The very next day of the Guru Purnima marks the commencement of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Shravan maas – from July 6th till August 3rd, 2020. Henceforth, all the Mondays that fall during the month of Shravan are celebrated as Shravan Somwaar vrat, wherein, the devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati by opting a fast.
There are five Mondays in the month of Shravan, as below:
July 6 – First Shravan Somwar (First Monday and the first day of Shravan)
July 13 – Second Shravan Somwar
July 20 – Third Shravan Somwar
July 27 – Fourth Shravan Somwar
August 3 – Fifth Shravan Somwar (last Somwar and the last day of the month)
As per the Hindu legends, it is believed that on Poornima or a full moon day or at any time during this month, the Shravan Nakshatra or star rules the skies, and hence, this month derives its name from this nakshatra. Along with this narrative, there is a belief that the Shravan maas has a connection with the mythological tale of the Samudra Manthan. During the Churning of the Amrit ( Holy nectar), the 14th Ruby that emerged from the process known as Halahal was contaminated with a considerable amount of poison that was consumed by Lord Shiva, eventually, resulting in an indigo colour throat- that added the name of Neelkantha to Lord Shiva. To decrease the impact of the poison the Devas started pouring the holy river Ganga water on Lord Shiva’s head, therefore, it is considered extremely auspicious to offer river Ganga water to Lord Shiva during the period.
Image depicting the Lord Vishnu masquerading himself as Mohini during the Samudra Manthan
Image depicting the Lord shiva as Neelkanth
Devotees of Lord Shiva consider it auspicious to wear Rudraksha for Japas during this season. Offering milk, Vhibhuti, flowers, holy water, and bael leaves- followed by the chanting of the Mahamrityunjay mantra is very auspicious.