The month of Shravan dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva will begin on July 28 this year. The auspicious month also known as Savan Mahina or Sawan Maas is the fifth month in the Hindu Calendar. It falls between July-August every year. People observe fast on every Monday of the month known as Sharavan Somavar. This year Shravan Maas begins on the 28th of July and ends on the 26th of August. It is strongly believed worshipping Shiv on Monday during the month of Sharavan is more powerful than other days. Believers also perform as a set of rituals in Shiva temples during the month.

Shravan Maas Date Calendar: 

The dates for the auspicious vary from regions mainly divided into two. The Western and Southern India have different dates for the beginning while the Northern States follow Shravan on different dates. The states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh and others will observe Shravan from July 28. While the states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu will observe Shravan from August 12. The dates for both the regions, with respective Mondays is given below:

Shravan Calendar 2018 (Photo credits: File photo)

Significance of Shravan/Sawan Month:

According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the Samudra Manthan is a very important episode. It was the churning of the ocean to search for amrit (nectar). It was the month when Lord Shiva drank the poisonous ruby Halahal. It was untouched and deadliest poison which could have destroyed the entire universe. Lord Shiva drank the poison and stored it in his throat.

To reduce the impact of the deadly poison, which was turning his neck blue, all Devas started offering water from the holy river to Shiva. These events took place in the month of Shravan, making it the holiest month. To offer holy Ganga water to Lord Shiva is among the many auspicious things to follow in this month.

Shravan Somavar Fasting:

Monday is considered a day to worship Lord Shiva. With the entire Shravan month specifically important to Lord Shiva, Mondays in Shravan are all the more propitious. All Shiva temples have specific rituals on a Shravan Somawar, starting with a bath of the Shiva linga with water and milk. The fast is observed until sunset. Young women looking for good husbands are also advised to observe fasts on all Shravan Somavars.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2018 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).