prisita 
Sravana, also known as Shravan, is an auspicious month in the Hindu calendar that usually falls between July and August. It holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, and Mondays during the month are particularly revered as they are believed to be the most sacred.
The first Monday of the month of Sravana is considered highly auspicious and holds special importance for Shiva devotees. It is known as “Shravana Somvar” or “Sawan Somvar” and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Here are some key aspects associated with Sravana Month’s first Monday:
– Devotion to Lord Shiva: The primary focus of this day is to worship Lord Shiva. Devotees visit Shiva temples and perform various rituals to seek His blessings. They offer prayers, perform abhisheka (ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Linga), and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
– Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Shravana Somvar. Some people observe a complete fast without consuming any food or water for the entire day, while others observe a partial fast by consuming only specific food items or fruits. Fasting is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul and is undertaken as an act of devotion and penance.
– Rituals and Offerings: Devotees offer Bilva leaves, flowers, fruits, milk, and other items to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga is bathed with water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances. Devotees also light incense sticks and diyas (oil lamps) as part of the rituals.
– Chanting and Recitation: People recite prayers, mantras, and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or the Om Namah Shivaya mantra. Chanting these mantras is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and bring prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth.
– Importance of Water: Water is considered sacred during the month of Sravana. Devotees offer water to Lord Shiva, and some even take part in the Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage where devotees carry water from holy rivers and offer it to Shiva temples.
– Significance for Women: Women observe the Shravana Somvar Vrat (fast) with great devotion, seeking the well-being of their families and the longevity of their husbands. Unmarried women fast to seek an ideal life partner. They adorn themselves with traditional attire and jewelry and perform rituals with utmost dedication.
– Significance of Mondays: Mondays are considered the day of Lord Shiva, and each Monday of the month holds special importance. Devotees visit Shiva temples on Mondays throughout the Sravana month to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Sravana Month’s first Monday is an opportunity for devotees to deepen their connection with Lord Shiva and seek His divine grace. It is a time of intense devotion, fasting, and prayer, as people believe that their sincere efforts during this period will be rewarded with spiritual growth, blessings, and fulfillment of their wishes.
