The fifth month in the Hindu calendar that begins in late July is considered to be special for Hindus, as the month of Sawan signifies fasting on Mondays for many of them to appease Lord Shiva. The month derives its name from the Shravan Nakshatra and is thought to be the best time for all religious ceremonies. Most importantly Mondays in the month of Sawan have a special significance for the devotees as it is known as “Sawan Somwar”.
Date: The Sawan month is starting from July 17 and will be on till August 15.
A total of 4 Mondays will fall during Sawan 2019. The first Monday of this year's Sawan month will fall on July 22.
Om Namah Shivaya is the mantra one can chant during Sawan.
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This year Sawan Shivratri will fall on July 30. People observe fast on this day and offer holy water, milk, flowers on Shiva Linga. The best time to perform puja on Sawan Shivratri 2019 is from 9:10 am to 2 in the afternoon.
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On this month people are also known to fast on Tuesdays for Goddess Parvati, an observance that is called the Mangala Gauri Vrat.
According to many people, Sawan sees Lord Shiva shower special blessings on his devotees. The month is also important as it marks the onset of monsoon in the Indian subcontinent.
On Mondays, Shiva Lingas are bathed in holy water and milk throughout the day and night. Lord Shiva is offered bael leaves, flowers, holy water, and milk which is known as an offering of Falam-Toyama, and Pushpam-Patram.
Furthermore, devotees keep fast throughout the day and then light up Akhand Diya that burns throughout the day into the night.
Legends say that the Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean had happened during the month of Sawan as asuras and devas participated to churn out nectar. During this time 14 different rubies emerged from the great churning with the fourteenth being the poisonous Halahal, which had the power to destroy the whole universe including every living being.
Lord Shiva volunteered and consumed the whole Halahal and stored it in his throat. The poison from the Halahal turned His throat blue and he came to be known as Neelkantha. The effect of the poison was enormous and all the Devas offered water from the holy River Ganges to Lord Shiva. It was done to reduce the effects of the poison. Since the incident happened in the month of Sawan, it is considered very auspicious to offer Ganges water to Lord Shiva in this month.
Milk is offered to Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan and devotees wear Rudraksha as well. Bhibhuti is offered to Lord Shiva along with bael leaves. Panchamrit made out of a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and jaggery is offered to Shiva Linga.
Devotees sing Shiva Chalisa and aarti, as well as chanting of Maha Mrityunjay mantra, is also done, apart from fasting on Mondays.
The puja is performed to cleanse the soul. Devotees believe bathing the Shiva Lingas with scented water could get them a son. Furthermore, offering the Linga Naivedya could allow a devotee to live a long life.
Devotees also believe that lighting a diya imparts knowledge and offering pan ensures that there is always a bounty of food.
According to beliefs, bathing the Shiva Lingas in milk gives peace of mind, while if one performs the abhishek with curd, she/he gets good vehicle and cattle wealth.
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