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 4th 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.
