Harnessing the Stars: Navigating Life Transitions with Astrology
Have you heard your Mom saying that it’s her Saavan fast? I have, so have you ever wondered what is Saavan and why do people keep a fast during that time? Let’s start with the very basic what is the month of Saavan – Saavan or Shravan is basically a celebration of Lord Shiva. This year, Saavan starts on 10 July and will continue for a month.
Coming to the story behind the celebration of Saavan, as per Hindu Mythology, when the lords were churning the ocean, it gave out a poison during the month of Shravan. Since it was a gift from the lord of the ocean, it had to be accepted in some form or other, but who will accept poison? That’s when Lord Shiva came to the rescue, even though he was not a part of the churning, he volunteered to take the poison, just to help the other Gods. Lord Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat which turned Lord Shiva’s throat blue. In order to reduce the effect of poison, Gods offered water to Lord Shiva which is why devotees offer water to Shivalinga on the occasion of Saavan.
According to another belief, observing a fast on Monday during the month of Saavan proves to be very effective in finding good husbands for unmarried women and maintaining good health of husbands of married women. It is believed that Goddess Parvati also fasted for the entire month to impress Lord Shiva.
There are many more reasons behind observing a fast on Mondays during the Saavan month:
As per Vedic astrology, it is believed that Mondays during the month of Saavan is 108 times powerful than any normal Monday. So worshipping Lord Shiva on Mondays during Saavan will give many more benefits.
It is a common belief that the month of Saavan is very dear to Lord Shiva so people who worship Lord Shiva with faith and enthusiasm during this month will be blessed with happiness and harmony in their life.
Everyone has their own reason for observing a fast on Mondays; some people may do it for a long life, some for their dream partner, some for health and some for wealth. People worship Lord Shiva with Belpatra as it is believed that Lord Shiva resides in the roots of Belpatra
As per astrologers, the 4 Mondays that come in the month of Saavan is said to be very auspicious, in fact, Saavan Vrat is said to be one of the most important religious custom.
There are many people who observe a vrat throughout the month of Saavan, they avoid certain food in their diet during this month like onion, garlic, and non-veg. Some people even take up a vrat without salt.
It is believed that fasting for 16 Mondays pleases Lord Shiva and he blesses the devotee with a lot of prosperity and happiness.
There is a scientific explanation behind observing fast during the Saavan, as per scientists, Saavan month coincides with the month of Monsoon in India, so during the month of Monsoon sunlight is scarce, which slows down the digestive process of the human body. So observing a fast once in a week will help people improve their digestive process.
There are a number of benefits of the month of Saavan on the life of an individual:
Worshipping Lord Shiva during the month of Saavan by reciting the Shiva Chalisa and singing the Shiva Aarti will remove any sort of hindrance in a person’s life. Devotees receive special blessings from Lord Shiva.
Unmarried people who worship with full faith during the Saavan month get the blessings of Lord Shiva and will be able to find their dream partner. Also, unmarried couples who have been facing a lot of difficulties in their marriage plan will also be able to go ahead with their wedding.
People who have been facing problems in their marriage and in the process of conceiving will be able to remove all obstructions by worshipping Lord Shiva during the month of Saavan.
Devotees who worship Lord Shiva with full faith and heart will be blessed with all the happiness and prosperity in the world. All their wishes and desires will be fulfilled by praying to Lord Shiva.
It is believed that fasting during the month of Saavan is the same as performing any major Puja.
The 4 Mondays in the month of Shravan, in particular, are very encouraging. This is extended by a few people and will continue until December with 16 Mondays. Shravan Shiva Vrat is one of Lord Shiva's main religious practices. Such fasts are renowned for their strong relationship with life.
Hindu wives wear red and green and yellow bracelets and pray for their husbands for their long and fruitful life. And also the henna tattoos or Mehendi are a major attraction of this month. The stunning henna tinges are something really chic making it a favorite of all women. Shrawan is also the month that Mehendi wearers are supposed to earn auspices.
All in all, Saavan is all about faith and peace. It is the month of Lord Shiva and is the best time to worship him. It is a great time to embrace positive vibes and cut out all negativity from your life. You should surround yourself with happy thoughts and positive people. It brings in a lot of health and wealth in a person’s life. Those who worship with their full heart and faith get the blessings of Lord Shiva and turn their life around.
