The fifth month of the Hindu calendar next to Ashadam Masam is called Sravana Masam. It is also called as Shravana. This month typically starts in mid-July and ends in and around August. A simpler understanding is that it starts on the first new moon (Padyami) of Sravana month and ends on the Amavasya of the month.
This month has immense importance across all parts of India. Especially in southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this month is celebrated with numerous festivals and rituals like Sravana Somvara Vrat, Sravana Sukruvaram Vrat, Mangala Gauri Vrat, Lakshmi Devi Udyapana and Sri Krishanashtami.
The Significance of Sravana Month In India
The word ‘Sravana’ represents Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows wealth and prosperity. During this month, an abundance of rain is observed, which is seen as a form of wealth for farmers and a major driving factor in boosting the nation’s economy.
This month is intricately connected to Deities like Shiva, Gauri, and Lakshmi; hence, various events related to these deities are being performed this month. It is also regarded as a favourable month for marriage, buying gold and properties, and performing rituals like upanayanam.
Importance of Sravana Month in Telugu-Speaking States
Especially in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, women consider this month very auspicious and the best time to offer pooja and perform rituals to Goddess Lakshmi and Gauri. Events like Mangala Gauri and Varalakshmi Vratam are observed in several houses every Monday, Tuesday and Friday throughout this month.
Plus, married women of the house invite five or more other women to their home and offer them betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits(generally banana), a portion of soaked Bengal gram and a blouse piece or saree in some cases. This practice is called ‘Vayanam‘.
Those who accepted the Vayanam will also invite the women from whom they received the Vayanam and give back similar items to her as a gesture of mutual respect. This practice has been followed for several hundred years and is known to bring peace, harmony and a sense of togetherness among women.
Importance of Sravana Month for Ascetics
Persons who took up Sanyasa ashrama dharma to pursue spiritual goals consider shravana masam a very important part of their life. Because ascetics continuously vander to several devotional places throughout their life to seek dharma and spiritual enlightenment. However, they have to stop these activities and settle in one holy place for four months and this event is called Chaturmasa Deeksha
This Deeksha generally starts in Ashada month in Shuddha Ekadashi tithi, and after 15 days, the Shravana masam starts. Giving enough time for devotees and ascetics to settle and prepare for Shravana Masam practices
To stop being idle for four months and use the time effectively, ascetics seek to approach their gurus and carefully listen to their spiritual lessons during this month. The ability to Hear, remember and identify the righteousness and inner truth is called ‘Shravana’. Hence the name of the month.
Significance of Devoting to Lord Shiva and Gauri in Shravana Month
According to the Hindu calendar, the Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is well known that those who practice devoting to Lord Shiva this month with utmost devotion and pure heart will attain Lord Shiva’s adobe.
Interestingly, every Monday in Shravana month is considered auspicious for devoting to Lord Shiva regardless of thithi. Hence, households carry a holy practice called ‘Sravana Somvar Vrat’ every Monday, where pious observances such as fasting, meditation, and taking only a sattvic diet are allowed. This is especially seen in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharastra, Goa and Gujarat.
On the other hand, every Tuesday of this month is also considered auspicious for married women in India who perform a ritual called ‘Mangala Gauri Vrat’ to seek the full blessings of Maa Parvati to bestow peace, prosperity and long life to their husbands.
Practices followed during Sravana Masam
The month of Sravana is packed with several beliefs and practices that help one to achieve enlightenment. Although some of these practices look outdated in the 21st century, there has been a scientific and logical reason behind them. Here are some do’s and don’ts to be followed in this holy month
- Avoiding Non-vegetarian food
- Avoiding the use of garlic and onion in food
- Avoiding hair cut
- Fasting during special days of the month
- Reading puranas and reciting slokas
- Abstinence
- Avoiding travelling long distances
- Practicing meditation on the desired God
Important Days During Sravana Month
This holy month, Sravana, is filled with several auspicious days, festivals, and rituals throughout India. Here are some important events that take place during the Sravana month
- Sravana Somvara – All Mondays of Sravana month are considered Auspicious
- Mangala Gauri Vrat – All Tuesdays of Sravana month are considered auspicious and dedicated to Goddess Gauri
- Raksha Bhandan or Rakhi Poornima
- Jandhyala Purnima
- Garuda Panchami
- Naga Panchami
- Krishna Janmashtami
