Sawan, the auspicious time for Shiva devotees! Yes, it’s the holiest time of the year when people keep Shiv ji fasts and perform rituals to contemplate the fast ceremonies to honor their beloved deity, Mahadev.
The month of Sawan has excellent importance in mythology, and it is believed that whoever keeps the four vrats during this time gets blessed with Shiv ji’s divine blessings.
But what’s the story behind this mythological importance, and why do Shiva devotees consider this month auspicious? we will deep dive into this consideration in this blog.
So, let’s have a look:
Lord Shiva & The Month of Sawan
The Savan month is synonymous with all festivals or events that happen in the Hindu mythological calendar. This holy month is not just about fasting for Shiv ji, performing the rituals, or contemplating the vrat. But the vital thing is how one can go deep down in Lord Shiv ji’s faith.
The vrat is all about how one can connect oneself truthfully with the Lord Shiva’s divine energy and follow only the righteous path in life.
The Stories Behind Sawan Vrats: Why You Must Observe The Fast
1. The Story Of Markandeya
Once, there was a rishi named Mrikandu who lived with his wife and was childless for years. He prayed to Lord Shiva for a son. Lord Shiva gave him the choice of a son who is wise but short-lived for 16 years or a foolish son with a long life. However, rishi chose the wise son (Markandya), accepting the short lifespan.
Markandya was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva ever since childhood, who always meditated and chanted upon Shiva. In the 16th year, when it was the year when his son was taken away out of death by Yama.
The rishi delved more into his worship of Lord Shiva. On the destined day, Yama (The God of Death) came and claimed Markandeya’s soul. The boy clung to the Shivling, praying before it.
The miracle happened when Lord Shiva emerged in fury and struck down Yama to protect his devotee, Markandya. Lord Shiva blessed the devotee with eternal life, proving that true devotion conquers even death.
So, what we learn from the story is that, with true devotion and faith in Lord Shiva, one can even alter one’s destiny, luck, and life. In addition, when you pray to Lord Shiva, you are always protected and guarded from evil things, people, and energies in life.
2. The Story Of Shravan Kumar: The Son who carried his parents on his shoulders
Shravan Kumar was born to blind and elderly parents who had the wish to go on a pilgrimage. Shravan Kumar carried them in two baskets tied to a bamboo rope.
On their way, Shravan was fetching water for his thirsty parents when he got shot by King Dashratha (Lord Rama’s father) accidentally, as he accidentally mistook him for a deer. Still, he was dying; he pleaded for water to be taken to his parents, as he loved them selflessly.
Why does this story resonate with Sawan? You might be wondering, it’s because Shravan Kumar’s devotion is honored in Kanwar yatra, where devotees carry Ganga water in his memory.
In addition, the tale also teaches filial duty to us, which is called Pitru Bhakti, a ritual strongly cherished by Lord Shiva, Bholenath, the compassionate father of all.
Mythological Significance: Lord Shiva & Sawan
As per the Hindu scriptures, it’s said that in the month of Sawan, Lord Shiva drank poison (Halahala) during the incident of Samudra Manthan to save the universe. Devas, devotees of Shiva, also offered Lord Shiva water from the holy Ganga river to reduce the burning sensation in Shiva Ji’s throat.
It’s because of this also that pure and holy water is poured on the Shivling (Jal Abhishek) as an important ritual to be done in the Sawan month.
Sacred Rituals Everyone Must Perform In Sawan Month
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Devotees observe 16 consecutive Mondays as a vrat for Shivji, and if not, they can observe the 4 vrats of Sawan, which are considered equal to 16 vrats observed for Shivji.
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Water, milk, honey, gangajal, and bel leaves are offered to the Shivling, which helps us in our purification of soul and connects us with our beloved Lord Shiva.
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People chant the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra and also the Mahamrityunjaya mantra while elevating their vrat’s intent and energy.
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Some people also start off the pilgrimage during this time and visit the holy Ganga River from Haridwar, Varanasi, and Gangotri to worship at Shiva temples.
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Three forms of vrats are kept: either nirjala, falahar, or partial, depending upon the capacity of the devotee. Tamasaic food must not be eaten specially.
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It’s advisable to wear the Rudraksha bracelet this time for divine sacred energy.
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Do puja and contemplate it with good intentions, always serving the needy.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the blessings of Sawan! It is the most powerful time to connect with Lord Shiva’s divine energy. Cleanse your soul and seek Shiva’s blessings, chanting, fasting, and praying for good.
And for any information on the sawan vrats, you can connect with us at pandit.com, where you will get divine knowledge. from Pt. Rahul Kaushl, the knowledgeable spiritualist and Mahaguru.
Har Har Mahadev!
