Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a holy month in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The month of Sawan has already begun, and it holds deep historical and religious importance in Hinduism. Sawan Somwar, observed on Mondays during the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), is a deeply spiritual time for devotees of Lord Shiva.
For unmarried women, this period holds special significance, as many observe fasts and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for an ideal life partner. Interestingly, wearing green colour on Sawan Somwar is also considered auspicious and symbolic.
What is Sawan Somvaar Vrat?
Sawan Somvaar Vrat is a ritual fast that is observed by devotees of Lord Shiva on every Monday during the Shravan month. Mondays are already considered sacred for worshipping Shiva, and their spiritual importance increases during this holy period. During this auspicious period, devotees observe a partial or complete fast, visit Shiva temples, perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga) with milk, honey, Dhatura, Belpatra, and water, and chant Lord Shiva mantras.
Why is wearing the green colour in the Shravan month considered auspicious?
Wearing green colour during the Shravan (Sawan) month is considered auspicious because this colour is believed to bring good luck in not just married life but also to professional life and that is why women wear green colour during the month of Sawan. Shravan is the monsoon season and green colour is the colour of lush vegetation and new growth. It symbolises nature. The colour green is also believed to protect you from diseases and improve your health. It is believed that wearing this colour can keep you protected.
Why is Sawan dedicated to Lord Shiva?
According to legends, during the Samudra Manthan (the cosmic churning), a powerful poison called Halahala emerged along with other divine items. Neither the gods nor the demons want to consume the poison. Lord Shiva knew that the poison was capable of destroying the universe. To protect the universe from Halahala, Lord Shiva consumed the poison.
Then, Goddess Parvati held his neck to prevent poison from spreading. The Goddess managed to stop the poison from spreading, but the poison caused a burning sensation in Lord Shiva's throat, turning it blue, and that is why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth. The month of Swan is dedicated to Lord Shiva in remembrance of this event. On this day, Devotees offer water (Jal) to Lord Shiva, observe fasts, and offer prayers.
