Sawan is considered as one of the most auspicious months in Hinduism and the sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sawan Shivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan.
Sawan Shivratri is also known as Masa Shivratri or Masik Shivratri, according to Hindu calendar, this time the Chaturdashi Tithi will be observed for two days. The fast of Sawan Shivratri will be held on July 26. The fast will be broken on July 27.
Sawan Shivratri History
There are many stories that are famous on why we celebrate Sawan Shivaratri but two of them which are widely accepted are:
One of the prominent reasons why we celebrate Sawan Shivaratri is because Shiva granted Goddess Paravati, an avatar of Shakti, as he was impressed by her devotion. On a moonless night, the goddess Parvati observed fast for Lord Shiva and for his good health after their marriage.
Even Today , this ritual is followed by an Indian woman who prays to lord shiva for the long life of their husband.
It is believed Sawan Shivratri symbolizes the unification of two strong forces in the universe which is Lord Shiva — known as the God of death and conqueror of evil— Goddess Shakti.
Another story says, During Samudra Manthan a pot full of venom emerged from the ocean and all the gods and demons got terrified and they went to lord Shiva for help and lord Shiva drank the entire poison and goddess Parvati held his neck so that the poison does not enter his body and the poison remained in his neck, that is why lord shiva is also known as ‘Neelkantaha.’ so to heal his wound and to relieve his pain his devotees offer water of Holy Ganga to lord Shiva.
Significance of Sawan Shivratri
There are a total of 12 shivratri in a year but the most important one is Maha Shivratri along with Sawan Shivratri. The entire month of Sawan is dedicated to lord Shiva and Shrawan Shivratri holds utmost importance to the devotees of lord Shiva.
Kashi Vishvanath Dham and Badrinath Dham are two prominent places for the devotees to celebrate this auspicious day. These Dhams organize special pooja’s during Sawan month.
Pooja Vidhi of Sawan Shivratri
Sawan Shivratri can be worshiped in temples or at home. On this auspicious day devotees should perform Rudrabhishek of Shiva.
For this, Bholenath’s Rudraabhishek is done with Gangajal, raw milk, curd, sugar, honey, sugarcane juice. After this, Bel leaves, flowers, datura, white sandalwood, roli, fruits etc. are offered on Shivling. After this Shiva Mantra and Shiva Chalisa are recited. After listening to the story of Shivratri, aarti of lord Shiva is performed.
Muhurat of Sawan Shivratri
This year according to Hindu calendar the Chaturdashi Tithi will be observed for two days. The fast of Sawan Shivratri will be held on July 26 and The fast will be broken on July 27.
