2023 - Shravan Maas

Shravan Maas, also known as Shravan month, holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar and is highly revered by Hindus across the Indian subcontinent. It is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and typically falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. Shravan Maas is considered an auspicious period, brimming with devotion, fasting, and various religious rituals.

This sacred month is named after Lord Shiva, who is worshipped with great fervor during this time. It is believed that during Shravan Maas, Lord Shiva bestows his divine blessings upon his devotees and fulfills their wishes. Many Hindus observe fasting and engage in spiritual practices to honor Lord Shiva and seek his grace.

Devotees undertake Kanwar Yatra, a traditional pilgrimage during Shravan Maas, where they carry holy water from the Ganges River or other sacred water bodies and offer it to Lord Shiva in temples. The yatra is marked by immense devotion, with participants often chanting sacred hymns and carrying the Kanwar (a wooden or metal pole with pots of holy water).

Apart from the Kanwar Yatra, devotees also engage in other forms of worship and penance during Shravan Maas. They visit Shiva temples, perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Shivalinga with milk, water, honey, and other sacred substances, and offer Bilva leaves, fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva.

Fasting is an integral part of Shravan Maas observance, with many Hindus abstaining from food or specific ingredients on Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva. Devotees often consume Satvik (pure and vegetarian) food during their fasts and dedicate the day to prayers, meditation, and reading scriptures.

Shravan Maas is also associated with the legend of the churning of the cosmic ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, mentioned in Hindu mythology. During this divine event, various divine entities and treasures were revealed, including the pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality). It is believed that the auspicious vibrations and celestial energies released during this time make Shravan Maas an ideal period for spiritual growth and seeking divine blessings.

In addition to the religious significance, Shravan Maas is a time of community and familial bonding. Families come together to perform prayers, organize religious gatherings, and share traditional meals. It is a month of piety, devotion, and deepening one's spiritual connection with the divine.

Overall, Shravan Maas holds immense spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. It is a time for self-reflection, devotion, and seeking the divine grace of Lord Shiva. By observing the rituals and practices associated with this holy month, Hindus aim to purify their minds, deepen their faith, and experience a profound spiritual transformation.