The fifth month of the Hindu calendar is known as Shravan. It commences from the end of July to the end of August in the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar where most of the sacred vrats, festivals and rituals are celebrated. This month is mainly devoted to Lord Shiva and many devotees undertake a fast during this period to seek the blessings of Lord Shankar. Shravan maas for the North Indians in 2016 falls on July 20th to August 18th. For the South Indians, it falls on the August 3rd to September 1st. The reason behind this 15-day difference is because the South Indians follow Amavasyant Calendar and the North Indians abide by the Purnimant Calendar.
The importance of the Shravan maas is associated with the Samudra Manthan. As per mythology legends, the deities and the demons joined hands to remove the nectar of immortality from the depths of the ocean. Mount Mandara was used as the centre point and the Great Snake Vasuki was used as a rope. The ocean emitted a lot of valuables but also spewed out the deadly poison halahala; which could have destroyed the entire universe. Lord Shiva then took it upon him and swallowed the poison before this lethal toxic destroyed the entire world. This event is believed to have taken place in the Shravan maas and is dedicated to Shiva as he saved the universe from being destroyed. Hence, it is auspicious to worship Shiva during this pious period.
Raksha Bandhan | 18th August |
Nag Panchami | 24th July |
Hariyali Amavasya | 2nd August |
Hariyali Teej | 5th August |
Sawan Shivratri | 1st August |
Tulsi Das Jayanti | 10th August |
Narali Purnima | 18th August |
Varalakshmi Vratam | 12th August |
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat | 20th July |
Mangala Gauri Vrat | 2nd August |
It is said that Lord Vishnu’s birth star Shravan is concurrent with this month; hence this month is immensely significant. Moreover, it is believed that worshipping particular deities on specific days of this month is extremely beneficial. They are as follows:
The Mondays of the Shravan month are known as Shravan Somvar. Tuesdays are auspicious to undertake the Mangal Gauri Vrat and Fridays for Shravan Shukravar Vrat. Performing Griha Shanti Puja is extremely beneficial at this time. Moreover, it is the period related to rainy season which is paramount for harvests.
1st Day of Shravan Month | 20th July |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 25th July |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 1st August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 8th August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 15th August |
Last day of Shravan Month | 18th August |
1stDay of Sawan Month | 3rd August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 8th August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 15th August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 22nd August |
Sawan Somvar Vrat | 29th August |
Last Day of Sawan Month | 1st September |