Sawan sometimes referred to as Shravan month, is regarded by Hindus as an auspicious season when they worship Lord Shiva/Mahadev. Every Monday during this month, worshippers observe Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar, a fast. They also seek Lord Shiva idols blessings. For sixteen Mondays starting with the first Somwar of the Sawan month, many worshipers observe a fast known as Solah Somwar. Lord and Goddess Parvati are worshiped in this month of Shravan.
Shravan Month
While Bholenath is honored on Mondays, Goddess Parvati is honored every Tuesday in Sawan month, or Mangalwar. Tuesday fasting is called Mangal Gauri Vrat in accord with Drik Panchang during Sawan month. Other auspicious days in Shravan month are Sawan Shivaratri and Hariyali Amavasya. Shravan is known for its festivals and other special events. Given that the majority of this month's days are favorable for fresh starts, now is the ideal time to hold all of the auspicious events.

What is the meaning of Shravan?

The well-known question is, "Why is this month called Shravan?" And here's the answer. There is, however, a mythical concept underlying it. The Shravan Nakshatra governs the sky on Poornima, a full moon day, or at any moment throughout this month, hence it is called Shravan month.

When is Shravan starting and ending in different states?

Sawan starting date is different in the different calendars as per the region. In the Hindu calendar, Sravana is the fourth month. Sravana is the fifth month of the Hindu year, beginning in late July on the first day of the full moon and ending in the third week of August on the first day of the following full moon. It is the fifth month of the solar year which is known as Avani in Tamil. Sravana is the fourth month of the year and begins on the new moon in lunar religious calendars. Srabon is the Bengali calendar's fourth month. On top of that, it is the fourth month in the Nepali calendar. This month also marks the beginning of the Varsha (rainy) season.

When Shravan month start in 2022?

1. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand Shravan Somwar Vrat Dates
  • Shravana will begin on July 14, 2022.
  • The first Shravan Somwar Vrat is on July 18, 2022,
  • While the second is on July 25, 2022.
  • The third Shravan Somwar Vrat will take place on August 1, 2022.
  • The fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat will take place on August 8, 2022.
  • Shravana's end date is August 12, 2022.
2. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka Dates for Sawan Somwar Vrat
  • Shravana will begin on July 25, 2022.
  • The first Shravan Somwar Vrat is on August 1, 2022,
  • While the second is on August 8, 2022.
  • The third Shravan Somwar Vrat is on August 15, 2022.
  • The fourth Shravan Somwar Vrat is on August 22, 2022.
  • Shravana's end date is August 27, 2022.

What is the story of Shravan Month? And Why Shravan month is celebrated?

  • According to traditional Hindu mythology, the Gods and the demons worked together to churn the sea during the Samudra Manthan. Ancient myths claim that the Gods and Demons resolved to stir the seas during the sacred Shravan maas to determine which of them was the stronger. To appease Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, this was. And also so she might reward them with ocean nectar. It had been decided that the gods and demons would divide the nectar evenly. The Manthan was performed by Snake Vasuki, who is shown on Lord Shiva's neck, and Sumeru Parvat.

    The Sagar Manthan, which took place in the month of Shravan Mahina, is thought to have taken place in search of the deifying nectar (the Amrit). 14 distinct Gems (Ratna) emerged from the water during the churning. The Devas and Asuras got equal shares of the thirteen stones. However, Halahal, which came after the 13 Ratnas, was not desired by anybody because it was the most poisoned dagger that could wipe out the entire universe as well as every living thing. Lord Shiva drank Halahal, allowing the poison to remain in his throat. His neck became blue as a result of the poison, and he became known as Neelkanth.

    The poison had such a severe impact on Lord Shiva that he wore a crescent moon on his head, and all the gods began pouring water from the holy Ganges over him to counter the effects of the poison.
  • According to mythology, Devi Sati took her life after learning that her father had offended Bhagwan Shiv (her husband) by not inviting him to an important Yagna attended by all Devtas. Devi Sati was reborn as Devi Parvati at Maharaj Himavan's house (Himalaya).

    To appease Bhagwan Shiv because she wanted to wed him, Devi Parvati performed Tapasya throughout the Shravan month. Her Tapasya delighted Bhagwan Shiv, who decided to marry her.
  • Another tradition holds that on Devshayani Ekadashi, only four days before Shravan's month begins, Bhagwan Vishnu, regarded as the preserver of the universe, falls into a long sleep for four months.
Bhagwan Shiva, also known as the destroyer, takes command and keeps the universe in balance.
Many people use this month to worship their lord. By following fasts and praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, devotees mark the Sawan or Shravan month to pray to the Lord, who protects his followers from all harms and blesses them with good health, peaceful and great life. Many people simply start on a search to dissolve in order to leave behind all of their small concerns and embrace the divine. That is the true celebration—the ultimate understanding of life and everything else.

What is the importance of Shravan month?

In Sawan month, the Kanwar yatra takes place, during which followers of Lord Shiva transport holy and precious Ganga water for gaumukh to Haridwar and other locations where Maa Ganga passes. To bring the sacred Ganga water, Kanwariya worshippers go long distances on foot. Devotees chant har har Mahadev in their way. In Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, the Hindu population observes Shraavana by observing a vegetarian diet. This is because it is hard to get seafood during the monsoon season; it is believed that most fish breed during this time, therefore avoiding fishing in Shraavana will result in more fish across the year. Unmarried ladies observe a fast throughout the month of Shravan in an effort to meet someone like Bhagwan Shiv. This month is believed to be extremely auspicious for worshiping and offering sacred Ganges water to Lord Shiva.

