Shravan Maas: Invoke Mahadev’s Kripa, Love and Divine Protection

Witness the sacred month of Shravan devoted to Bhagwan Shiv. Discover its cultural significance, rituals, and how Mahadev’s personality as a protector, loving family person and innocent God inspire us in life.

Shravan, also known as Sawan, is the sacred month devoted to Bhagwan Shiv. Occurring between July and August, Shravan is the fifth month as per Hindu calendar. This sacred time is filled with devotion, fasting, and prayers. It is a month that reminds us of Shiv’s simplicity, compassion, strength, and his protective nature that inspires us to live with modesty and grace.

The Mythological Significance of Shravan

Significance of Shravan Maas is strongly believed in Hindu tradition. It is believed that in  this sacred month, the Samudra Manthan took place. As gods and demons churned the ocean to recieve Amrit Kalash (holy water of eternity), a deadly poison called Halahala surfaced to destroy the world.

It was then that Bhagwan Shiv, out of his immense compassion, consumed that poison to save eveyone. He held it in his throat, which turned blue due to its potency, earning him the name Neelkanth – the blue-throated one. To cool down the burning effect of the poison, the devas offered water and milk to Bhawan Shiv, a tradition that continues even today.

Do’s of Shravan Maas

• Fast on Mondays (Shravan Somvar).

• Perform Shiv Shringar with Abhrak, Shivji Ashtagandha, Vibhuti, Akshat, and Roli.

• Offer Abhishek with water, milk, and belpatra to Shivling.

• Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.

• Visit Shiva temples regularly.

• Maintain a Satvik diet (pure vegetarian).

• Practice charity and kindness.

• Meditate to connect with Shiva’s energy.

Don’ts in Shravan Maas

• Avoid non-veg food, alcohol, and tobacco.

• Don’t pluck belpatra(Bilva Patr) from trees after sunset.

• Avoid speaking harshly or hurting others.

• Avoid onion and garlic if following strict Satvik rules.

Bhagwan Shiv – The God Beyond Destruction & Fierce Energy

People know Bhagwan Shiv as the destroyer in the trinity, but his personality is far different and beautifully human:

• Protector of All
  He drinks poison to save the world, reminding us of his infinite compassion.

• A Simple Yogi
  Despite his supreme powers, he lives a simple life in Kailash, clad in tiger skin, with ashes smeared, teaching us humility.

• A Loving Family Person
  He is deeply devoted to his wife Parvati and his children – Ganesha and Kartikeya. Stories of Shiv playing with his sons and blessing them with love show his tender, fatherly side.

• Bholenath – The Innocent One
  Shiv is known as Bholenath because he gets pleased easily with true devotion and fulfils his devotees’ wishes without any discrimination.

• Destroyer of Evil and Ignorance
  His role as a destroyer is not to harm but to clear away negativity, ego, and ignorance, allowing space for new growth and transformation in life.

• Simplicity and Acceptance - Shiv is adorned with ashes, wears a tiger skin, and sits on the snow-clad Himalayas with snakes coiling around him. Yet, he is called the most handsome and powerful. This teaches us that true beauty lies in simplicity and that societal appearances do not define a person’s worth.

• A Friend to All - Be it devas, asuras, animals, or humans, Bhagwan Shiv never discriminates. He grants boons to even demons who worship him with sincerity. His inclusiveness and acceptance show his immense compassion towards all beings, without judgement or ego.

Cultural and Ritual Importance of Shravan

1. Shravan Somvar Vrat

Mondays are dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv, and during Shravan, they become even more auspicious. Devotees observe Shravan Somvar Vrat, fasting and praying for health, happiness, and marital bliss. It is believed that unmarried girls observing these fasts with pure devotion are blessed with an ideal life partner like Shiv.

2. Kanwar Yatra

In Shravan Maas the devotees take up Kanwar Yatra. Being known as Kanwariyas, they travel barefoot to fetch holy water from the Ganga river and carry it back to pour over Shivlings in their hometowns. This journey is a true test of devotion, patience and inner strength.

3. Rudrabhishek

Performing Rudrabhishek during Shravan is considered highly meritorious. The ritual involves bathing the Shivling with water, milk, honey, ghee, and other sacred items while chanting powerful mantras. It helps to heal negativity, illnesses and obstacles.

4. Sawan Melas

Temples across India, especially in Varanasi, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Deoghar, organise grand fairs (Sawan Melas), bringing together devotees from various places to celebrate Shiv’s glory with music, dance, and rituals

Spiritual Lessons from Shravan

Shravan is not merely about rituals; it carries deeper spiritual lessons for us:

• Self-Control & Discipline: Fasting teaches us to control our senses and focus on inner purity.

• Gratitude & Humility: Offering water, milk, and belpatra(bilva patra) is a way to express gratitude for Shiv’s protection and blessings.

•  Faith & Surrender: Chanting Shiv mantras and meditating in this month calms our minds and helps us surrender worries to him.

•  Equality & Acceptance: Remembering how Shiv accepts all beings teaches us to be compassionate and non-judgmental.

Bhagwan Shiv – The Embodiment of Balance

What makes Bhawan Shiv truly inspiring is his balance of extremes:

• He destroys, yet nurtures.

• He meditates in isolation, yet cares deeply for his family.

• He is fierce as Rudra and gentle as Bholenath.

• He is the cosmic dancer (Nataraja) and the silent yogi.

This divine balance shows us that we too can live in the world, fulfilling duties and desires, while remaining deeply connected to our higher self.

Conclusion

As the sacred month of Shravan arrives, let us take a moment to connect with Bhagwan Shiv’s energy. May his strength, simplicity, compassion, and balance inspire us to become better human beings. Whether it is through fasting, chanting, attending temples, or simply remembering him with devotion, this is a time to purify our hearts and minds.

Let’s welcome the rains and pray for Mahadev’s blessings:

“Har Har Mahadev! May Bhagwan Shiv bless us all with health, happiness, and abundance this Shravan.”