Significance of Sawan Month in Hindu calendar

The month of Shravan is considered auspicious to begin long-term projects, begin any important work, and also for marriages. After a month of lull in the previous Aashadam month, when projects would be put on hold as the period is believed to be inauspicious, there is a spurt in the activity across various sectors in Shravan. The sanctity of Shravan stems from the -spirituality associated with the month.

According to Hindu mythology, during this month Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison, Halahala, that emerged during the churning of the ocean (sagar manthan), to protect the world. The month is also associated with the birth of Lord Vishnu in Vamana avatar and also the birthday of Lord Krishna, when Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated.

Practically speaking, the adequate rainfall linked with the 'ritu' kicks off agricultural activity for supplying food grains and vegetables to the people. The heavy inflows into the rivers, canals and ponds also make the land cool and fertile making it suitable to raise crops. The water flowing into the water bodies is stored in the reservoirs for later use during the scarce period.

Several festivals are lined up during this period which start off with Varalakshmi Vratam. Rakhee or Jandhyala Pournima, Sree Krishna Janamashtami are other festivals celebrated this month.

Varalakshmi Vratam, a women-centric festival, is mainly celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi, to bestow people with wealth. As money is the main ingredient for any celebrations, the festive season is initiated by worshipping Goddess Mahalakshmi.

In addition, many Hindus also observe the Chaturmasya Deeksha, which means a vow followed for four months in a row. During these four months, devotees consume food only once in a day, as part of spiritual reflection, penance and devotion. The four-month Deeksha begins in Ashada (June-July) and continues till Kartika masam (October-November). This period also coincides with Lord Vishnu's "yoga nidra" (yogic sleep) and it is believed that when he is taking rest, Lord Shiva is actively involved in taking care of the world.

During the Sawan (Shravan) month, devotees of Lord Shiva take part in Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage, and visit Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri and Ajgaibinath temple in Sultanjganj, Bhagalpur to fetch the holy waters of River Ganges. The devotees called as Kanwariyas collect the holy Ganges water and worship Bholenath at Shiva temples. This yatra is believed to purify the devotees of all sins and is a testament of faith, devotion and penance to seek Mahadev's blessings.

Devotees taking up the pilgrimage take up vows of celibacy, and also adhere to strict rules, as part of spiritual discipline and self-control. The yatra has connection with Lord Shiva and churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan, during which he consumed poison to save the universe. The pilgrimage is a transformative experience for the devotees. Apart from those taking part in the pilgrimage, people also restrict themselves to consumption of only vegetarian food, as Shravan is considered a holy month that would take one's soul in the spiritual path.