Shravan Maas, or Sawan Month - 2016

Shravan Maas, or Sawan Month or Shravan Mahina

This year the Auspicious period starts from (Wednesday)July 20, 2016 and will continue till (Thursday) August 18, 2016 in North India.

This year the Auspicious period starts from (Wednesday) August 03, 2016 and will continue till (Thursday) September 01, 2016 in South India.

* In North Indian states Purnimant calendar is followed where as in South Indian states  Amavasyant calendar is followed.

* There is 15 days difference in starting time of Sawan month depending on the followed lunar calendar in the both the regions.

* In Purnimant calendar, Sawan month starts fifteen days before Amavasyant calendar. 

* Hence half of dates differ in both calendars. That is why in North Indian states Sawan month starts fifteen days before South Indian states .

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* The month of Shravan, popularly known as Sawan, is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course of the month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan.

* Shravan Mahina, or Sawan Month or Shravan Maas (July – August) is one of the holiest months in a traditional Hindu calendar. Each region in India considers this month as holy and numerous vrats and rituals are performed during the period.

* Shravan Mahina, or Sawan Month or Shravan Maas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in North India.

* Each Monday of this month, known as Shravan Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night.

* Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset.

* It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month.

* All, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially observed with austerity. 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 honored.

* The belief is that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of punya.

Story


The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva.

To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to  cool Lord Shiva and to alleviate the ill effects of the poison.

Since, this happened in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

Shravan In North India


* Shravan Month is the fifth month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. This calendar is followed mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Chhattisgarh and other North Indian states.

* Shravan is the 10th month in a traditional Gujarati calendar and numerous Vrat and rituals are observed in the month. 

* A month in these regions is calculated from the day after Purnima or full moon to the next Purnima.


* Shravan Mahina, or Sawan Maas, in the Hindi calendar is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

* Shravan Mahina is also the first month of Chatur Mas – the four holiest months in Hindu Hindi Calendar.

* Special prayers and rituals are performed in Lord Shiva temples and in sacred places associated with Shiva.

*  Kanwarias travel to the origin of Ganga River to collect holy water, or Gangajal, to bath the Shivling at their homes or in villages.

* Somvar or Mondays in the month is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva.

* The Mondays or Somwar in Shravan month is dedicated to worship of Shiva. People make it a point to visit Shiva temples on Sawan Mondays.

* At many places of India, Kavads are served, in Sawan month. From the first day of Shravn masa itself, huge crowd of devotees gather at Hari ki Pauri of Haridwar. 

Before sunrise, worshipers reach different Ghats of Ganga. They collect Jal and start marching towards their destinations. 


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Important Dates in Shravan Month:


In North India :--
 ** In North India Shravan Mahina begins on --

 (Wednesday) July 20, 2016 and ends on (Thursday) August 18, 2016. 

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 In Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka :--

** In Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Shravan month begins on -- 

  (Wednesday) August 03, 2016 and ends on (Thursday) September 01, 2016.

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 Mondays in the Shravan month ( Sawan Somwar) :--

** Sawan Somwar Vrat Dates for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar 

  ** The Mondays in the Sawan month are --

* (Monday) July 25, 2016.
* (Monday) August 01, 2016.
* (Monday) August 08, 2016.
* (Monday) August 15, 2016.

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** Sawan Somvar Vrat Dates for Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

  ** The Mondays in the Sawan month are --
 

*  (Monday) August 08, 2016.
*  (Monday) August 15, 2016.
*  (Monday) August 22, 2016.
*  (Monday) August 29, 2016.

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 NOTE:


There is fifteen days difference in starting time of Shravan month in North India and South India.

In Purnimant calendar (usually followed by North Indian states), Shravan month starts fifteen days before Amavasyant calendar (usually followed by South Indian states ).

In Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Amavasyant Lunar Calendar is followed while in North Indian states Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar Purnimant Calendar is followed. Hence half of the Sawan Somwar dates differ in both calendars and Shravan month in Northern states starts fifteen days before Southern states.

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 Chaturthi Vrat or Sankashti Ganesh Chaturti  in Sawan Month:--

** Chaturthi Vrat or Sankashti Ganesh Chaturti in Shravan Month is on --
(Saturday) July 23, 2016 . 

** The Chandrodaya or Moonrise time as per North Indian calendars is 9:42 PM.

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Shravan Krishna Paksha :--

** Shravan Month Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) is from -- 
(Wednesday) July 20, 2016 to (Tuesday) August 02, 2016.

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Shravan Shukla Paksha :--

  ** Shravan Month Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) is from --
 (Wednesday) August 03, 2016 to (Thursday) August 18, 2016.

