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Sawan is the Hindu calendar's fifth month. Shravana is another name for savan. It is a month dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, Maheshwar, Neelkanth, Rudra, Naresh, Shankar, and other names. savan is one of the most desired months on the Hindu calendar, as worshippers of Lord Shiva wait all year for this auspicious month to pay their respects to him. A large number of devotees go to Haridwar, Devghar, and other important sites while holding Kanvar on their shoulders. During the holy month of Sawan, a variety of celebrations are observed. Sawan is also a month that is joyfully welcomed by the people, since the month of Shravan ushers in the monsoon, bringing respite from the blistering heat of summer.
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Sawan's Festivals
During this holy month, a lot of celebrations are held. As we all know, India is a diverse country, and sawan celebrations differ in the northern and southern parts of the country.
In the month of Sawan, the northern area celebrates a variety of festivals.
● Sawan Somvar Vrat
● Kamika Ekadashi
● Hariyali Teej
● Nag Panchami
● Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
● Varalakshmi Vrat
What exactly is the Kanwar Yatra?
Kanvar Yatra, also known as Kanwar Mela, is a religious fair that begins in the sacred month of Shravana and lasts for three months (Savan). Lord Shiva devotees trek barefoot to Har ki Pauri in Haridwar, Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and other locations to collect holy water from the sacred river Ganga and dedicate it to Lord Shiva. Kanwariyas are devotees who engage in this yearly pilgrimage (Kanwar Mela).
The narrative of Kanvar Mela goes back to the period when the ocean was being churned (Samudra Manthan). A fatal poison was also received as a product, along with various other items. Mahadeva swallowed all of the poison to rescue the world, and as a result, his neck went blue. It is for this reason that he is also called Neelkanth. Ravana, a fervent disciple of Lord Shiva, is said to have taken Gangajal and sprinkled it over Shiva Lingam using a Kanvar (a wooden pole at the ends of which weights are tied). Lord Shiva was finally set free from the negative effects of the poison he had swallowed.
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Sawan’s Vrat
In the month of savan, people observe three types of Vrats (fasts). The following is a list of them:
1. Sawan Somvar Vrat: Sawan Somvar Vrat is a fast practiced on Mondays throughout the month of savan.
2. Solah Somvar Vrat: Solah Somvar Vrats are a set of 16 fasts that are practiced on 16 consecutive Mondays.
3. Pradosh Vrat: Pradosh Vrat is a fast kept till Pradosh Kaal in respect of Shiva Parvati to obtain their heavenly blessings.
Vrat rules based on scriptures
● There are particular traditions to perform when fasting in the month of Sawan, according to the scriptures. The following is a list of them:
● The person who is fasting should get up in the morning and shower to get rid of any impurities from their body.
● In any Shiva Temple, milk should be served to Shiva Lingam.
● To worship Mahadeva, an altar should be put up, and the Puja Sthal should be
carefully cleansed. Participants of the fast must take the oath to invest themselves in Mahadeva's devotion during the fast with all their hearts and soul.
● Lord Shiva's prayers are offered multiple times a day. The very first puja must be performed first thing in the morning, and the second after sunset.
● An oil lamp is lit for the puja, and flowers are presented to Lord Shiva.
● Mantras are recited, and Mahadeva is given nuts, Panchamrit, coconut, betel leaves, and other offerings.
● The Sawan Vrat Katha (Solah Somvar Vrat Katha) is an essential aspect of Sawan that must be performed during the Vrat. Mahadeva's life is chronicled in the Vrat Katha.
● Prasad is given among family members as soon as the Puja is over.
● The fast can be broken and normal meals taken after the evening Puja.
Mantra for Sawan Somwar Vrat:
Throughout savan, any Shiva Mantra, including Om Namah Shivay, can be recited.
Who observes the Vrat?
Marital ladies practice the Vrat to live a happy and contented married life. This fast is also observed by unmarried women to be graced with a good spouse and a happy married life. Anyone who follows the fast with unwavering faith and devotion is said to be granted by Mahadeva himself.
History of Sawan
sawan Vrat, like every other Hindu religious event, has a backstory. It is said that once there existed a person who was extremely wealthy and lived a lavish lifestyle. He had all he needed, but the lack of a kid was the single source of anxiety and worry in his life. The guy and his wife were Lord Shiva enthusiasts who used to fast on Mondays to appease him. Goddess Parvati, seeing their unwavering devotion, urged that Mahadeva reward the couple with a child. As a consequence, they were able to have a normal son at long last. Amar was the name given to the son, but with his birth came the prediction that he would die just at age of 12.
The youngster was taken to Kashi for his schooling when he got older. His maternal uncle accompanied him, and his parents instructed him to practice Yagna and charity everywhere he went. They passed by a princess's wedding ceremony, where the groom-to-be was partially blind. The groom's family was concerned that the mystery of their son's half-blindness would be revealed. They asked Amar to stand in for the groom, which he consented to. He married the princess out of love, but he didn't want to mislead her. He opted to write this truth on his bride's bridal stole (chunri). When the bride got his message, she stayed at her parents' place and waited for her first husband. Amar went on his trek and arrived at Kashi.
Throughout this period, Amar stayed true to his parents' words and committed to holy activities. He sat at a Shiva temple on his 12th birthday, continuing to present Bel Patra (Bilva leaves) to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva opted to gift the infant with the boon of long life when Lord Yama arrived to take away the boy's life, and as a consequence, Amar did not die and Yamaraj departed empty-handed. Amar came home with his wife, blessed by Mahadeva himself, and his family's unwavering devotion.
Astrological Importance
It is thought that when sawan begins, the Sun enters the Zodiac Sign Leo, which has varied effects on each of the 12 Zodiac Signs.
Conclusion:
Mahadeva demonstrated that he has always been there for his sincere believers to assist them and shower their wonderful blessings. And, that is why there are thousands of devotees who observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat during Sawan.
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