This entire month is blessed for Lord Shiva's devotion. The entire universe is supercharged with Shiva energy during this month, which is used in Lord Shiva rituals to purify the body, the intellect, the senses, and the soul.

What to do in Shravan month?

The focus of this month is living a sattvic lifestyle, which involves fasting from everything tamasic in nature, including food and drink. During the fast, it is acceptable to consume fruits, meals cooked with sabudana and rock salt, milk, and milk items like curd and buttermilk. According to science, this month is full of insects, worms, germs, and viruses. As a result, one should adopt self-care techniques to avoid diseases and strengthen their immune system.
Sawan Month Fasts
In the month of Sawan, people can take in five different forms of Vrats (fasts) such as Shravan somwar vrat, Pradosh vrat, etc. They are as follows:
  • Sawan Somwar Vrat - Lord Shiva is worshiped on the first day of the week (Monday). On every Monday that falls during the month of Sawan, people observe this fast. Sawan has four Mondays.
  • Solah Somwar Vrat - This fast is followed for 16 Mondays in a row. The first Monday of Shravan month marks the start of the Solah Somwar Vrat. This is done mainly by single women who are looking for a good spouse.
  • Pradosh Vrat- This combines the three historical periods that are most closely associated with Lord Shiva. These are Pradosh, Sawan, and Monday. So, during the month of Shravan, on all Mondays, and on the 13th day of the Hindu month, individuals observe this fast (Trayodashi).
  • Mangala Gauri Vrat - Mangal Gauri Vrat is fasting on Tuesdays during Shravan month. This ritual is done in order to ensure a good marriage and a long life for the partner.
  • Shani Vrat - Fasting on Saturdays this month removes all malefic from Shani and grants him goodwill.
Although there is a particular religious devotion for a specific god or goddess on each day during Sawan Mass:
  1. Monday is devoted to Lord Shiva.
  2. Tuesday is devoted to the Goddess Gauri.
  3. Wednesday is devoted to Lord Vithala, a form of Lord Vishnu.
  4. Thursday is dedicated to Lord Budh and Guru.
  5. Friday is devoted to the Goddesses Lakshmi and Tulsi.
  6. Saturday is Shani Dev's (Saturn) birthday.
  7. Sunday is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God).

How to do Shravan somvar vrat puja ritual?

  • At Brahma muhurta, get up (two hours before sunrise)
  • Put on clean clothing after taking a bath.
  • Cleanse your wooden home temple or altar with Gangajal and purify it with the sacred waters. Then complete all of the Shodashopachara puja preparations.
  • Spread uncooked rice or a few Bel Patra on the wooden deck or altar as an asana. Then, reverently set the Lord Shiva statue or Shiva Linga on it.
  • Pour water at the feet of the Lord.
  • Offer the Lord water to wash his hands and face.
  • After offering water to God, drink it from your hand.
  • Take water to the Lord to bathe in. For the Abhishek, one can use water, milk, Gangajal, honey, curd, ghee, and so on.
  • Offer the god a clean piece of cloth.
  • Offer the cherished Janeyu and Akshat to the Lord.
  • Give Chandan paste.
  • Offer Datura flowers, white crown flowers, Vilva leaves, and so on.
  • Offer incense sticks and dhoop
  • Offer sesame oil, mustard oil, or a ghee light.
  • Provide bhog, sattvic food.
  • Perform the aarti, you can buy beautiful Decorative Pooja Thali from eCraftIndia.
  • Get to your feet and move around to the right.
  • Make an offering of flowers and perform pranam

What to eat in Shravan Monday fast? And what not to eat?

- Fasting worshippers eat fruits, and sweets prepared with milk or mawa, and drink milk and water. It is permitted for devotees to consume sendha namak once a day. However, they must rigorously avoid grains.
- People eat fruits including mango, bananas, papayas, grapes, etc. During the fast, they can also consume roasted peanuts, makhana, curd, and amaranth seeds.
- Devotees should stay away from alcohol, and non-vegetarian food for the full month.
- All grains, including rice and lentils, should be avoided as basic Shravan fasting rules. Similarly, several vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and radish, should be avoided due to their tamasic tendency.
- Traditional Indian spices such as red chile, methi, turmeric, and any other seeds must be avoided. Even jaggery should be avoided.

Conclusion:
This month, which marks the start of the Chaturmas season, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The universe is supposedly under Lord Shiva's care for four months while Lord Vishnu is absent. Thus, on Mondays (Somwar), known as Shravani somwar, and Tuesdays (Mangalwar), worshippers observe fasts as a tribute to Mahadev and his spouse, Devi Parvati, respectively. Despite being contemporary, this Shravan month decorating idea for your home creates a festive atmosphere. Just a Shiva wall paintings and a rangoli with a Maha Shivaratri theme would do.
You may adorn the chamber with lighting, fresh flowers, and incense sticks after buying a Shiva idol from eCraftIndia. For a relaxing festive atmosphere in your modern house decor, add some flower garlands and fairy lights everywhere around your home. You can gift a Lord shiva paintings to your loved ones as the most sacred gift that will surely be going to make them happy.