Shravan
month – the most religious of all months
The
month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar beginning from
Chaitra [that starts in April], and is the most auspicious month of the
Chaturmas. Astrologically, it is a month of devotion, offering oblations to
deities and celebrating mantra, yantra and tantra in holy rejoices! The month
of Shravan begins with Shiva pujan and mercury planet rises in the east. We
call it Budha-margi. On the Shravani-Purnima or full moon day, or during the
course of the month the constellation of the stars [nakshattara] ‘Shravan'
rules the sky, hence the month is called ‘Shravana’. This month is spread out
with innumerably religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of
this month are auspiciously religious in one form or another. Most Hindus all
over the world bath at the dawn in the sea and the holy rivers to invoke the
blessings of the rising sun and the dawn god to be united in yoga,
all-togetherness worship, devotion and rites and rituals congregating the three
worlds together.
Naag-Panchami:
One of the first main important day is the Naag-Panchami which falls on the
fifth day of Shravan and is held in honour of Nagas or snakes. Hindus idolize
snakes and regard them with veneration on the Naaga-panchmi (the fifth day of
the bright cycle of the moon of the month of ‘Shravana’). This may be due to
their association with the Gods. For example, Shesha-naag or Ananta-naag, the
thousand hooded king of all serpents forms the residing lap for Lord Vishnu to
rest in stillness in peace and harmony. The King of poisonous cobra serpents
VaSukaye adorns the neck of Lord Shiva forming a crest over the Lord [this is a
boon of Mother Serpent to Shiva – the immortal timeless cosmic God that
transcends on to the Himalayan slopes to transform the mountains and rivers
into holy shrine of the Naagas.
Even
this very day Naagas can be seen to be dancing on the icy slopes of the
mountains on the shravani poornima [the full moon day] in somewhat mysteriously
human forms as if performing nattarraj or Tandav or Bharat-natyam or dance of
love. No one has yet understood the mysticism of the
To
some, especially the ‘Gujurattis’, this day denotes the return of
To
worship Naaga-Devas and to worship the sun, the dawn and the rising sun, the
peepal tree and the Shiva-Lingha in the month of the ‘Shravana’ releases us
from the bondages of karma, neutralises one’s vikarma [negative karma], and
brings harmony into the lives of those who worship Shiva-Lingham. The
worshippers of Shiva eventually recite: “BHAAJA GOVINDAM GOVINDAM GOVINDAM”.
“Hari Aum Tat Sat Swaha Aum Namo Narrayanayeh” – mantra for all Shiva devotees.
It
is believed from the ancient times that one who recites this mantra shall be
freed from the bondages of present life karma and enters the
Kalkiy-avatara:
The Kalki Avatar falls on Shravan shukla (the light half) sixth. This anticipatory
incarnation is also known as Nishkalankavatara (Stainless) and is yet to occur
and the month and the day it will transpire and manifest has already been fore
seen by the Vedic saints, Vedic Rishis, Vedic seers, and holy men of India. In
the Vana-Parva of the Mahabharata, the coming Kalki has been hailed as when
unrighteousness will leave and righteousness will be established. This day,
though not celebrated, is noted for the future emancipation of mankind.
Putradaikadashi:
(Son giving eleventh) falls on Shravan sukla (light half). King Mahijit was
sonless due to which all were distressed. The King then consulted a learned
sage who told him that in his previous birth the King was a Vasya merchant and
had committed some deliberate wrong knowingly [vikarma]. The sage then advised
the King to observe fast on this Shravan Sukla-Ekadashi day and to recite the
shiva’s ‘Naryana’ mantra and the Shiva kshama prarthana [prayers].
The
resultant boon by which the Surya-Narayan showered upon the King viz a viz
RanDal Mata neutralised the Kings vikarma and fertilised the womb of the Queen.
The King was thus blessed with a son. Hindola or Swinging: Sukla eleventh to
fifteenth in
In
this month the Shravan Full Moon day is very prominent as a number of festivals
ensemble on this day. Raksha-Bandhana also falls on Shravani-poornima.
Narali
Purnima: On full day of this Shravan (July-August), is celebrated by
worshipping the ocean with mantras and offering of coconuts into it. Hence the
name Narali from 'naral' meaning coconut, the coconut day. From this day the
south-west monsoon is supposed to abate, and fisher-folks resume their trade.
According to some, throwing of coconuts into the sea is an offering to the
"Food-giving goddess of the water" whereas others say that the
offering is made to Varuna the Vedic God of Ocean.
