The month of Sawan, also known as Shrawan or Savan, holds immense significance for Hindus across the country. It is a sacred time marked by many important festivals and fasts. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the history, significance, and story behind the veneration of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati during Sawan 2023. Additionally, we present the complete Sawan Somwar calendar for this year, including the start date and end date.

Sawan 2023: Start Date and Duration

Sawan 2023, also referred to as Savan 2023 or Shravan 2023, is set to begin on July 4 (Tuesday). This auspicious month, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, will continue until August 31 (Thursday). It is worth noting that this year, the Sawan will be exceptionally special as it will last for two months due to the rare occurrence of Adhik Shrawan Maas. As per tradition, devotees observe Sawan Somwar fasts every Monday for Lord Shiva and Mangala Gauri Vrat every Tuesday for Mata Parvati during this holy month.

Shravan Somwar Fast Calendar

The Sawan Somwar fasts will commence from July 4, 2023, and the last fast for this year will be observed on August 28, 2023. Let us take a look at the complete Sawan Somwar fast calendar for Sawan 2023:

• July 4, 2023 (Tuesday): Beginning of Shravan month
• July 10, 2023 (Monday): First Sawan Somwar fast
• July 17, 2023 (Monday): Second Sawan Somwar fast
• July 24, 2023 (Monday): Third Sawan Somwar fast
• July 31, 2023 (Monday): Fourth Sawan Somwar fast
• August 7, 2023 (Monday): Fifth Sawan Somwar fast
• August 14, 2023 (Monday): Sixth Sawan Somwar fast
• August 21, 2023 (Monday): Seventh Sawan Somwar fast
• August 28, 2023 (Monday): Eighth Sawan Somwar fast
• August 31, 2023 (Thursday): Last day of Shravan

History of Shravan Month

The history of why Lord Shiva is worshipped during Sawan dates back to the time of Samudra Manthan, a significant episode in Hindu mythology. During the churning of the cosmic ocean, various celestial beings and demons united to seek the elixir of immortality, known as Amrit. This cosmic event brought forth invaluable treasures, including Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanvantri, and other divine elements.

However, amidst the emergence of treasures, the churning also brought forth Halahal, a deadly poison capable of causing immense destruction. Fearing the catastrophic consequences, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu sought the assistance of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation. Recognizing that only he possessed the ability to withstand the potent poison, Lord Shiva fearlessly consumed the Halahal.

As a result of ingesting the poison, Lord Shiva's throat turned blue, earning him the name "Neelkanth." To protect Lord Shiva from the poison's further spread, Goddess Parvati intervened by entering his throat, thus halting the poison's progress. This selfless act by Mata Parvati saved Lord Shiva and further solidified the practice of worshipping both Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati during the entire month of Sawan, specifically on Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively.

Significance of Shravan Month

The significance of Sawan 2023 extends beyond the Sawan Somwar fasting. This auspicious month is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm and is marked by several important festivals and fasts:

• Kamika Ekadashi: Devotees observe this day dedicated to Lord Vishnu to seek blessings and salvation.
• Mangala Gauri Vrats: Fasting and rituals are performed to seek marital bliss and the well-being of family members.
• Hariyali Teej: Married women celebrate this festival to commemorate the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Nag Panchami: A day dedicated to worshipping snakes, seeking protection from snake bites, and ensuring fertility and prosperity.
• Raksha Bandhan: Celebrated joyously by brothers and sisters to honor the bond of love and protection.
• Narali Purnima: Coastal communities observe this day by offering coconuts to the sea, seeking divine protection.
• Kalki Jayanti: The birth anniversary of Lord Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated with devotion.

In this propitious month, devotees embark on the traditional Kanwar Yatra, visiting sacred places, collecting holy water from the river Ganga, and offering it to Lord Shiva.

Sawan 2023, also known as Shravan 2023 or Savan 2023, is a spiritually enriching time for Hindus. The veneration of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati during this month carries profound cultural and religious significance, making Sawan a highly cherished and revered period among devotees.

FAQs

What is the significance of Sawan 2023 for Hindus?

Sawan 2023, also referred to as Savan 2023 or Shravan 2023, holds immense significance for Hindus as it marks the auspicious time dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and participate in various festivals to seek blessings, protection, and prosperity during this holy month.

When does Sawan 2023 begin and end?

Sawan 2023, also known as Shravan 2023, starts on July 4 (Tuesday) and continues until August 31 (Thursday). This year, the Sawan month will last for two months due to the rare occurrence of Adhik Shrawan Maas, making it a particularly special time for devotees to express their devotion and reverence.

How many Sawan Somwar fasts are observed in 2023?

In Sawan 2023, devotees will observe eight Sawan Somwar fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. These fasting rituals take place on consecutive Mondays, allowing worshippers to seek divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment during the auspicious month of Sawan.

Apart from Sawan Somwar fasts, what other festivals are celebrated during Sawan 2023?

Sawan 2023 is marked by numerous festivals and fasts, including Kamika Ekadashi, Mangala Gauri Vrats, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Narali Purnima, and Kalki Jayanti. Each festival holds unique cultural and religious significance and adds to the joyous spirit of the Sawan month.

What is the historical significance of Lord Shiva being worshipped during Sawan?

The practice of worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan has a profound historical significance. It traces back to the legend of Samudra Manthan, a cosmic event in Hindu mythology. During this churning of the cosmic ocean, Lord Shiva's selfless act of drinking the deadly poison, Halahal, saved the cosmos from destruction. Goddess Parvati's intervention during this event further solidified the devotion and reverence for both Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati during the entire month of Sawan, specifically on Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively. This sacred tradition has been passed down through generations, making Sawan a highly cherished and revered period among devotees.