entire month. Alternatively, just have one meal a day or leave salt out of every meal.
- Do not get drunk on desi or videshi alcoholic spirits at this time.
- “Let my husband and children live long and healthily”.
This is the chant of every married woman during this Sawan month. Her attire and ornaments follow a red-and-green pattern throughout the month. She asks nothing for herself.
Sawan month or Sawan is the holiest month of the year for Hindus, since it is dedicated to the most powerful of all deities, Lord Shiva. It is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion during this time, may be deemed as nothing short of a holy pilgrimage.
