The month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, holds great significance in the Hindu calendar. It is considered a holy and auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sawan Adhika Maas, or the extra month of Sawan, is a rare occurrence that takes place approximately once every three years in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2023, Sawan Adhika Maas is set to begin on July 18th.

According to the Hindu scriptures, Adhika Maas is an intercalary month added to the lunar calendar to align it with the solar calendar. This additional month is inserted to balance the time difference between the lunar and solar years. The exact timing and duration of Adhika Maas may vary, but it generally lasts for around 29 or 30 days.

Sawan Adhika Maas holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this month is especially favorable for performing spiritual practices, observing fasts, and engaging in acts of devotion. Devotees often undertake rigorous vows and rituals during this period to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and gain spiritual merit.

During Sawan Adhika Maas, many devotees observe the practice of Kanwar Yatra. Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage where devotees carry ornately decorated pitchers filled with holy water from the Ganges River or other sacred water bodies. They travel on foot to various Shiva temples, pouring the holy water over the Shivalinga and offering prayers. The Kanwariyas, as the pilgrims are known, undertake this arduous journey as a mark of their faith and devotion.

Apart from Kanwar Yatra, devotees engage in various other religious activities throughout the month. They visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, chant prayers and mantras, perform Abhishekam (ritualistic bathing) of Shivalinga with milk, honey, and other sacred substances, and offer Bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits to the deity.

Many people also observe fasts during Sawan Adhika Maas. Mondays, in particular, hold great significance as they are considered the most auspicious days of the week for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees abstain from consuming certain foods and engage in prayers and meditation to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The significance of Sawan Adhika Maas extends beyond religious observances. It is a time when communities come together to celebrate and partake in various cultural festivities. Devotees often organize music and dance performances, spiritual discourses, and social gatherings during this auspicious month.

The commencement of Sawan Adhika Maas on July 18, 2023, heralds a period of heightened spirituality and devotion for millions of Hindus worldwide. It provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their connection with Lord Shiva, seek spiritual enlightenment, and strengthen their faith.

As this holy month unfolds, devotees will embark on their spiritual journeys, engage in acts of piety, and create lifelong memories. The celestial energies and divine blessings associated with Sawan Adhika Maas are believed to be abundant, making it a time of great significance in the Hindu faith.

Sawan Second Monday; Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Gorakhnath temple

SHRAVAN SOMVAR: Devotees throng Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple