Introduction
Shravan Maas (Shravan Month), one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, marks a significant time of spiritual practices, fasting, and devotion—especially to Lord Shiva. It is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered highly auspicious for worship, self-discipline, and pilgrimages.
When Does Shravan Begin?
There are two methods to calculate the beginning of Shravan Maas:
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Purnimant Calendar (North India): In this system, the month starts after the Full Moon (Purnima). According to it, Shravan starts from the day after Ashadha Purnima.
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Amavasyant Calendar (South & Western India including Gujarat and Maharashtra): In this system, the month begins after the New Moon (Amavasya). Here, Shravan starts after Ashadha Amavasya.
Due to this difference, Shravan begins about 15 days earlier in the Purnimant calendar compared to the Amavasyant system.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
Shravan is believed to be extremely dear to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts on Mondays (Shravan Somvar), perform Rudrabhishek, chant Shiva mantras, and visit Jyotirlingas. It is said that prayers performed in this month are especially effective.
Shravan Somvar and Vrat
Mondays in Shravan are celebrated as Shravan Somvar, when devotees undertake fasts and perform special pujas. Married women fast for family welfare, and unmarried girls fast seeking a good life partner.
Festivals Celebrated in Shravan
Many major Hindu festivals fall in Shravan, including Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Shravan Shivratri, and Krishna Janmashtami (depending on regional calendars).
Significance of Devotion and Self-Discipline
The month emphasizes self-control, purity of thoughts, and spiritual upliftment. Devotees avoid tamasic food, engage in meditation and chanting, and spend more time in temples and pilgrimages.
Conclusion
Shravan Maas Prarambh marks the beginning of a spiritually powerful period. Whichever calendar one follows, this month is dedicated to deep devotion, self-purification, and surrender to divine will—especially through the worship of Lord Shiva.