Shravani
Purnima: On this day all Brahmins renew their sacred thread which they wear. It
is also called Rig-Yaju Shravani as it appears only students of Vedas would
renew the cord. But, actually all Brahmans who have been initiated and wear the
thread renew it. There is an elaborate ceremony where the family priest begins
the function by worshipping Lord Ganesha and lights a sacrificial fire reciting
mantras and prayers. Eight supari betelnuts or eight Darbha (sacrificial grass)
rings are placed on a Shravani Purnima: On this day all Brahmins renew their
sacred thread which they wear. It is also called Rig-Yaju Shravani as it
appears only students of Vedas would renew the cord. But, actually all Brahmans
who have been initiated and wear the thread renew it.
There
is an elaborate ceremony where the family priest begins the function by
worshipping Lord Ganesha and lights a sacrificial fire reciting mantras and prayers.
Eight supari betelnuts or eight Darbha (sacrificial grass) rings are placed on
a tray representing the seven Rishis and Arundhati which are worshipped with
flowers etc. Again, Tarpan or libations of water in the name of the departed
spirits is offered. Then the old thread is cast off in the sacrificial fire and
a new thread with a three-fold twist is worn after reciting the Gayatri Mantra.
Lastly follows the worship of Brahma by offering of rice and flowers in the
fire and distributing of gifts to Priests and Brahmans.
Pavitraropana:
Almost similar to the above, the same day Pavtiras or sacred thread ornaments
which are rings, wristlets or necklets are made from strands of cotton threads
of varying lengths, number of twists and knots. These strands or ornaments are
then washed, consecrated with mantras and offered to different Gods like Shiva,
Vishnu, the Sun and also the family priest. The best ornament is that of
nine-strands with one hundred and eight twists and twenty-four knots! Some
change the sacred threads or offer the sacred thread on Purnima or on the
previous day according to the position of the moon at the constellation in
Shravan.
Raksha
Bandhana or Rakhi Purnima: Is perhaps the most sublime and sentimental of festivals
which also fall on Purnima day. A Rakhi or amulet, may be of silk thread, or of
more costly make according to one's means, is tied round the wrist of brothers
by their sisters as a charm protecting them from evil or harm and, consequently
in return seeking their help when in trouble. The Rakhi name derives from the
word 'Raksha' that is to protect. It symbolizes the abiding and chaste bond of
love between the brothers and the sisters. There are abounding episodes of
women seeking protection for their husbands' lives even from rival heroes
through Rakhi.
It
is said Alexander's wife tied Rakhi on their mighty adversary Pururuvas seeking
assurance of her husband's life. The great King, true to the Kshatriya
tradition and word, restrained from striking the fatal blow when he saw the
Rakhi on his hand.
Vara
LAXSHMEE Vrata: This is a Vrata which implies the worship of Goddess of Wealth.
The Vrata is observed on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon day of
the month of Shravan (August-September). Maha LAXSHMEE is the embodiment of
prosperity and auspiciousness. It seems the glory of this Vrata is eulogized in
the Skanda Purana by Lord Shiva Himself. The worship of Maha LAXSHMEE is
performed by married ladies to obtain good progeny, and for the long life of
the husband. Since Mahalakshmi as Vidya LAXSHMEE bestows divine wisdom also,
great prophets have worshipped her for success in their spiritual work. Rishi Panchmi:
On this day of the Shravan full moon, stars other than the planets are
worshipped. In Vedic times it was believed that the spirits of certain departed
great sages of the earth were believed to inhabit certain stars, the most
famous being the constellation Ursa Major i.e. the seven brightest stars of the
north (The Great Bear). Later, the seers became identified with the stars they
inhabited. The seven worshipped on Rishi Fifth are - Kasyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja,
Visvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vashishta. Rishi Panchmi (Seers fifth) is
also observed on Bhadrapada sukla fifth as 'Prayaschit' or Atonement. Govatsa
and Bahula: Fall on Shravan Krishna (dark) fourth day when cows and their
calves are worshipped. Mainly women offer food to the cows and smear their
foreheads with vermillion. Cow's footprints are drawn and worshipped by women.
Sitala Saptami: Sitala (the cool one) is the goddess who is associated with
disease particularly smallpox and there are many temples and shrines in her
honour. One of the days she is specially worshipped is on Shravan Krishna
seventh, in
One
particular thing about her worship is that Mataji accepts the prayers and
offerings of widows, if mothers, on behalf of their children. During the day of
her worship one is supposed to abstain from all hot, or cooked, food and drink.
