The Month of Lord Shiva- Shravan Mass

The fifth month of the hindu calendar shravan or as we popularly know it in north india sawan
is considered to be the holiest month of the year. Whole month is considered auspicious to
seek blessing of the Lord Shiva but fasting on Mondays of this month which are also called
Shrawan Somwars is believed to earn a lot of punya. Shiva temples are packed with devotees
especially on the Shrawana Somwarsand they pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers
and fast till sunset.
Sawan Somwar vrat katha
The story behind shravan somvar is about this rich businessman in Amarpur village. Being a successful
businessman so everyone in the village respected him but even with all this money and fame he wasnt
happy. The thought of not having anyone to carry his business further post his demise scared him since
he didnt have a son. So in order to fulfill his wish, he started fasting every Monday to please Lord Shiva.
Seeing his devotion Goddess Parvati requested Lord Shiva to grant his wish. Having no choice Lord Shiva
went that night to the businessmans house and granted his wish on one condition that the son
wouldnt live for more than sixteen years. So even when his house was filled with joy on his sons birth,
the businessman still couldnt be happy because he knew the secret of his childs short life.

The boy was named Amar and on reaching age twelve Amar left with his uncle for Varanasi to study.At
age sixteen Amar performed a big yajna and gave offerings to Brahmins , that same night when he slept
as per Lord Shivas wish he stopped breathing upon which his uncle and everyone else started crying.
Hearing their cries Godess Parvati asked Lord Shiva who recognized the boy at first glance as the one
who is supposed to live for only sixteen years but persistent Parvati convinced her husband Lord Shiva to
grant the boy life. So Lord Shiva had to grant the boy life after which he woke up and on completing his
studies left Varanasi for his home. On hearing the news of his sons arrival the businessman and his wife
who had locked themselves in a room thinking that if something happens to their son, they will kill
themselves finally came to the gates along with their friends to welcome their son. The very same night
Lord Shiva appeared in the businessmans dream once again and said Dear friend Im very pleased with
your Monday fasts of shravan month and prayers so Ive given your son the gift of a long life hearing
which the businessman became very happy. So fasting on Mondays brought back joy in the lives of the
businessmans family. It is mentioned in the religious scriptures that if any man or woman duly fast on
Mondays all their wishes will come true.
Shrawan month 2017 dates
Sawan Somvar Vrat dates in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh are
First Day of Shrawana month 10 July Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 17 July Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 24 July Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 31 July Monday

Last Day of Shrawana month 07 August Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates for the Indian states of Gujrat, Goa,
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are
First Day of Shrrawana month 24 July Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 31 July Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 07 August Monday

Sawan Somwar Vrat 14 August Monday

Last Day of Shrawana month 21 August Monday

Such difference in the starting dates of the Shrawana month

comes due to the different Lunarcalenders followed by
different regions. Amavasyant Lunar Calender is followed in the
states of Gujrat, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu whereas Purnimant Calender is followed in the
north indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh. Hence giving rise
to the different Shrawan Somwar dates for sawan somvar vrat .
Shrawana Maas Puja
Shrawana Maas Puja begins with devotees getting up early in the morning to go
to Lord Shiva temples and offer a wide array of things like Bel, Bilwa, Patra, Fresh
Flowers, Fruits, Roli, , Rice, Bhang, Prasad and Nuts. They also chant various
mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and read various scriptures to please Lord Shiva
as they believe that He is the one and only god. Shivling is showered with
Gangajal, milk and Panchamrit. Shrawana Mass Puja revolves around the worship
of Lord Shiva.