Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third

week of August. The star ‘Shravan’ rules the sky during Purnima (full moon day), or during the entire

of the month, hence the month is known as Shravan Month or Maas. This month is considered to be

the holiest month of the year as many religious festivals and ceremonies fall in this month such that

almost every day in the month is considered prosperous.

The legend of Shravan Month is that the Samudra Manthan or churning of oceans took place in this

month. During the churning, the Halahal (poison) that came out, and was consumed by Lord Shiva

which he stored it in his throat subsequently turning his throat blue, and hence Shiva is attributed to

the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat). To reduce the poison’s impact, Lord Shiva wore the

crescent moon on his head. To lessen the effect of the poison the Gods and people started offering

the water from the Holy Ganges to Lord Shiva.

Shravan Maas Puja

The Shravan Maas comprises of many festivals and auspicious days.

The Shravan Maas Puja is Shravan Somvar Vrat, where people observe a fast on all of the Mondays

of Shravan Month. Shravan Somvar is more focused on fasting as the entire month is dedicated to

Lord Shiva. After taking a bath people should pray to the graceful Lord Shiva, sanctify the Lord with

Panchamritam and other auspicious items like bilva leaves. One can consume liquid foods or fruits

during the day and before breaking the fast pray to the Lord in the evening.

It is believed that the person who fasts on all Mondays of Shravan will have all their prayers

answered by the Lord.

Shravan Month Festivals also includes Mangala Gouri Puja, which is falls on Tuesdays in Shravan

Month.

 

How to Fast on Shravan Maas Mondays and its Benefits:

Shravan Maas Somvar is very important for the devotees of Lord Shiva’s. On this special day,

devotees show their respect by observing a fast from sunrise to sunset.

There are two ways in which fast can be observed and they are:

1) Strict Fast:In this type of fasting, a person does not eat anything for an entire day except for

drinking water.

2) Partial fast: In a partial fast one can eat fruits and have juices.

Many people while fasting chant the Shiva Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and Mahamrityunjaya

Mantra.

Some devotees even keep a Maun Vrat for a whole day to connect themselves to Lord Shiva.

The fast is broken after sunset, although in some cases it continues till next day. Devotees offer their

prayers to Lord Shiva and then consume normal food.