Sawan 2023: Date, Significance & Rituals
Shravan or Sawan is considered to be one of the most important months in the Hindu calendar. Sawan Mahina is very auspicious for praying to Lord Shiva. In India, Hindus consider Sawan somwar very crucial as they observe a fast to worship Lord Shiva.
People pray for Lord Shiva’s blessings. Many people observe fasting for sixteen Mondays of the month known as “Solah Somwar.” They begin with the first Monday of Sawan.
While on Mondays, worshippers pray to Lord Shiva, Tuesdays are dedicated to Goddess Parvati. They observe a fast on this day too, which, according to Drik Panchang, is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat.
The whole shravan maas is considered very auspicious and also includes important days like Hariyali Amavasya and Sawan Shivratri.
Read this article to know everything about Sawan Month 2023 and the rituals that you need to follow.
What is Sawan Month?
Shravan or Sawan mahina is the 5th month of the solar year. In Tamil scriptures, it is also known as Avani. According to Vedic astrology, Shravan Maas sets in when Sun enters the zodiac, Leo.
Every Purnima in the month of Shravan, the Shravan Nakshatra rules the celestial bodies. It is the birth star of Lord Vishnu and hence it is called Shravan.
Every day of this month is known as auspicious to pray to Shiva. Worshippers in Shiva temples perform Vedic rituals. This month is filled with many festivals including Govatsa, Naga Panchmi, Shravani Purnima, Rishi Panchami, Vara Lakshmi, Raksha Bandhan, Putrada Ekadashi, and Kalkyavatara.
During this month, the universe is filled with Shiva elements and is very positive for the human body, mind, and soul. It purifies the mind, senses, and the body.
When is Sawan Month Beginning in 2023?
The Shravan month of 2023 will last for two months this year. This is happening after about 19 years and the reason for this is Malamas. This year, the month of Shravan will begin on July 4, 2023, and will end on August 31, 2023.
Previously known as Adhikmas, Malamas is a 3-year extra month falling between February and October.
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Vrat Dates of Shravan Month
The Shravan month 2023 will have to observe Monday vrats on the following dates:
First Sawan Monday: 10th July 2023
Second Sawan Monday: 17th July 2023
Third Sawan Monday: 24th July 2023
Forth Sawan Monday: 31st July 2023
Fifth Sawan Monday: 7th August 2023
Sixth Sawan Monday: 14th August 2023
Seventh Sawan Monday: 21st August 2023
Eighth Sawan Monday: 28th August 2023
Significance of Sawan Month
In Indian Mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out from the ocean in Samudra Manthan. And he protected the world from coming to an end. That is why worshippers pray to Lord Shiva in Shravan maas.
They pray to get his blessings for good health and fortune. The offering of Bilva leaves and Gangajal (water from the holy Ganges) to Lord Shiva is believed to hold immense sacred value.
The Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage where devotees carry pots filled with holy water and travel to sacred rivers, especially the Ganges, is a significant practice during Sawan.
Festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Raksha Bandhan, and Teej also fall within this month, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The Sawan month is seen as an auspicious time for spiritual practices and personal transformation.
Devotees believe that sincere prayers and devotion during this period can bring about personal growth, protection, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Solah Somvaar Vrat
Solah Sawan Somwar Vrat, also known as the sixteen Monday fast, is a significant observance during the Sawan month. Devotees undertake this fast on sixteen consecutive Mondays with the intention of seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The fast begins on the first Monday of the Sawan month and concludes on the fourth Monday of the following month. During the Solah Somvaar Vrat, devotees abstain from consuming certain foods and maintain strict discipline. They wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
They visit Shiva temples and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Young girls observe this fast to seek blessings to find a husband like Lord Shiva. Devotees often recite prayers, and mantras, and sing hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva during this vrat. Some devotees also engage in meditation and spiritual practices to deepen their connection with the divine.
The significance of Solah Somvaar Vrat lies in the devotion and dedication of the devotees towards Lord Shiva. By observing this fast, devotees believe that they can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for good health, prosperity, and fulfilment of their desires. The vrat is also seen as a way to purify the mind, body, and soul, and to strengthen one’s spiritual connection.
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Benefits of Shiv Puja in Sawan Month
Performing Shiv Puja, or worship of Lord Shiva, during the Sawan month is believed to bestow numerous benefits to devotees. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Spiritual Growth
Engaging in Shiv Puja during Sawan is seen as an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual journey. It is believed that sincere prayers and devotion to Lord Shiva can accelerate spiritual growth and bring one closer to attaining liberation or moksha.
2. Protection and Blessings
Worshipping Lord Shiva is believed to offer protection from negative energies, obstacles, and misfortunes. Devotees seek his blessings for overall well-being, including physical health, mental peace, and prosperity in life.
3. Fulfillment of Desires
Devotees pray to Lord Shiva with their heartfelt wishes and aspirations. It is believed that Lord Shiva, being the compassionate deity, listens to the sincere prayers of his devotees and grants their wishes, bringing fulfillment and happiness into their lives.
4. Purification and Inner Transformation
Shiv Puja during Sawan is considered a means of purifying one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions. It is believed to cleanse the devotee’s mind, body, and soul, and promote inner transformation by removing negativity and fostering positive qualities.
Sawan Puja Rituals
Sawan Puja rituals vary across different regions and traditions. However, some common rituals observed during the Sawan month include:
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1. Offering of Bilva Leaves and Water
Devotees offer Bilva leaves, considered sacred to Lord Shiva, and pour water, often Gangajal, over the Shiva Linga as an act of reverence and devotion.
2. Lighting Incense and Diya
Devotees light incense sticks and oil lamps, also known as diyas, during the puja to create an auspicious and holy atmosphere.
3. Chanting Mantras and Stotras
Devotees recite prayers, mantras, and stotras dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or the Rudra Ashtakam, to invoke his divine presence and seek his blessings.
4. Abhishekam
Abhishekam is the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Linga with various sacred substances, including milk, honey, yoghurt, ghee, and water. It symbolizes the purification and consecration of the deity.
5. Aarti
Aarti is the waving of a lit lamp in front of the deity while singing devotional hymns. It is performed to conclude the puja and express gratitude and reverence towards Lord Shiva.
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Sawan Month Rules
During the Sawan month, devotees often follow certain rules as a part of their observance. While these rules may vary based on personal beliefs and traditions, some common guidelines followed during Sawan include:
1. Fasting
Devotees often observe fasts, particularly on Mondays, known as Shravan Somvar. They abstain from consuming food or specific ingredients as a form of penance and devotion.
2. Abstinence
Some devotees avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol during the entire Sawan month as a mark of purity and reverence.
3. Positive Thoughts and Deeds
Devotees strive to maintain positive thoughts, engage in virtuous deeds, and refrain from engaging in negative or harmful actions.
4. Regular Temple Visits
Devotees make it a point to visit Shiva temples regularly during the Sawan month and actively participate in the rituals and ceremonies conducted there.
5. Mindful Behaviour
Devotees aim to maintain a calm and focused mind, practice mindfulness, and cultivate a deep sense of devotion and gratitude towards Lord Shiva.
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Conclusion
Sawan month holds great importance in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated throughout India. This year, you can observe Sawan vrat with defined rituals. We hope this article helped you understand the significance of Shravan month and the way to celebrate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sawan month in 2023 starts on the 4th of July.
Sawan will end on 31st August 2023.
Sawan is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar and is known to be auspicious to worship Lord Shiva. Worshippers pray to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and show gratitude towards him.
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