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 Shravan Ekadasi Vrat :--

** Shravan Mahina Ekadasi Vrat in North India:-

   * Kamika Ekadasi – (Saturday) July 30, 2016.
   * Pavitra Ekadasi – (Sunday) August 14, 2016.

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 Shravan Pradosh Vrat :--

** Shravan Mahina Pradosh Vrat in North India

   * Pradosh – (Sunday) July 31, 2016.
   * Pradosh – (Monday) August 15, 2016. {Som Pradosh}

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Shravan Amavasya:--
 
** Shravan Amavasi in Hindi Panchang in North India:-

 ** Amavasya is on (Tuesday) August 02, 2016.
   * The Amavasi begins on (Monday) August 01, 2016 and ends on (Tuesday) August 02, 2016.

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 ** Shravan Purnima:--
 
   * Purnima is on (Thursday) August 18, 2016. 

   * The Purnima begins  on (Wednesday) August 17, 2016 and ends on (Thursday) August 18, 2016.

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Festivals and auspicious days in Shravan Mahina 2016
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** Hariyali Amavasya – (Friday) -----  August 02, 2016.
** Hariyali Teej --------- (Monday) ---  August 02, 2016.
** Kalki Jayanti --------(Wednesday)-- August 05, 2016.
** Nag Panchami ------ (Thursday)      August 07, 2016.
** Tulsi Das Jayanti -- (Saturday) ---   August 10, 2016.
** Raksha Bandan ---- (Saturday) –-  August 18, 2016.

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 Days in Shravan

** Mangala Gouri Puja is observed on Tuesdays in Shravan Month.
** Saturdays in Shravan month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shani.
** Fridays, Shravani Shukravar, in the month is chosen for observing special pujas for the welfare of children and there are also community puja.
** Veerpasli is a vrat observed on the first Sunday of Shravan and is continued for next eight days for the welfare of male members in the family.

All days in the Shravan month are considered auspicious and on each day there is a particular observance by a particular Hindu community.

**  Monday ------ Shiva Puja
**  Tuesday ------- Mangala Gouri Puja
**  Wednesday --- Budh Puja
**  Thursday ------Brihaspati Puja
**  Friday --------- Jara Jivantika Puja
**  Saturday-------Ashvatta Maruti Puja
**  Sunday ------- Aditya Puja 

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Shiv Poojan in Shravan
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* The main Shravan Pooja is the worship of Shivling with Gangajal, Bilva leaves or pure water. * Some people observe fast on Mondays.* Many people observe different vows during the month like having only vegetarian food or reading a particular Holy Scripture on all days of the month.
 
Shiva temples across North India have special poojas in this month.
* Deoghar Baidhyanath Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Temple is visited by millions of Hindus in the month of Sawan.

* Millions of devotees visit the Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar and offer Ganga water collected from Sultanganj as Abhishek on the Shivling at the Deoghar Temple. This is the period of the Shravani mela at the temple.
 
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Shravan Somvar Vrat (Monday fasting on Shravan month)

One of the name of Lord shiva is soma - saha uma i.e." with Parwati (Uma)". For the Lord someshvara Who wears the soma, the moon crescent on the matted hair, on the somavara day (Monday), this festival is observed.

Though all Mondays can be observed as vrat there are special mondays when it is much more emphasised to observe like the shravan Somvar and karthikai somavar. According to skandha purana, on the Mondays of the month kArthikai (mid Nov to mid Dec) this vrata is observed.

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Way of observing fast:--

* Take bath in the morning.

* Pray to the Auspicious and Graceful Lord Shiva.
* Anointing the Lord with panchamritam and other pleasant substances.

* Hail the Lord offering bilva leaves.

* During the day don't take any solid food. U can take Milk/ buttermilk/ fruit juice/ fruits . 

* After 6'o clock in the evening pray to Lord Shiva and break your fast and eat normal solid food (avoid onions and garlic) . 
 
* Your fasting should start from 12 a.m. in the Sunday midnight and end in the evening on Monday. 
 
* It is believed that one who fasts on all Monday of Shravan has all prayers from the heart answered. 
 
* It is not necessary to undergo rigid practices. 
 
* Even for this fast, different people may have different practises....e.g. some people may not have buttermilk or some may have specific mantras to be chanted. 
 
* You can follow whatever gives you a peace of mind.

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SOMVAR    VRAT    KATHA

Once there lived a wealthy merchant in a city. He always had immense wealth and prosperity. But despite all the worldly possessions, he remained sad because he had no son. He regularly observed Monday fast to have a son. He used to go to the Shiva temple and worshipped there Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith. Goddess Parvati was pleased at his devotion. She implored Lord Shiva and said, " My Lord, this wealthy merchant is your faithful devotee. He regularly observes Monday fast but still he has no son. Please fulfil his desire". Hearing the implorings of Parvati, Lord Shiva said, " Let your desire be fulfilled. I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but". " Why but my Lord?" asked Parvati. Lord Shiva said, "but he will live for twelve years only". Fortunately, this wealthy merchant could hear their conversation.
 

