Sawan 2023: Start date, end date, history, significance, puja rituals
All you need to know about Sawan 2023: Sawan also known as Shravan, is an important month in the Hindu calendar. It typically falls between mid-July and mid-August and holds significant religious and cultural significance for Hindus.
Also Read: Shravan 2023: Dos and Don'ts for devotees during auspicious month of Lord Shiva
Sawan start Date: July 4, 2023
Sawan End Date: August 31, 2023
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The history of Sawan can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), when gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality. Lord Shiva, in order to save the universe from the effects of the poison, drank it. As a result, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue, earning him the name "Neelkanth" (the one with a blue throat). It is believed that Lord Shiva consumed this poison during the month of Sawan. Therefore, Sawan is considered a sacred time dedicated to Lord Shiva.
One of the holiest festivals of the year, Sawan is considered auspicious for seeking Lord Shiva's blessings, and devotees often undertake fasting and other religious practices during this time. Sawan is believed to be a period of spiritual growth, purification, and penance.
In India, devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra during the month of Sawan. The 'Kanwar Yatra' is an annual pilgrimage for Lord Shiva's devotees. The Kanwariyas visit places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch the holy water of River Ganga and then worship the God with the same water.
Also Read: Kanwar Yatra 2023: Know commencement date, routes, guidelines, other details
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts, known as "Sawan Somvar Vrat," on Mondays of the month.
Abhishekam: Devotees perform "abhishekam" (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva's idol or Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, curd, and other sacred substances.
Visiting Shiva Temples: Devotees visit Shiva temples, especially the famous Jyotirlingas, and offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and other offerings to Lord Shiva
Bhajans and Satsangs: Singing devotional songs (bhajans) and participating in spiritual discourses (satsangs) are common during Sawan.
- With inputs from agencies
