The month of Sawan is considered extremely sacred in Hinduism. The name of this month is associated with Lord Shiva and during this time Shiva’s devotees observe fasts. In the month of Sawan, devotees do special meditation and sadhana to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This year, the month of Shravan begins from Monday, July 22, and will end on Monday, August 19.
Mondays during the month of Sawan hold significance because people observe fasts, where they abstain from eating any food or other grains, and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for health, prosperity and enlightenment. As the auspicious month begins today, Mahi Kashyap, CEO & Founder of Vedic Meet shared essential dos and don’ts for those observing Shravan 2024.
Dos
- Worship Lord Shiva: Regularly perform Abhishek of Shivling in the month of Sawan. Use milk, water, curd, ghee and honey. Offer Belpatra, Datura, Bhang and white flowers to Lord Shiva.
- Fasting and Vrat: Keep a fast on the Monday of Sawan. It is called Sawan Somvar Vrat. This fast is kept to get the special blessings of Lord Shiva. Eat only fruits and avoid tamasic food.
- Mantra Chanting and Meditation: Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”. Chanting this mantra calms the mind and gives positive energy. Spend time in meditation and prayer.
- Charity and Service: Donate food and clothes to the poor and needy. Perform cow service and feed animals.
- Cleanliness and purity: Keep your house and place of worship clean. Perform worship only after bathing and wear clean clothes.
Don’ts
- Tamasic food: Do not consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol and tobacco in the month of Sawan. Avoid onion and garlic as they are considered tamasic food.
- Negative Thoughts and Anger: Avoid negative thoughts and anger. It disturbs mental peace and disrupts religious activities.
- Violation of other religious rules: Do not worship Lord Vishnu in the month of Sawan, as this month is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Personal selfishness: Help others and do charity. Spend more time on religious activities and meditation.
- Ratri Jagran: Avoid staying up late at night. Follow a healthy routine and get enough sleep.
Shravan Calendar 2024
Here are five Mondays of Shravan Somwar vrat:
- July 22, 2024 – First Shravan Somwar vrat
- July 29, 2024 – Second Shravan Somwar vrat
- August 5, 2024 – Third Shravan Somwar vrat
- August 12, 2024 – Fourth Shravan Somwar vrat
- August 19, 2024 – Last or fifth Shravan Somwar vrat