The reason may be to avoid hot thing and is more likely to be the longing for
cold water on the part of smallpox patients from Ayur Vedic perspective. I
believe that it is something to do with the fact that ancient times, the coal
was not burnt to cook food because when we cook hot food, we are meant to keep
a one percent for our ‘pittree’, but on this particular night it is a night we
invoke the saints and Rishis and those from the celestial or deity worlds. This
day, of the Shravan month we give rest to the spiritual worlds and give them
shantih mantra and shantih pathd.
Janmashtami:
This well-known festival, the birthday of Lord Krishna falls on the eight day
of Shravan Krishna i.e. the dark half. The day is celebrated in honour of Lord
Krishna, the eighth Divine Incarnation of Hindus. A twenty-four hours fast is
observed on this day which is broken only at
Spiritual
gatherings are held and pilgrims from all over
Ajaikadasi:
Ajaikadasi (Illusion eleventh) commemorates the story of King Harishchandra who
fell upon evil days. Sage Gautama advised him to fast to obtain merit and
Harishchandra following his advice overcame his evil days and regained his
kingdom and family.
Pithori:
Pithori is a propitiatory festival observed on the Shravan new moon i.e.
Amavasya or the last day of Shravan (August-September).
The
seven chief goddesses and the sixty-four yoginis or divine attendants on
Goddess Durga are worshipped by un-widowed married women for gaining progeny
and happiness. The name is derived from Pitha (flour), from which the images
are made to worship.
It
seems in Bhavishottar Puran, Parvati advises Indrani the wife of Lord Indra to
observe this Vrata to be blessed with sons and good fortune. Such is the power
of the Pithori vrata, told Parvati.
Pola:
On Shravan new moon (amavasya) day the bullocks are worshipped and given rest.
The day of this custom vary from district to district. It is chiefly a farmers'
festival, held after harvesting of the staple grain of the region, which
explains the variation in the date of the festival. The custom consists in
bathing the animals and anoint them with out, paint their horns, garland them,
decorate them and worship them by smearing with vermillion.
Almost
all days of Shravan month are considered Auspicious, But, Mondays or Somvars of
Shravan month are specially observed with austerity and women generally fast on
this day. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Shiva as this day is sacred
to Lord Shiva. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honoured.
Tuesdays are devoted to the worship of Gauri and Fridays are for LAXSHMEE.
Again Saturn is worshipped on all Shravan Saturdays, with the object of obtaining
wealth and strength. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth
Saturdays). Besides Saturn, Wednesdays (Mercury or Buddh) and Thursdays
(Jupiter or Guruvara) are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru. Sun worship
was general in the Vedic period and even now it is so. Especially in Shravan,
every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail. Furthermore, the moon being in
the star or nakshatara Shrava, is one of the five events which occur at one
time (Ardhodaya), which only happens once in twenty to twenty-five years and is
considered a time of great auspiciousness.
Besides
the above festivals, there is yet another religious ceremony observed by a
Hindu community, viz., the Konkani speaking Saraswats and Gaud Saraswat
Brahmins of the South. This ceremony is called the 'Chudi' Puja performed by
Saubhagya married ladies. Every Friday and Sundays married ladies worship the
Tulsi plant (Ocimum Sanctum) by offering the 'chudis' or tiny bouquets of
flowers, vermillion and other puja items. It is picturesque to see the sacred
Tulsi plant bedecked with pretty multicoloured tied tiny bouquets. Later the
'chudis' are offered to elderly married ladies and their blessings sough. Every
woman takes pride in the month of Shravan to perform the puja and fast. All the
rejoicings and gaiety and the string of festivals spread over this month is a
blessing of the higher order with the air of solemnity yet divine benevolence.
Be it a woman performing pujas and observing fasts, or a man changing his
sacred thread on the Shravani or Povte Purnima day of Shravan, all pray alike
that they may be blessed to happily participate in the Shravan ceremonies every
year. Let us all together recite the maha mantra of Shravana month together
once and create divine vibrations of ‘Satyam-Shivam-Sundaram’:
“Aum
Karum Bindu-Sayuktamm Nittyam-Dhyayanti-Yoginaha, Kaamadam, Mokshaadam chaiva
Aum Karaya namoh namah, Aum NaraYanayeh Namoh namah- Shiva Tarayeh namoh
namah.”
“Aum
Bhur-Bhuvah Svahr Aum Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi-Dhiyo Yo
“Hari
Aum Tat Sat swaha Aum Namoh Narayanayeh”
“Aum
namoh Jagad-Amba Bhauneshvaree Mata” [the mother of all]
“Aum
Namah Shivaya Hara Shivaya Namaha Aum”
“Bhaaja
Govindam Govindam Govindam” [Govinda is the moola-liberating mantra for Shiva
devotees].
“Hara
Hara Hara Mahadeva”
Jyotikar
Pattni,