Sawan Maas or Shravan Month – Why is it an Important and Auspicious Month?
Shravan month is named after the Moon’s twenty-second constellation ‘Shravana Nakshatra’. The Moon Herself rules over this constellation. In transit of the planetary council, when the Sun enters into Cancer, the fourth sign of our zodiac, solar Shravan or Shawan month begins. However, the lunar Shawan month begins on a different day as per the movement of the Moon in the sky. It is the second month of rainy season, which is called Varsha Ritu in Hindi language. Rain, thunderstorm, heavy downpour and budding flowers are the companion of this month.This year solar Shawan month began from 16 July 2016 and lunar Shawan month is starting from 20 July 2016. In our Hindu religion, there is very close connection between Shravan month and Lord ShivJee. Shravan month begins when the Sun transits into watery sign Cancer and ruler of Cancer sign is the Moon. The Moon has the quality of giving fluctuations and sudden developments in our life. Waning Moon has Her place in the head of Lord ShivJee and Monday is the day of the week, which is ruled by planet Moon. Thus, people worship Lord ShivJee on every Monday of this month to bring stability in their personal as well as professional lives.Most people observe Sawan Somvaar Vrat during this month to receive blessings from Lord ShivJee. Some of the devotees of Lord ShivJee starts Solah Somvaar Vrat from the first Monday of lunar Shravan month to continue for sixteen consecutive Mondays. Observing fast and worshipping Lord ShivJee is also done on the days of Pradosh Vrat during this month.Performing Shiv Pujan on the evening of Pradosh Vrat gives wealth and brings happiness in family life. Some people goes on their foot to collect water from Ganga river to bring Ganga water from there and comes back to Shiv Temple walking to pour that water on Shiv Lingam on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha i.e., 14th tithi of dark lunar half of this month. Unmarried girls observe fast on Mondays during this month to get suitable husband and affluence in their married life.