As time passed on, the merchants wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his sons birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money among the poor. All prayed for his sons long and happy life. But the merchant was still sad because he knew that his son would not live beyond twelve years. Yama, the god of Death, spares none. Knowing what the situation was, the merchant started observing the Monday fast with greater zest and there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. He practised all the rites of worship. At the age of eleven, the merchants son looked quite smart and mature. All desired that he should be married to a beautiful girl. The merchants wife also wanted her sons marriage. She Insisted for it again and again. The merchant did not agree to this proposal. He sent for his brother-In-law and said, "Accompany my son to Kashiji. Arrange for his best spiritual knowledge. Take enough money from my treasure. Arrange devotional gatherings on your way to Kashiji at every halt and distribute alms among the beggars". The merchants son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them.



One day they made a halt at a capital of a king. The king's daughter's marriage was to take place that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. The bridegrooms party was terribly disturbed because the bridegroom was blind, of one eye. They were in search of a beautiful boy to replace him. The bridegroom's father sent his men in search of a beautiful boy. The men spotted the merchant's son who was camping in an inn with his maternal uncle. The bridegroom's father was a rich person. He said to the merchants maternal uncle, " My prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the king's daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over". The merchants brother-in-law convinced his sister's son for a temporary marriage. The bride's party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. The merchant's son and the king's daughter were married around the holy fire. At the time of departure, the merchant's son picked his bride's scarf and wrote," Now we are husband and wife. I am not the son of a king. I am the son of a rich merchant. I was on way to Kashiji for spiritual studies. Your real bridegroom is blind of one eye ". The bride noticed her bridegroom writing something on the scarf. She could not read his message at that time. When the marriage party was about to depart, the bride read the message. She was shocked to know the reality. She refused to accompany with the one-eyed bridegroom. The marriage party returned without a bride.


The merchant's son reached Kashiji and devoted himself fully to the spiritual studies. His maternal uncle arranged devotional gatherings and gave donations everyday for the well-being of his sister's son. On the last day of the twelfth year, the merchant's son felt pain in the chest. His maternal uncle was performing the religious rites as per his routine. As he went inside the room, he found the boy dead. He was full of grief, but kept silent as the Brahmans would not accept food from such a house. With courage, he completed his routine. When his routine was over, he started crying. Many people gathered around him and shared his grief. Fortunately, Lord Shiva and Parvati were also passing by that house. When Parvati heard the cries and beating of breast, her motherly compassion got aroused. She was a mother, after all. Having known the facts, she said to Lord Shiva," My dear Sire, please ask Yama to return his life. Yama is always at your command. Please do this favour to me. You are the protector of all creatures ". Lord Shiva agreed and sprinkled Ganga water on the dead body. The boy got up as if he was making an excuse for sleep.


The spiritual education of the merchants son was over. They started their journey homeward. They arranged spiritual discourses and distributed aims among the needy throughout their way. Now, they were back in the city where this boy was married. The king recognised the boy immediately. He took him to his palace with full honour and on an auspicious day, he arranged to happy departure for his daughter. He also gave adequate dowry. The merchant's son reached his city alongwith his bride. His father could not believe it. He was sitting on the roof of a big mansion with his wife, waiting for his son. They had decided that they would not come down until their son supported them himself; otherwise they would commit suicide by jumping down the roof. So the merchant's son alongwith his bride went up to the roof. They touched their feet. The merchant and his wife were very happy to see the couple.

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 SOMVAR    VRAT    KATHA { in HINDI }

श्रावण सोमवार की कथा:

अमरपुर नगर में एक धनी व्यापारी रहता था। दूर-दूर तक उसका व्यापार फैला हुआ था। नगर में उस व्यापारी का सभी लोग मान-सम्मान करते थे। इतना सबकुछ होने पर भी वह व्यापारी अंतर्मन से बहुत दुखी था क्योंकि उस व्यापारी का कोई पुत्र नहीं था।

दिन-रात उसे एक ही चिंता सताती रहती थी। उसकी मृत्यु के बाद उसके इतने बड़े व्यापार और धन-संपत्ति को कौन संभालेगा।
पुत्र पाने की इच्छा से वह व्यापारी प्रति सोमवार भगवान शिव की व्रत-पूजा किया करता था। सायंकाल को व्यापारी शिव मंदिर में जाकर भगवान शिव के सामने घी का दीपक जलाया करता था।

उस व्यापारी की भक्ति देखकर एक दिन पार्वती ने भगवान शिव से कहा- 'हे प्राणनाथ, यह व्यापारी आपका सच्चा भक्त है। कितने दिनों से यह सोमवार का व्रत और पूजा नियमित कर रहा है। भगवान, आप इस व्यापारी की मनोकामना अवश्य पूर्ण करें।'

भगवान शिव ने मुस्कराते हुए कहा- 'हे पार्वती! इस संसार में सबको उसके कर्म के अनुसार फल की प्राप्ति होती है। प्राणी जैसा कर्म करते हैं, उन्हें वैसा ही फल प्राप्त होता है।'

इसके बावजूद पार्वतीजी नहीं मानीं। उन्होंने आग्रह करते हुए कहा- 'नहीं प्राणनाथ! आपको इस व्यापारी की इच्छा पूरी करनी ही पड़ेगी। यह आपका अनन्य भक्त है। प्रति सोमवार आपका विधिवत व्रत रखता है और पूजा-अर्चना के बाद आपको भोग लगाकर एक समय भोजन ग्रहण करता है। आपको इसे पुत्र-प्राप्ति का वरदान देना ही होगा।'

पार्वती का इतना आग्रह देखकर भगवान शिव ने कहा- 'तुम्हारे आग्रह पर मैं इस व्यापारी को पुत्र-प्राप्ति का वरदान देता हूं। लेकिन इसका पुत्र 16 वर्ष से अधिक जीवित नहीं रहेगा।'

उसी रात भगवान शिव ने स्वप्न में उस व्यापारी को दर्शन देकर उसे पुत्र-प्राप्ति का वरदान दिया और उसके पुत्र के 16 वर्ष तक जीवित रहने की बात भी बताई।

भगवान के वरदान से व्यापारी को खुशी तो हुई, लेकिन पुत्र की अल्पायु की चिंता ने उस खुशी को नष्ट कर दिया। व्यापारी पहले की तरह सोमवार का विधिवत व्रत करता रहा। कुछ महीने पश्चात उसके घर अति सुंदर पुत्र उत्पन्न हुआ। पुत्र जन्म से व्यापारी के घर में खुशियां भर गईं। बहुत धूमधाम से पुत्र-जन्म का समारोह मनाया गया।

व्यापारी को पुत्र-जन्म की अधिक खुशी नहीं हुई क्योंकि उसे पुत्र की अल्प आयु के रहस्य का पता था। यह रहस्य घर में किसी को नहीं मालूम था। विद्वान ब्राह्मणों ने उस पुत्र का नाम अमर रखा।

जब अमर 12 वर्ष का हुआ तो शिक्षा के लिए उसे वाराणसी भेजने का निश्चय हुआ। व्यापारी ने अमर के मामा दीपचंद को बुलाया और कहा कि अमर को शिक्षा प्राप्त करने के लिए वाराणसी छोड़ आओ। अमर अपने मामा के साथ शिक्षा प्राप्त करने के लिए चल दिया। रास्ते में जहां भी अमर और दीपचंद रात्रि विश्राम के लिए ठहरते, वहीं यज्ञ करते और ब्राह्मणों को भोजन कराते थे।

लंबी यात्रा के बाद अमर और दीपचंद एक नगर में पहुंचे। उस नगर के राजा की कन्या के विवाह की खुशी में पूरे नगर को सजाया गया था। निश्चित समय पर बारात आ गई लेकिन वर का पिता अपने बेटे के एक आंख से काने होने के कारण बहुत चिंतित था। उसे इस बात का भय सता रहा था कि राजा को इस बात का पता चलने पर कहीं वह विवाह से इनकार न कर दें। इससे उसकी बदनामी होगी।

वर के पिता ने अमर को देखा तो उसके मस्तिष्क में एक विचार आया। उसने सोचा क्यों न इस लड़के को दूल्हा बनाकर राजकुमारी से विवाह करा दूं। विवाह के बाद इसको धन देकर विदा कर दूंगा और राजकुमारी को अपने नगर में ले जाऊंगा।

वर के पिता ने इसी संबंध में अमर और दीपचंद से बात की। दीपचंद ने धन मिलने के लालच में वर के पिता की बात स्वीकार कर ली। अमर को दूल्हे के वस्त्र पहनाकर राजकुमारी चंद्रिका से विवाह करा दिया गया। राजा ने बहुत-सा धन देकर राजकुमारी को विदा किया।

अमर जब लौट रहा था तो सच नहीं छिपा सका और उसने राजकुमारी की ओढ़नी पर लिख दिया- 'राजकुमारी चंद्रिका, तुम्हारा विवाह तो मेरे साथ हुआ था, मैं तो वाराणसी में शिक्षा प्राप्त करने जा रहा हूं। अब तुम्हें जिस नवयुवक की पत्नी बनना पड़ेगा, वह काना है।'

