
News Topical, Digital Desk : Anand Sagar Pathak, Astropatri. Sawan or Shravan is considered the holiest month for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Sawan is a celebration of Lord Shiva's sacrifice, blessings and joy in the form of Pashupati. This month has deep spiritual significance. Stories like Samudra Manthan also make the month of Sawan special.
This month is filled with worship, fasting and devotion. Lord Shiva is also called Pashupati (lord of all creatures). During this holy time, Lord Shiva is pleased to see his creatures flourishing and roaming freely without fear. This year, Sawan begins on 11th July.
Lord Shiva is closer to the earth in the month of Saavan
The month of Sawan holds a special place in Hinduism. This month is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva. During this time strict fasting, prayers and spiritual discipline are performed. It is believed that Shiva's divine energy is closest to the earth at this time. Beyond the rituals, this month is also associated with the Pashupati form of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes Lord Shiva's compassion towards all living beings.
The month of Sawan, which falls between July and August, is considered a sacred time for the worship of Lord Shiva. The month is full of mythological stories and symbolic rituals. The month is filled with deep spiritual energy. Devotees indulge in fasting and meditation. Many Shiva devotees chant the name of Lord Shiva and visit Shiva temples. All this is done to seek the grace and protection of Lord Shiva.
Samudra Manthan happened in Saavan
The mythological reason behind the importance of Sawan (why Sawan is special for Lord Shiva) is Samudra Manthan. During this incident, the deadly poison Halahal was released. This poison was going to destroy the whole world. Lord Shiva drank that poison with his utmost compassion. He held it in his throat, due to which his throat turned blue and he was called Neelkanth.
It is believed that this act of sacrifice happened in the month of Sawan. Due to this, the month of Sawan became sacred in the name of Lord Shiva forever. According to another opinion, Mother Parvati had completed the penance being done to attain Mahadev in the month of Sawan. Hari Anant, Hari Katha Ananta!
Devotees observe fast and worship every Monday of Sawan and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and Mahamrityunjaya mantra. Milk, water, honey and bel leaves are offered to the Shivling. This symbolizes purification and dedication. These practices are done to seek the blessings of Shiva for health, protection and spiritual advancement.
Pashupati form of Lord Shiva
Beyond Shiva's cosmic form, Sawan also honors his Pashupati form. The rains bring nature to life, forests become green and rivers flow. Animals move about fearlessly. Lord Shiva, as the protector of all creatures, delights in this harmony. He delights in seeing even the smallest insects and animals move about. They flourish fearlessly.
Thus, Sawan is not just a spiritual month but also a celebration of all forms of life. This matches the ascetic nature of Shiva (how to worship Shiva in Sawan), as he meditates in the forests. Surrounded by snakes, bulls and wild animals. As Pashupati, he rises above human society and adopts and protects all creatures equally. Devotees also learn to live their lives with humility and compassion. Respect all creatures.
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