Sawan 2019: Holy month starts today, here's significance of Sawan, Kanwar Yatra

Shravan or Sawan, the fifth and most auspicious month of the Hindu calendar starts from today i.e. July 17. Every year, the holiest month falls during the period between July and August and is significant for Lord Shiva devotees. The month will last until August 15 during which the Kanwars, devotees in saffron clad will offer holy water from Ganga to the Shivalinga. In the process, the pilgrims walk barefoot from their homes to the shrines of Shiva.

During Sawan, people worship Lord Shiva and observe fast to get their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that the special 'Rudra Abhishek Puja' is organised by devotees for child, health and successful career.

In the period of Shravan, the Shiva devotees give up eating non-vegetarian food and consume nutrient rich products. It is advisable that one should not be dehydrated or get ill during the fast.

The Mondays during this month are considered to be the most auspicious known as ‘Shravan Somwars’. Unmarried girls worship the deity seeking blessings and partners of their choice. The first Monday of this holy month falls on July 22. Also, the Tuesdays of Shravan i.e. Mangalwar are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.

As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva consumed all the halahal or poison that came out as the result of Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean. This is suggestive of the fact that Shiva, the destroyer among Trimurti, saved his devotees from all the sufferings by the act of consuming poison.

Lakhs of devotees including men, women, children undertake the Kanwar Yatra carrying the holy water on their shoulders to offer it to the Shivalinga.

The holy month will conclude with the celebration of Rakshabandhan on August 15.