जब राजकुमारी ने अपनी ओढ़नी पर लिखा हुआ पढ़ा तो उसने काने लड़के के साथ जाने से इनकार कर दिया। राजा ने सब बातें जानकर राजकुमारी को महल में रख लिया। उधर अमर अपने मामा दीपचंद के साथ वाराणसी पहुंच गया। अमर ने गुरुकुल में पढ़ना शुरू कर दिया।

जब अमर की आयु 16 वर्ष पूरी हुई तो उसने एक यज्ञ किया। यज्ञ की समाप्ति पर ब्राह्मणों को भोजन कराया और खूब अन्न, वस्त्र दान किए। रात को अमर अपने शयनकक्ष में सो गया। शिव के वरदान के अनुसार शयनावस्था में ही अमर के प्राण-पखेरू उड़ गए। सूर्योदय पर मामा अमर को मृत देखकर रोने-पीटने लगा। आसपास के लोग भी एकत्र होकर दुःख प्रकट करने लगे।

मामा के रोने, विलाप करने के स्वर समीप से गुजरते हुए भगवान शिव और माता पार्वती ने भी सुने। पार्वतीजी ने भगवान से कहा- 'प्राणनाथ! मुझसे इसके रोने के स्वर सहन नहीं हो रहे। आप इस व्यक्ति के कष्ट अवश्य दूर करें।'

भगवान शिव ने पार्वतीजी के साथ अदृश्य रूप में समीप जाकर अमर को देखा तो पार्वतीजी से बोले- 'पार्वती! यह तो उसी व्यापारी का पुत्र है। मैंने इसे 16 वर्ष की आयु का वरदान दिया था। इसकी आयु तो पूरी हो गई।'

पार्वतीजी ने फिर भगवान शिव से निवेदन किया- 'हे प्राणनाथ! आप इस लड़के को जीवित करें। नहीं तो इसके माता-पिता पुत्र की मृत्यु के कारण रो-रोकर अपने प्राणों का त्याग कर देंगे। इस लड़के का पिता तो आपका परम भक्त है। वर्षों से सोमवार का व्रत करते हुए आपको भोग' पार्वती के आग्रह करने पर भगवान शिव ने उस लड़के को जीवित होने का वरदान दिया और कुछ ही पल में वह जीवित होकर उठ बैठा।

शिक्षा समाप्त करके अमर मामा के साथ अपने नगर की ओर चल दिया। दोनों चलते हुए उसी नगर में पहुंचे, जहां अमर का विवाह हुआ था। उस नगर में भी अमर ने यज्ञ का आयोजन किया। समीप से गुजरते हुए नगर के राजा ने यज्ञ का आयोजन देखा।

राजा ने अमर को तुरंत पहचान लिया। यज्ञ समाप्त होने पर राजा अमर और उसके मामा को महल में ले गया और कुछ दिन उन्हें महल में रखकर बहुत-सा धन, वस्त्र देकर राजकुमारी के साथ विदा किया।

रास्ते में सुरक्षा के लिए राजा ने बहुत से सैनिकों को भी साथ भेजा। दीपचंद ने नगर में पहुंचते ही एक दूत को घर भेजकर अपने आगमन की सूचना भेजी। अपने बेटे अमर के जीवित वापस लौटने की सूचना से व्यापारी बहुत प्रसन्न हुआ।

व्यापारी ने अपनी पत्नी के साथ स्वयं को एक कमरे में बंद कर रखा था। भूखे-प्यासे रहकर व्यापारी और उसकी पत्नी बेटे की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे। उन्होंने प्रतिज्ञा कर रखी थी कि यदि उन्हें अपने बेटे की मृत्यु का समाचार मिला तो दोनों अपने प्राण त्याग देंगे।

व्यापारी अपनी पत्नी और मित्रों के साथ नगर के द्वार पर पहुंचा। अपने बेटे के विवाह का समाचार सुनकर, पुत्रवधू राजकुमारी चंद्रिका को देखकर उसकी खुशी का ठिकाना न रहा। उसी रात भगवान शिव ने व्यापारी के स्वप्न में आकर कहा- 'हे श्रेष्ठी! मैंने तेरे सोमवार के व्रत करने और व्रतकथा सुनने से प्रसन्न होकर तेरे पुत्र को लंबी आयु प्रदान की है।' व्यापारी बहुत प्रसन्न हुआ।

सोमवार का व्रत करने से व्यापारी के घर में खुशियां लौट आईं। शास्त्रों में लिखा है कि जो स्त्री-पुरुष सोमवार का विधिवत व्रत करते और व्रतकथा सुनते हैं उनकी सभी इच्छाएं पूरी होती हैं।



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Things to do during Shravan month

• Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa.

• Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead.

• Make offerings of Bel leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shiva Ling.

• Recite Shiv Chalisa and Aarti.

• Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.

• Fasting on Mondays. Girls who fast on all Mondays of Shravan get a good husband.

~*~*~*~*
Shravan In Maharashtra
=======================

** Shravan, the fifth month in a traditional Marathi Hindu Calendar, is a highly auspicious month.

** In 2015, Shravan Mahina in Marathi Calendar begins on -- 
 (Saturday) Aug 15, 2015 and ends on (Sunday) Sep 13, 2015.

** From the first day of Sawan Mahina, people observe various Vratas and rituals including abstaining from non-vegetarian food and restricted fasting.
 
** Mondays in the month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

** Tuesdays for performing Mangala Gouri Puja.
 
** Shravani Shukrawar, or Fridays in Sawan Month, is highly auspicious. Pujas and prayers are held in all homes. Special prayers are performed for the welfare of children. Neighbours, friends and relatives join in the prayers on the day. Puran lamps are prepared for placing on puja thali. Special Puran dishes are also prepared on the day. Traditional red kumkum tika is applied on the forehead of the children.

** Many Festivals are celebrated.like -

* Naga Chaturthi,
* Nag Panchami,
* Sri Krishna Jayanti,
* Dahi Handi, Gopala Kala,
* Raksha Bandhan and
* Narali Purnima are also observed in the month.
* Mahalaksmi Pujan,
* Varalakshmi Puja and
* Durva Ganapati Puja.

 ** People avoid non-vegetarian food in the month and abstain from drinking alcohol. There are also many devout Hindus who only take a single meal during Shravan month. Some are of the view that restriction in diet is to avoid diseases during the period as Sawan falls during the peak monsoon season.

** Mother Nature also plays and important role in the festivals and rituals in the month. After the long harsh summer, Shravan month comes with the monsoon rains and farmers pray for an incident free rainy season and a good harvest.

****************************************

Shravan In Gujarat
=====================

* In 2016, Shravan Month in Gujarat begins on August 15 and ends on September 13. 

* Shravan is the 10th month in a traditional Gujarati calendar and numerous Vrat and rituals are observed in the month.

* In Gujarat, Shravan is the month of Vrats and the Vrat cycle for many Hindu communities commences in Shravan. There are people who only take a single meal during the Shravan month. Strict vegetarian diet is followed by many. Some people read a particular holy scripture during the month.

* Mondays in Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and devout Hindus perform the Shravan Somvar Vrat and continue it on all Mondays in Sawan. Some people observe it for years on the Shravan month. Usually, Shravan somwar Vrat is observed to get a good husband or for the welfare and long life of husbands and for a peaceful and happy life. Some couples also observe the fasting for saving their sons and daughters from serious diseases.

* On Saturdays in Shravan month fast is observed to escape from the bad influence of Lord Shani.* On the first Sunday of Shravan Veerpasli is a vrat observed and is continued for next eight days for the welfare of male members in the family.

* On the ninth day of Shravan Noli Nom is observed by childless couples.

* On the third day of waxing and waning phase of moon Phool Kajali and Chokha Kajali are observed. This is for getting a good life partner and for a happy married life.

* Gai Vrat which is observed during the entire Shravan month is also to get a good husband.

* On the 12th day of Sawan Bhe Bharas is another ritual observed and is observed near a water body.

* Bol Choth is another important ritual observed by all the family members and it is for the welfare of cattle. People cook outside on the day.

* Other rituals that are observed in the month include Nag Pancham, Shitala Satam, and Randhan Chat.

* The most important festival in the month is the Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

*************************************

Festivals in Shravan Month

During this month people practice many rules and regulations while praying and also fast.  Shravan has a special importance as it ushers in a host of auspicious days and festivals like:

Naga-Panchami
Kalkyavatara
Putradaikadashi
Hindola or Swinging
Narali Purnima
Shravani Purnima
Pavitraropana
Raksha Bandhan  Vara Lakshmi Vrata
Rishi Panchami
Govatsa and Bahula
Sitala Saptami
Janmashtami
Ajaikadasi
Pithori
Pola

**************************************

Sawan Maas : Kavad Mela
 

At many places of India, Kavads are served, in Sawan month. From the first day of Shravn masa itself, huge crowd of devotees gather at Hari ki Pauri of Haridwar. Before sunrise, worshipers reach different Ghats of Ganga. They collect Jal and start marching towards their destinations. 

*~*~*~*~*~

शिव स्तुति ( Shiva Prayer )

महामृत्युंजय मंत्र

ॐ हौं जूं सः ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं य्यजा महे

सुगन्धिम् पुष्टि वर्द्धनम्

उर्व्वा रुक मिव बन्धनान्

मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॐ

स्वः भुवः भूः ॐ सः जूं हौं ॐ

Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe

Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam

Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan

Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-[A]mrtaat ||

Meaning:

1: Om, We Worship the Three-Eyed One (Lord Shiva),

2: Who is Fragrant (Spiritual Essence) and Who Nourishes all beings.

