Shravan, the fifth month of Hindu calendar is one of the auspicious months to worship Lord Shiva. Mondays in Shravan are considered auspicious and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Observing fast on Mondays of Shravan and performing puja and Rudrabhishek brings peace, prosperity, good health and marital bliss. Observing fast and performing puja on Shravan Shivratri helps to get rid of Pitra Dosha. Jalabhishek is performed to please Lord Shiva. Devotees should offer water and uncooked milk, pour it in a brass vessel and offer it to Lord Shiva.
In Hindu calendar, there are two methods to mark the lunar month – one from Purnima to Purnima (known as Purnimanta calendar) and the other from Amavasya to Amavasya (known as Amanta calendar). Hence, the dates of Shravan may vary in Western and Southern parts of India. The Northern states follow Purnimanta calendar while the Southern ones follow Amanta calendar. Indian states that follow Amanta calendar are Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to Amanta calendar, shravan begins on August 2 (Friday) and ends on August 30 (Friday).
Shravan Somvar dates as per Amanta calendar are:
· First Monday: August 5
· Second Monday: August 12
· Third Monday: August 19
· Fourth Monday: August 26
