Shrawan Month – the Divine month – Sombar fasting

 

Shrawan Month – the Divine month – Sombar fasting

Shrawan Nepali - - - - -: श्रावन or श्रावण also known as Saun is the fourth month in the Bikram Sambat, the official Nepali calendar. This month coincides with July 17 to August 16 of the Western calendar and is usually 32 days long.

Shrawan Month – the 4^th month of the Hindu sanatan Calendar. Nepal is famous as the only Hindu Kingdom in the world with unique religious tolerance. This pious month is especially celebrated by Hindus worldwide. It is believed that “Shrawan” also means to hear good things. So during these Shrawan months, the devotees listen to sermons, devotional prayers, and songs, and dancing in order to praise Lord Shiva. Also, the other literal meaning of “Shravan” is Saawan i.e. month of rainfall, blossoming of flowers, farming, and playing swings.

Why you should not cut hair during Shrawan

The month of Shrawan is symbolized as the month of growth. During this time, the south-west monsoon brings rain and happy tidings to farmers. With the monsoon in full flow, it is also the time when the crops go through their prime growth phase. As an agrarian country, Nepal gives a lot of prominence to this period. Farmers used to pray for these rains and when they arrived, rejoiced merrily.

Because of this association with growth, it was opined that anything which is grown naturally and without effort shouldn’t be cut. Whether it was hair or nails, it was suggested that since they are growing on their own, they shouldn’t be cut. This doesn’t mean that one should compromise on their hygiene. However, not cutting the hair was just seen as a symbolic reverence to the crops that were growing in the fields.

 

This entire month of Shrawan is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is considered as the most powerful, the destroyer, and the protector. It is believed that the great Samudra Manthan occurred in this month. The Poison and the Amrit (elixir of life) came out of the depth of the ocean during this Manthan. The Poison named Halahaal was so venomous that it could destroy all the Gods and also the Earth. In order to save the world and the Gods, Lord Shiva drank and stored that poison in his neck. Since then, Lord Shiva got his name “Neelkanth” meaning blue throat. But after drinking the poison, Lord Chandra (Moon) stayed in the head of Lord Shiva to cool him from the impact of the poison.

Why eating onion and garlic is discouraged during Shrawan

Although many might consider it to be religious, the practice of not eating onion and garlic or putting it in cooked food was discouraged because of a practical reason. Onion and garlic are layered vegetables and are grown below the soil. Because of the rains, the muddy water used to collect over the soil and the bacteria present in it used to seep into the onion/ garlic produce.

The seepage was so deep that it was said that the bacteria could penetrate all the layers of the onion. That is why it was suggested to stay away from onion and garlic during Shrawan.

 

There are many such beliefs regarding Shrawan month. During this month, the devotees observe fast (vrat or brata) on any day but especially Monday. The fast can be of any type; either complete or partial. Mostly women of any age usually keep fast to praise Lord Shiva. Unmarried keep the fast praying to get an ideal husband like Lord Shiva while married women keep for the long life, good health and prosperity of their husband. They visit the temples, make the offerings like milk, bel patra, flowers, etc. and do the Bhajan-kirtans (devotional prayers and songs). It is also believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during this month is 108 times more powerful and effective than that in normal days.

This auspicious month of Shrawan is especially a great occasion for ladies. They will wear exclusively Green, Red, Yellow bangles, Potes (beads), Sarees, Kurthas, etc. The Green color symbolizes peace and is the main color of Nature. Mehendi or Heena are designed in the hands of the ladies during this month. In the shops and the markets of Nepal, you can easily see the displays of green, red, yellow bangles of various designs. The application of Mendi or Heena on hands, wearing sarees or kurtas or dresses of green, red, yellow colors, the bangles and earrings of similar colors have become a trend among Hindu women.

There is a practice of breaking the fast or eating strictly vegetarian food items during Shravan month. Apart from the religious point of view, there is a scientific reason for gaining good health by keeping Fast during the month of Shrawan. This is the month of rain. When the rains start showering, the sunlight gets scarce. Due to this, digestion slows down. So during this month, the people usually eat light foods mostly vegetarian diet. This fasting also aids in the detoxification of the digestive system. It is a natural protection against water-borne illnesses during this monsoon season. This Shravan month brings happiness, good health, and prosperity to everyone by the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Why is consuming non-veg food discouraged?

Lord Shiva is also named as Pashupatinath – the lord of all animals and living beings. The seers and ascetics opined that since you’re worshipping Lord Shiva as Pashupatinath, you should not consume the beings that are dear to him and more so in the Shrawan month.

The Importance of Fasting in Shrawan

Fasting is a common practice during Shrawan, as it is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. Devotees observe strict fasts on Mondays, refraining from consuming food and water until evening prayers are offered to Lord Shiva.

Fasting is seen as an act of self-discipline and devotion, allowing individuals to focus their energy and thoughts on spiritual growth and the worship of Lord Shiva. Many devotees also choose to abstain from consuming meat, alcohol, and other worldly pleasures throughout the month of Shrawan.