Shravan month is the fifth month of hindu calendar. It is also the first month of chaturmas perion which includes- Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik. This month is Lord Shiva’s favorite month therefore during this month devotees worship Lord Shiva. This is said to be the best time to conduct all important religious ceremonies. During this time Lord Shiva takes care of the whole creation. This month is auspicious because of various reasons some of which says that during this time Lord shiva met his wife Parvati, while others says that the the churning of oceans of Samudra Manthan happened in this month. During Samudra Manthan churning of ocean was done by Devas and Rakshasas (Gods and Demons) using Mandhara Mountain and serpant Vasuki. Due to this churping 14 different rubies came out out of which 13 were for immortality which was given to others and one was the deadliest poision which Lord Shiva drank.
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During this month devotees worship Lord Shiva on Monday and Devi Parvati on Tuesday. People perform Rudra Abhishek which helps to purify one’s mind and body and brings peace. Doing fasts is also one major practice done by Hindus in this month. There are five types of Vrats performed by hindus during this month-
Sawan Somwar Vrat – This fast is done on every Monday in the month. There are about 4-5 Mondays in this month. Solah Somwar Vrat- this fast is done for 16 consecutive Mondays and is usually observed by young girls to find their ideal husband. Pradosh Vrat – this Vrat is observed on 13th day of both Shukla-Paksha and Krishna-Paksha. This day is considered extra special for worshiping Shiva. Mangal Gauri Vrat- These are observed on Tuesdays of this month for the well being and long life of the partner. Shani Vrat- These are observed on Saturdays for worshiping and pleasing Lord Shani.Also Read - Gupt Navratri 2023: Gupt Navratri starts today. Do this remedy and get success in your work
Offering Dhatura and Bael Patra (Bilva Leaves) to Shiva is also beneficial. Shravan is practiced in north India 14 days earlier than south India. This is due to the fact that Hindu calendar consists of one full lunar cycle consisting of a total of 28 days. Period from Purnima to Amavasya takes one half known as Shukla-Paksha. And from Amavasya to Purnima takes another half known as Krishna-Paksha. In North Indian calendar Shukla-Paksha comes first followed by Krishna-Paksha. And in South India Krishna-Paksha comes first followed by Shukla-Paksha.
This year Shravan will start from July 4, 2023, Tuesday and will end on August 31, 2023, Thursday in North India and from July 18, 2023, Tuesday till September 15, 2023, Friday in South India. Various festivals also occur during this month which includes-
FESTIVALS DATE AND DAY Haryali Teej August 19,2023, Saturday Nag Panchami August 21,2023, Monday Shravan Putradata Ekadashi August 27, 2023, Sunday Shravani Purnima August 30, 2023, Wednesday Raksha Bandhan August 30,2023, Wednesday Janmashtami September 6, 2023, Wednesday
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