3: May He severe our Bondage of Samsara (Worldly Life), like a Cucumber (severed from the bondage of its Creeper), ...

4: ... and thus Liberate us from the Fear of Death, by making us realize that we are never separated from our Immortal Nature.

 

****************************************

कर्पूर गौरम् करूणावतारम् / श्लोक

कर्पूर गौरम् करूणावतारम्
 
संसार सारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।
 
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे
 
भवम् भवानी सहितं नमामि ॥

Karpuura-Gauram Karunna-Avataaram
Samsaara-Saaram Bhujage[a-I]ndra-Haaram |
Sadaa-Vasantam Hrdaya-Aravinde
Bhavam Bhavaanii-Sahitam Namaami ||

Meaning:
1) Pure White like Camphor, an Incarnation of Compassion,
2) The Essence of Worldly Existence, Whose Garland is the King of Serpents,
3) Always Dwelling inside the Lotus of the Heart.
4) I Bow to Shiva and Shakti Together.

 
********************

Shiva Chalisa 

Doha

Jay ganesh girijaasuvan mangal mool sujaana
Kahat ayodhyaadas tum deu abhay varadaana

Jaya girijaapati diinadayaala
sadaa karat santan pratipaala

Bhaal chandramaa sohat niike
kaanan kundal naag phanii ke

Ang gaur shir gang bahaaye
mundamaal tan kshaar lagaaye

Vastra khaal baghambar sohe
chhavi ko dekhi naag man mohe

Mainaa maatu ki have dulaarii
vaam ang sohat chhavi nyaarii

Kar trishuul sohat chhavi bhaarii
karat sadaa shatrun kshayakaarii

Nandii ganesh sohain tahan kaise
saagar madhya kamal hain jaise

Kaartik shyaama aura ganaraau
yaa chhavi kau kahi jaat na kaau

Devan jabahiin jaay pukaaraa
tabahin dukh prabhu aap nivaaraa

Kiyaa upadrava taarak bhaarii
devan sab mili tumahin juhaarii

Turat shadaanan aap pathaayau
lav nimesh maha maari giraayau

Aap jalandhar asur sanhaaraa
suyash tumhaara vidita sansaara

Tripuraasura san yuddha machaai
tabahin kripaa kar liin bachaai

Kiyaa tapahin bhaagiirath bhaarii
purab pratigyaa taasu purarii

Daanin mahan tum sam kou naahiin
sevak stuti karat sadahiin

Ved maahi mahimaa tum gaai
akath anaadi bhed nahiin paai

Prakate udadhi manthan men jvaalaa
jarata suraasura bhae vihalaa

Kiinh dayaa tahan karii sahaai
niilakantha tab naam kahaai

Puujan raamachandra jaba kiinhaan
jiit ke lanka vibhiishan diinhaa

Sahas kamala men ho rahe dhaarii
kiinh pariiksha tabahi tripurarii

Ek kamala prabhu raakheu joi
kamal nayan pujan chahan soi

Kathin bhakti dekhii prabhu shankara
bhaye prasanna dii ichchhit vara

Jay jay jay ananta avinaashii
karat kripaa sabake ghat vaasii

Dusht sakal nit mohi satavain
bhramat rahaun mohe chaina na aavain

Traahi traahi main naath pukaaro
yah avasar mohi aan ubaaro

Le trishul shatruna ko maaro
sankat se mohin aana ubaaro

Maat pitaa bhraata saba koi
sankat men puuchhat nahin koi

Svaamii eka hai aas tumhaarii
aay harahu mama sankata bhaarii

Dhan nirdhan ko deta sadaa hii
jo koi jaanche so phala paahiin

Astuti kehi vidhi karon tumhaarii
kshamahu naatha aba chook hamarii

Shankar ho sankat ke nashana
mangal kaaran vighna vinaashana

Yogii yati muni dhyaan lagaavain
shaarad naarad shiisha navaavain

Namo namo jay namah shivaaya
sur brahmadika paar na paaya

Jo yaha paath kare man laai
taa par hot hain shambhu sahaai

Raniyaan jo koi ho adhikaarii
paath kare so pavan haarii

Putra hona kii ichchhaa joi
nishchay shiva prasaada tehi hoi

Pandit trayodashii ko laave
dhyaan purvaka hom karaave

Trayodashii vrata karai hameshaa
tan nahin taake rahai kaleshaa

Dhuup deep naivedya chadhaave
shankar sammukh paath sunaave

Janam janam ke paap nasave
ant dhaam shivapur men paave

Kahain ayodhyadaas aas tumhaarii
jaani sakal dukh harahu hamaarii

Dohaa

Nit nem uthi praatahii paath karo chaalisa
Tum merii manakaamana purn karo jagadisha

