July 2023: Sawan, recognized as Shravan in Hindu tradition, bears immense significance in the Hindu calendar. As the fifth month of the lunar calendar, it usually spans the period from July to August in the Gregorian calendar. Sawan holds immense religious and cultural importance for followers of Hinduism, particularly those devoted to Lord Shiva.
Sawan 2023 Start and End Day:
With the monsoon having already arrived in most parts of the country, the month of Shrawan or Savan is approaching, commencing on July 4 (Tuesday). This auspicious month holds great significance for Hindus, as it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Throughout the entire month, devotees partake in various rituals and observances to seek the blessings of these divine deities.
One of the prominent practices during this time is the Sawan Somwar fast, observed every Monday in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees abstain from food and offer panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and gangajal), jaggery, roasted gram, bel leaves, dhatura, milk, rice, and sandalwood to the deity.
Additionally, there is a special fast dedicated to Mata Parvati known as Mangala Gauri Vrat, observed every Tuesday of this holy month. Devotees follow specific rituals and prayers to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.
It is worth noting that the year 2023 holds a special significance for Sawan, with a rare occurrence after 19 years. This unique coincidence makes the month even more auspicious for devotees.
In the current year, the month of Sawan will commence on July 4 (Tuesday) and extend until August 31 (Thursday). This Sawan holds special significance as it is an Adhik Shrawan Maas, meaning an additional month of Shrawan, resulting in an extended auspicious period. This year, Shrawan will last for a remarkable 59 days, offering devotees an exceptional opportunity for worship and spiritual observances.
One remarkable aspect of this extended Sawan is the occurrence of eight Sawan Mondays or Somwars instead of the usual four. Devotees hold great reverence for these specific Mondays, as they are considered highly propitious for offering prayers and devotion to Lord Shiva. The additional Mondays during this extended Sawan period further enhance the spiritual significance and fervor of the devotees.
This unique occurrence of an extended Shrawan after a gap of 19 years adds to the excitement and spiritual vibrancy surrounding this holy month. It provides devotees with an extended period to engage in worship, rituals, and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Sawan 2023: Shravan Somwar Fast Calendar
The Sawan Somwar fasts will begin from July 4 and the last fast for this year will be observed on August 28.
July 4, 2023 (Tuesday): Beginning of Shravan month
July 10, 2023 (Monday): First Sawan Somwar fast
July 17, 2023 (Monday): Second Sawan Somwar fast
July 24, 2023 (Monday): Third Sawan Somwar fast
July 31, 2023 (Monday): Fourth Sawan Somwar fast
August 7, 2023 (Monday): Fifth Sawan Somwar fast
August 14, 2023 (Monday): Sixth Sawan Somwar fast
August 21, 2023 (Monday): Seventh Sawan Somwar fast
August 28, 2023 (Monday): Eighth Sawan Somwar fast August 31, 2023 (Thursday): Last day of Shravan.
Sawan 2023: History of Shravan Month
The origins of Lord Shiva’s worship during Sawan can be traced back to the ancient tale of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean of milk, as narrated in Hindu mythology. During this event, the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) joined forces in search of the elixir of immortality known as Amrit. As the churning proceeded, numerous treasures and entities emerged from the ocean, including precious gems, divine beings like Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanvantri, and various other manifestations.
However, the churning also brought forth a formidable poison known as Halahal. This poisonous substance posed a grave threat, as it had the power to destroy anything it came into contact with. The emergence of Halahal caused chaos and devastation, leaving the gods and demons desperate for a solution.
In their distress, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu sought the assistance of Lord Shiva, recognizing his ability to endure potent poisons. Lord Shiva, moved by their plea, agreed to take on the responsibility. He drank the Halahal poison, which started to affect his body, turning it blue. Worried that the poison might spread throughout Lord Shiva’s entire being, Goddess Parvati (Mata Parvati), his consort, intervened by entering his throat and preventing the poison from further dispersion.
This significant event established Lord Shiva as Neelkanth, meaning “the one with a blue throat.” The incident occurred during the month of Sawan, which is why Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped throughout this entire month, specifically on Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively. Devotees honor Lord Shiva on Mondays (Sawan Somwar) to express their gratitude for his act of consuming the poison, while Tuesdays are dedicated to the worship of Mata Parvati, commemorating her role in averting the perilous impact of the poison.
Sawan 2023: Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Significance of Shravan Month
The month of Sawan holds great significance for Hindus not only because of the Sawan Somwar fasting but also due to the presence of several important festivals and observances. According to drikpanchang, there are various festivals and fasts celebrated during this auspicious month.
Kamika Ekadashi, Mangala Gauri Vrats, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Narali Purnima, and Kalki Jayanti are some of the prominent festivals and fasts observed during Sawan. These occasions hold deep spiritual and cultural significance, and devotees partake in rituals, prayers, and specific observances associated with each festival.
Additionally, Sawan is a significant time for Shiva devotees as they embark on the kanwar yatra. This pilgrimage involves devotees visiting holy places, often on foot, and carrying containers filled with Ganga water. The devotees offer this holy water to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion and seek his blessings.
The diverse array of festivals, fasts, and the kanwar yatra during Sawan adds to the vibrant and spiritually enriching atmosphere of the month. It provides devotees with numerous opportunities to deepen their connection with Lord Shiva and participate in sacred rituals and traditions.