The Significance of Shravan
Shravan (also known as Sawan)
What is it?
Shravan is the most auspicious time of the year for spiritual upliftment. As Lord Shiva purifies the universe, this festival brings about new beginnings.
When is it?
Shravan begins every July or August and lasts 30 days on average. The month is synonymous with monsoon rains, making it a time of rejuvenation and spiritual growth.
Where is it celebrated?
Primarily celebrated by Hindu communities globally.
How is it celebrated?
The Shivaya Mantra is chanted 108 times daily. Additionally, Hindus fast every Monday while maintaining a satvic diet during Shravan to remove toxins.
When Exactly is Shravan?
The start and end dates slightly vary depending on your region and the calendar you follow.
In North India, Shravan is celebrated during 22 Jul - 19 Aug 2024 as it follows the purnimanta hindu calendar. In south India, Shravan is celebrated during 5 Aug - 3 Sep 2024 as it follows the amavasya lunar calendar.
The Hindu Trinity: Trimurti
1) Brahma is the creator of the universe.
2) Vishnu is the preserver of the universe.
3) Shiva is the destroyer of the universe.
They represent the cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and destruction. This is worth noting because during Shravan, Lord Vishnu engages in Yoga Nidra, a state of deep meditation, so Lord Shiva steps in to oversee creation.
Vishnu's Yoga Nidra is the cosmic pause, a state of pure consciousness before the next act of creation.
Shiva, in his role as the transformer, sets the stage for this renewal by ensuring the old dissolves to make way for the new. This month, the cosmos is infused with Shiva elements that cleanse the mind, senses, body, and soul.
Celebrate Shravan at Home - Try These 2 Simple Ways
1) Chant the Mantra
- Recite “Om Namah Shivaya”
- Do this 108 times
- During sunrise or sunset, after a shower
- Everyday or particularly on Mondays
- Chanting it repeatedly helps focus the mind, purify the heart, and create a connection with Lord Shiva
2) Fast each Monday
- Helps practice restraint
- A natural way to remove toxins from the body
- Eat only one main meal a day
- Avoid tamasic foods (ie: heavy, oily, processed, stimulants, meat, overcooked, etc)
- Instead, follow a sattvic diet comprised of items that are fresh, seasonal, vegetarian, legumes, nuts, etc.
The Story Behind It
Once upon a time...in the month of Shravan, Parvati Devi fell in love with Lord Shiva. With a heart full of devotion, she embarked on a spiritual journey, fasting and praying with unwavering determination.
Each day, as she continued to fast, her love grew stronger. Lord Shiva decides to test her devotion by disguising himself as a hunter. Unaware of his identity, she treated him with kindness and respect.
Impressed by her pure heart, Lord Shiva revealed himself and confessed his love for her.
This is why some young women observe "solah somvar "(fasting on 16 consecutive Mondays) to seek an ideal partner. However, fasting is encouraged for all genders, regardless of their reasons.
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Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
