PANKAJNATH TIWARI :-
In Hinduism, the month of Shravan (usually falling between July and August) is considered highly auspicious and significant for various forms of devotion, including Shiv Bhakti, which is devotion to Lord Shiva. Shravan is also known as Sawan or Shravana Masam.
During the month of Shravan, devotees of Lord Shiva observe various practices and rituals to show their love and devotion. Some common ways in which Shiv Bhakti is expressed during this time are:
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting on Mondays, known as “Shravan Somvar,” during the month of Shravan. It is believed to bring blessings and fulfill wishes.
Visiting Shiva Temples: Devotees visit Shiva temples, especially on Mondays, and offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to Lord Shiva.
Abhishekam: Abhishekam is the ritual of bathing the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, curd, and other auspicious substances while chanting mantras. It symbolizes the purification of the soul.
Rudra Japa: Devotees perform Rudra Japa, the repetition of Lord Shiva’s sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” or other Shiva mantras, a certain number of times as an act of devotion.
Reading Scriptures and Stories: Devotees read and recite sacred texts like the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and stories related to Lord Shiva to deepen their understanding of his divine qualities and significance.
Charity and Seva: Many people engage in charitable activities and seva (selfless service) during this month to express their devotion to Lord Shiva and demonstrate compassion towards others.
Avoiding Non-vegetarian Food: Some devotees observe vegetarianism or abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food during Shravan as an act of piety.
Kanwar Yatra: The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage in which devotees carry water from the holy Ganges River or other sacred water bodies in small pots called “kanwars” and walk long distances to offer it to Lord Shiva in his temples. This Yatra is especially popular during Shravan and attracts millions of devotees.
Shiv Katha: Shiv Katha refers to the recitation or narration of stories and legends associated with Lord Shiva’s divine acts and manifestations. Spiritual gatherings are organized where priests or devotees narrate these tales to inspire faith and devotion among the listeners.
Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotees sing devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as bhajans and kirtans, during various events and gatherings.
Rudrabhishek: Rudrabhishek is an elaborate and highly revered form of worship in which the Shiva Lingam is bathed with various holy substances while chanting powerful Vedic hymns like the Rudram and Chamakam.
Omkareshwar Parikrama: Omkareshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, is a popular destination for devotees during Shravan. Many people undertake the parikrama (circumambulation) of the sacred island of Omkareshwar as an act of devotion.
Shiva Chalisa and Stotrams: Devotees recite the Shiva Chalisa and various Stotrams (hymns) dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and protection.
Meditation and Yoga: Some devotees practice meditation and yoga during the month of Shravan to enhance their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva and attain inner peace and harmony.
Lighting Diyas and Incense: Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and incense sticks before the Shiva Lingam is a common practice during Shravan, signifying the dispelling of darkness and the offering of prayers to the divine.
Observing Austerity: Some devotees observe austerity by reducing worldly pleasures and focusing more on spiritual activities during the month of Shravan.
Participating in Satsangs: Satsangs are spiritual gatherings where devotees come together to sing bhajans, listen to discourses, and share their spiritual experiences. Participating in such gatherings helps in strengthening one’s devotion and understanding of Lord Shiva’s teachings.
Creating Artwork and Crafts: Many devotees express their devotion through artistic means by creating paintings, sculptures, or crafts depicting Lord Shiva and his manifestations.
Sankalpa and Vratam: Devotees take a sacred vow or sankalpa to observe specific vrats (vows) during the entire month of Shravan. These vows may include fasting, daily prayers, reading scriptures, and abstaining from certain activities.
Rudra Homa and Yagna: Elaborate fire rituals like Rudra Homa and Yagna are performed by priests and devotees to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and seek his divine grace and protection.
Offering Bilva Leaves: The Bilva (Bael) tree and its leaves hold immense significance in Shiva worship. Devotees offer fresh Bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam while chanting prayers, as it is believed to please Lord Shiva.
Charity and Donations: Devotees practice charity by donating food, clothing, and other necessities to the needy during Shravan, as an expression of their devotion and compassion.
Satsang and Study Groups: Devotees come together to form study groups or attend satsangs (spiritual gatherings) to discuss and delve deeper into the teachings of Lord Shiva and the significance of Shravan.
Abstaining from Alcohol and Non-Vegetarian Food: Many devotees refrain from consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food during the entire month of Shravan, promoting purity of mind and body.
Japa Mala and Mantra Chanting: Devotees perform Japa (repetitive chanting) using a Japa Mala (prayer beads) with the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” or other Shiva mantras to intensify their focus and devotion.
Dharmic Activities: In addition to personal spiritual practices, devotees engage in dharmic activities such as organizing community events, social service initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts.
Decorating Shiva Temples: Devotees actively participate in decorating and beautifying Shiva temples with flowers, rangoli (colorful designs), and other ornaments as a gesture of reverence and devotion.
Reciting Shiva Sahasranama: The Shiva Sahasranama, a thousand names dedicated to Lord Shiva, is recited by devotees during Shravan to invoke his blessings and grace.
Visiting Jyotirlinga Temples: The twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva hold immense significance for devotees during Shravan, and many undertake pilgrimages to visit these sacred shrines.
Self-Reflection and Introspection: Devotees use this auspicious time to reflect on their lives, seek inner transformation, and introspect on their spiritual journey.
Creation of Shiva Rangoli: Devotees create intricate rangoli designs featuring Lord Shiva’s symbols, such as the third eye, crescent moon, trident (Trishul), and the serpent around his neck (Nagendra Haara).
Reciting Shiva Stotras and Aartis: Devotees recite various Shiva Stotras (hymns) and sing Shiva Aartis in praise of Lord Shiva’s divine attributes and to seek his blessings.
Participating in Bhajan Sandhyas: Bhajan Sandhyas are devotional musical programs held in the evenings, where professional singers or groups perform Shiva bhajans and kirtans, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Maintaining a Daily Shiv Lingam: Some devotees install a Shiv Lingam at their homes during Shravan and perform daily puja and Abhishekam to invoke Lord Shiva’s presence in their abode.
Conducting Shiva Katha and Discourses: Knowledgeable scholars and spiritual leaders may hold discourses and Shiva Katha sessions to explain the significance of Lord Shiva’s teachings and inspire devotees in their spiritual journey.
Renunciation and Austerity: Some devotees adopt a spirit of renunciation and austerity during the month of Shravan, living a simple and disciplined life to deepen their devotion to Lord Shiva.
Organizing Shiv Mahotsav: In some regions, grand festivals and fairs dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Shiv Mahotsav, are organized during the month of Shravan, attracting devotees from far and wide.
Observing Nandi Vrat: Devotees who observe Nandi Vrat perform special rituals and offer prayers to Nandi, the sacred bull and the vehicle of Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings and grace.
Chanting Shiva Panchakshari Mantra: The chanting of the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is considered highly potent during Shravan, and devotees engage in this mantra japa with devotion and sincerity.
Participating in Ganga Aarti: For devotees living near the Ganges River or other holy water bodies, attending the Ganga Aarti during Shravan is a spiritually uplifting experience. The Ganga is considered the sacred river of Lord Shiva.
Shiva Dances (Tandava): Some devotees reenact the divine cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, known as the Tandava, through traditional dance performances during special events and cultural programs.
Spiritual Retreats and Camps: Devotees may participate in spiritual retreats and camps dedicated to Lord Shiva during Shravan, where they engage in meditation, yoga, and discussions on spiritual topics.
Writing Shiv Chalisa: Some devotees undertake the task of writing the Shiv Chalisa, a devotional hymn with 40 verses dedicated to Lord Shiva, as an act of devotion and penance.
