The month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar as a time dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is considered highly sacred, and devotees across India observe this period with deep devotion through prayers, rituals, and fasting. In 2025, Shravan will be observed in South and Western India from Friday, July 11 to Friday, July 25. This fortnight-long sacred period is marked by a variety of religious practices carried out by millions of devotees who seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and other deities.
The origin of the month of Sawan is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, tracing back to the legendary episode of Samudra Manthan—the churning of the ocean by gods (devas) and demons (asuras) in search of Amrit, the elixir of immortality. During this cosmic event, numerous treasures emerged, but along with them came a deadly poison known as Halahala. The poison threatened to destroy all creation, and the gods pleaded with Lord Shiva to intervene. In a supreme act of sacrifice, Shiva consumed the poison to save the universe. His wife, Goddess Parvati, fearing the poison would spread, held it in his throat, causing it to turn blue, earning him the name Neelkanth (the blue-throated one).
During the month of Shravan, devotees primarily worship Lord Shiva but also pay respects to other deities such as Maa Parvati, Chandra Dev (the moon god), Lord Vishnu, and Maa Laxmi. Many households perform the Satyanarayan Puja, a ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu for prosperity and well-being.
Common offerings during worship include belpatra (Bilva leaves), which are considered very auspicious for Lord Shiva, along with incense sticks, oil lamps (diya), flowers, sweets, fruits, holy Ganga water, and milk used for abhishek—the ritual bathing of the deity’s idol. These offerings symbolize purity, devotion, and the devotee’s desire for blessings, health, and happiness. Observing the fasts and rituals during Sawan is believed to bring spiritual growth, peace, and prosperity, making this month one of the most important periods in the Hindu religious calendar.
