Shravan month, or Sawan, is considered one of the holiest months in the entire sub-continent of India. As per the Hindu mythology or calendar, Shravan is the 5th month that comes after the month of Aashad and which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this auspicious month, devotees observe fasting every Monday and offer Bhaang, Bael Patra, Ganga Jal, Cow Milk, Dhatura, and Chandan to Lord Shiva. This year, the 1st Sawan Somwar fast will fall on 18 July, and the holy month ends on 12 August 2022.
As per the legends, Shravan month is considered auspicious to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. It is accepted that anyone who worships and fasts Lord Shiva with a pure heart in Shravan gets fulfilled all their desires. They get Lord Shiva's blessings and find their desired life partner. Even married couples keep the Solah Somwar Vrat for a blissful married life. All Mondays (Somwars), which are celebrated during Sawan month, are considered highly auspicious for fasting and are known as Sawan Somwar Vrats. However, many adorers observe Solah Somwar fasting from the first Somwar of Sawan month and continue for the next fifteen weeks.
Why Is Sawan Celebrated?
The history of Sawan marks the incident of Samudra Manthan in Hindu scriptures. The time when Dev and Asuras were searching for Amrit, they churned the cosmic ocean and found 14 things. One of them was the dangerous poison that could have ended the lives in the whole universe. Poison was so powerful that it began affecting the crescent moon over the forehead of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was called for assistance, where he drank all the poison and stored it in his neck. After that, he got his name Neelkantha. Devas ran to bring the Holy water of Ganga to pour over the head of Lord Shiva. With that step, the impact of poison got down. This all happened in the month of Shravan, resulting being the main reason behind the significance of Lord Shiva in Sawan month.
Sawan Somwar's Significance And History
Sawan Somvar is usually a number of Vrat or fasts on Monday in the month of Shravan. Individuals have been following this festival for a long time, which is generally done to get desired results. The individuals also believe that Goddess Parvati too had observed the Solah Somvar Vrat getting married to Lord Shiva.
List of Sawan 2022 Somvars
• 1st fast Sawan Monday - 18 July 2022
• 2nd fast of Sawan Monday - 25 July 2022
• 3rd fast of Monday Sawan Monday - 01 August 2022
• 4th fast of Monday Sawan Monday - 08 August 2022
• Last day of Sawan month - 12 August 2022
Dos And Don'ts During Sawan Sowar Fasting
Dos
1. On the 1st day of the Sawan Somwar, one must begin by taking a pledge that they will be observing the fast faithfully with all the rituals.
2. Wake up early in the morning, clean the house and take a bath. After that, sprinkle some Ganga Jal in the place before Lord Shiva's picture or idol is put in the north-east direction of the house.
3. After taking the pledge, perform Lord Shiva's aarti.
4. Puja samagri should have water, curd, honey, milk, sugar, ghee, panchamrit, vastra, janeyu, kamal Gatta, Chandan, raw rice, flower, bel Patra, bhang, dhatoora, paan supari, laung, elaichi, mewa, and Dakshina.
5. Those keeping the fast should eat only vrat ka khana once in the evening.
6. While fasting, do not starve yourself. Keep eating fruits and nuts every two hours.
7. Drink water and fresh juices throughout the day to keep the body hydrated.
8. Replace table salt with sendha namak (rock salt) for cooking recipes during the auspicious month. Also, stick to cumin seeds, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and black peppercorns while utilizing spices.
Don'ts
1. During worshipping Lord Shiva, the use of turmeric, ketki flower, and Tulsi leaves is prohibited.
2. The consumption of onion, garlic, and spices ought to be avoided during the auspicious month. Also, other food items and oils like mustard oil, brinjal, masoor dal, and sesame oil should be avoided.
3. If you keep fasting on Monday, do not have a good full meal or the last food before the Sandhya aarti or the sunset.
4. During the month of Sawan, Hindus should not eat non-vegetarian food and stay away from alcohol.
The month of Sawan is a symbol of sacredness. People in India generally perform many spiritual works and make a fresh start on many things as it is considered to be a good month for “Shubh Aarambh”. They leave non-veg food and have a healthy and spiritual lifestyle. Several fairs are organized to attract people. The whole weather pleases the earth and makes everyone feel happy. The entire month is celebrated with ease and grace.