Celebrate and observe the holy month of Sawan
Gujarati and Marathi, it will start a few days later in accordance with their calendar and custom.
The legend is that the churning of oceans happened in this month. Besides nectar, poison also surfaced because of this churning. Lord Shiva stored the poison in his throat to save the universe. His throat turned blue; hence the name Neelkantha (blue throat) is attributed to him.
Naag Panchmi is celebrated on July 27. On this day in India, snake charmers can be found in the Shiva temples. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and offer the snakes milk.
Astrologically, if a person performs this ritual, it helps to get rid of snake dreams and minimises the negative effects of the planet “Oahu” and “Kaalserpa yoga”.
Because some snake species are considered sacred by Lord Shiva and Vishnu devotees, and if anyone kills such a snake out of ignorance, the fast helps to negate the ill effects.
This day is also significant because it was when Lord Krishna defeated the serpent, Kaaliya, and saved the people of Vrindavan.
It is believed that of all the Gods, Lord Shiva is easily pleased and generous with his blessings. Worship of the Shivalinga is considered the prime worship for devotees of Lord Shiva. During Sawan, greater blessings can be attained from Lord Shiva by doing the following:
Remaining vegetarian for the month. While some devotees fast the entire month, the main days to observe in this month are Mondays and Saturdays.
Sawan Mondays are the most holy in the year. Astrologically, single girls must observe this fast to find the husband they want and enjoy wedded bliss.
Married women fast and do Shiva pooja to appease the Goddess Parvati, who is also regarded as Maa Gauri – one who bestows marital bliss and prosperity.
Varalakshmi Vratam is observed on August 4, to please Mother Lakshmi.
Astrologists say it is richly rewarding for newlyweds to observe Sawan.
Fasting on Saturdays during this period helps counter the adverse effects of Lord Shani (Saturn).
Lord Shiva fulfils devotees’ wishes if worshipped with bel leaves (bilva-patra) during Sawan and Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that by only offering bel leaves with stalks on Shivalinga, the sins from three births are removed. Remember: the leaf’s top side must be placed on the Shivalinga.
Panchaamrit, comprising five items (milk, curd, ghee, honey, gangajal/sugar) is an alternative to bel leaves. Tulsi leaves are a key ingredient of Panchaamrit for Shiva prayers because Tulsi Devi is the female energy of Lord Vishnu.
You can also offer the Shivalinga water or do a mansik pooja (mental offering).
Chanting Om Namah Shivaya as often as possible this month is beneficial.
The Mahamritunjaya mantra is a poweful one to chant during this period: Om Triambakam Yajamahe Sungandhim Pustivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Muskshiya Maamritat.
Various fasts are recommended for women in this month to achieve marital bliss.
Hindu scripture says every day of Sawan is important, so I’m unable to set out all the benefits, but it is of great importance to be pious at this time because prayer usually yields many benefits.
Lord Shiva is called Ashutosh as he is easily pleased and grants wealth, health, prosperity, longevity, marital bliss and happiness in return.
Take note: I noticed when visiting some homes for vastu and feng shui that the tulsi plant and Shivalinga are closely placed in gardens. It is best to keep them apart.
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