********************

श्री शिव चालीसा

।। दोहा ।।

श्री गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान।

कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥

जय गिरिजा पति दीन दयाला।

सदा करत सन्तन प्रतिपाला॥

भाल चन्द्रमा सोहत नीके।

कानन कुण्डल नागफनी के॥

अंग गौर शिर गंग बहाये।

मुण्डमाल तन छार लगाये॥

वस्त्र खाल बाघम्बर सोहे।

छवि को देख नाग मुनि मोहे॥

मैना मातु की ह्वै दुलारी।

बाम अंग सोहत छवि न्यारी॥

कर त्रिशूल सोहत छवि भारी।

करत सदा शत्रुन क्षयकारी॥

नन्दि गणेश सोहै तहँ कैसे।

सागर मध्य कमल हैं जैसे॥

कार्तिक श्याम और गणराऊ।

या छवि को कहि जात न काऊ॥

देवन जबहीं जाय पुकारा। 

तब ही दुख प्रभु आप निवारा॥

किया उपद्रव तारक भारी।

देवन सब मिलि तुमहिं जुहारी॥

तुरत षडानन आप पठायउ।

लवनिमेष महँ मारि गिरायउ॥

आप जलंधर असुर संहारा।

सुयश तुम्हार विदित संसारा॥

त्रिपुरासुर सन युद्ध मचाई।

सबहिं कृपा कर लीन बचाई॥

किया तपहिं भागीरथ भारी।

पुरब प्रतिज्ञा तसु पुरारी॥

दानिन महं तुम सम कोउ नाहीं।

सेवक स्तुति करत सदाहीं॥

वेद नाम महिमा तव गाई।

अकथ अनादि भेद नहिं पाई॥

प्रगट उदधि मंथन में ज्वाला।

जरे सुरासुर भये विहाला॥

कीन्ह दया तहँ करी सहाई।

नीलकण्ठ तब नाम कहाई॥

पूजन रामचंद्र जब कीन्हा।

जीत के लंक विभीषण दीन्हा॥

सहस कमल में हो रहे धारी।

कीन्ह परीक्षा तबहिं पुरारी॥

एक कमल प्रभु राखेउ जोई।

कमल नयन पूजन चहं सोई॥

कठिन भक्ति देखी प्रभु शंकर।

भये प्रसन्न दिए इच्छित वर॥

जय जय जय अनंत अविनाशी।

करत कृपा सब के घटवासी॥

दुष्ट सकल नित मोहि सतावै ।

भ्रमत रहे मोहि चैन न आवै॥

त्राहि त्राहि मैं नाथ पुकारो।

यहि अवसर मोहि आन उबारो॥

लै त्रिशूल शत्रुन को मारो।

संकट से मोहि आन उबारो॥

मातु पिता भ्राता सब कोई।

संकट में पूछत नहिं कोई॥

स्वामी एक है आस तुम्हारी।

आय हरहु अब संकट भारी॥

धन निर्धन को देत सदाहीं।

जो कोई जांचे वो फल पाहीं॥

अस्तुति केहि विधि करौं तुम्हारी।

क्षमहु नाथ अब चूक हमारी॥

शंकर हो संकट के नाशन।

मंगल कारण विघ्न विनाशन॥

योगी यति मुनि ध्यान लगावैं।

नारद शारद शीश नवावैं॥

नमो नमो जय नमो शिवाय।

सुर ब्रह्मादिक पार न पाय॥

जो यह पाठ करे मन लाई।

ता पार होत है शम्भु सहाई॥

ॠनिया जो कोई हो अधिकारी।

पाठ करे सो पावन हारी॥

पुत्र हीन कर इच्छा कोई।

निश्चय शिव प्रसाद तेहि होई॥

पण्डित त्रयोदशी को लावे।

ध्यान पूर्वक होम करावे ॥

त्रयोदशी ब्रत करे हमेशा।

तन नहीं ताके रहे कलेशा॥

धूप दीप नैवेद्य चढ़ावे।

शंकर सम्मुख पाठ सुनावे॥

जन्म जन्म के पाप नसावे।

अन्तवास शिवपुर में पावे॥

कहे अयोध्या आस तुम्हारी।

जानि सकल दुःख हरहु हमारी॥


॥दोहा॥

नित्त नेम कर प्रातः ही, पाठ करौं चालीसा।

तुम मेरी मनोकामना, पूर्ण करो जगदीश॥
मगसर छठि हेमन्त ॠतु, संवत चौसठ जान।

अस्तुति चालीसा शिवहि, पूर्ण कीन कल्याण॥

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