Today marks the fourth somwaar of shraavan month. shraavan is considered. It is considered to be the most auspicious time for Shiva devotees.
The month of ‘Shraavan’
Sawan or Shraavan is observed as a festival-like month. The followers of Lord Shiva get entirely absorbed by their devotion during the entire month of Sawan. According to the Panchang. Hinduism holds the view that by worshiping Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan, he is pleased and all of his followers’ problems are eliminated.
According to Hindu Mythology
Hindu mythology holds that the ocean was churned , also known as samudra manthan happened during the month of Sawan, and Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged from it. As a result, Lord Shiva was given the name Neelkanth, and after consuming it, Lord Shiva saved the earth. The poison’s effects were so strong that Bholenath’s throat began to burn. The gods and goddesses then collectively poured water on him to cool him off. Because of this, Sawan is a particularly important month for Shiva Abhishek.
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The ‘Kanwar’ Yatra
Devotees of shiva are seen travelling from one jyotirlinga (Shiva temple) to another, also known as shravaan yatra or ‘kanwad’. Kanwad is a term used to describe a kind of religious events in which people carry water from a holy source ritualistically in containers strung from either side of a pole. The pilgrimage gets its name from a kanwar, a sacred water-carrying device.
Devotees fast on the occassion of shravan somwar to get sspiritually connected with shiva.Here are some essential Puja rituals, do’s and don’ts that devotees must consider while keeping the auspicious fast.
Rituals for the Shravan Somwar Vrat in 2023
Get up early the morning of the fast and take a bath.Your puja space should be cleaned and floral decorations added.
Offer Lord Shiva panchamrit, a concoction of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
Present Lord Shiva with flowers, fruits, and bel leaves.
Ask Lord Shiva for his blessings in prayer.
Offer yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, dhatura flowers, belpatra, sandalwood paste, and milk.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya Mantra, and Rudra Abhisheka Mantra are a few of the mantras that can be performed throughout the puja.
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Do’s and Don’ts for Shravan Somwar Vrat
Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
Wear clean and comfortable clothes.
Offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Chant mantras
Donate food and clothes to the poor
Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
Some also avoid garlic and onions while keeping the fast
Things to Consider While Keeping Shravan Somwar Vrat
If you cannot fast for the entire day, you can break your fast in the evening after sunset.
If you are feeling weak or unwell, you can consult with your doctor before observing the fast.
It is important to keep your body hydrated during the fast. You can drink water, buttermilk, or fruit juices.
You can also eat light snacks such as fruits, nuts, and seeds.
The most important thing is to have a positive attitude and to focus on your spiritual practice.
