Shravan Maas, during which the “Shravana” lunar mansion rules the sky, is considered to be the most auspicious month of the Vedic year.
The full moon in this month happens in the nakshatra or lunar mansion called “Shravana” ... which means ‘to listen’ and is the first step in integrating knowledge into our lives — we listen, then we bring to our memory and the knowledge then becomes integrated into our life.
This year Shravan Maas extends for a total of 59 days (instead of its usual 30 days) as it includes the addition of an intercalary month called Adhik Maas (extra month), which helps maintain harmony with the solar year — and is the first time to have occurred in 19 years.
The Gregorian calendar adds a day to February every four years (leap year) to stay synchronized with the solar cycle. The Panchang (Luni-Solar calendar) incorporates an additional month, Adhik Maas, every third year to reconcile the 10-day difference between the solar (365.2 days) and lunar (354.3 days) calendars.
The month of Shravan is synonymous to festivals and events. It is the best time to conduct auspicious events as most of the days of the month are promising for new beginnings.
In this month, every Monday is celebrated as Shravan Somvar across Temples, with Dharanatra over the Shivling, bathing it with holy water and milk throughout the day and night.
Lord Shiva In Shravan Somvar
According to legend, in the conflict between the Devas and the Asuras, poison emerged from the water. Lord Shiva drank the poison to rescue the human race. This incidence took place in the Shravan month. Due to this, Lord Shiva’s body temperature rose considerably. Then Lord Shiva donned the moon on his head, which helped to lowered his temperature, and the Hindu gods poured Ganga water on Lord Shiva, which is also followed today by the devotees.
It is also said that Lord Indra wanted the temperature of Lord Shiva to drop, and hence the rains poured excessively. That soothed Lord Shiva and eased him. Since that time, Lord Shiva is honoured and water is poured over Him during the month, especially on Mondays.
The entire month is filled with Divine energy and bliss and it is best to turn our mind inward to experience the mystical vibrations of the cosmos.
