By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: With the beginning of the month of Sawan, the entire atmosphere has taken on a Shiva-filled aura. As it is the first Monday, Shiva devotees were visibly excited. There was a rush of devotees in Shiva temples, eager to worship their deity. On this special occasion, Shiva temples have been attractively decorated, and special programs have been organized at many places.
Mondays in the month of Sawan hold great importance. Observing a fast on the Mondays of Sawan and worshiping Lord Shiva (Bholenath) along with Mother Parvati is believed to remove poverty and bring happiness and prosperity into households. The Monday fast should be observed similarly to the Pradosh fast, with devotees abstaining from food throughout the day, worshiping Lord Bholenath with the Shodashopachar method, and chanting Shiva mantras in the evening.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Bholenath loves Belpatra, Bhang, and Dhatura the most. Therefore, these items should be offered during worship. Additionally, offering fruits and sweets according to one’s capacity is also recommended.
Rudrabhishek, a special form of worship, holds significant importance in the month of Sawan. Unlike other months where the auspicious time (Shivavas) must be considered, in Sawan, Rudrabhishek can be performed every day and is especially fruitful. Performing Rudrabhishek on the Mondays of Sawan is believed to lead to desired success.
Fasting on the Mondays of Sawan is said to help unmarried girls find their desired grooms. Women who worship Mother Parvati and Lord Bholenath on this day are believed to gain good fortune, while children are blessed with long life and protection from troubles.
This year’s Sawan month is special for Shiva devotees because it includes five Mondays. Sawan starts from Monday, July 22, with subsequent Mondays falling on July 29, August 5, August 12, and August 19. The month also ends on a Monday, August 19.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
Acharya Ramshankar Dubey emphasized the benefits of fasting and worship in Sawan, particularly for unmarried girls. He suggested mixing Gangajal and black sesame in water and offering it on the Shivling, along with Bhang, Dhatura, Belpatra, and chanting the Om Namah Shivaya mantra.
According to mythology, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) occurred in the month of Sawan. During this event, Lord Bholenath consumed the poison Halahal to protect the universe, holding it in his throat. To mitigate the poison’s effects, the gods and goddesses performed Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva, giving this ritual special significance in the month of Sawan.
The atmosphere in Patna has become devotional with the echo of “Har Har Mahadev” as crowds of devotees gather in Shiva temples for worship on this auspicious start of Sawan.
