At the very mention of Shravan month, the scenes of saffron-clad Bol Bom devotees or kanwariyas walking barefoot, carrying ‘kanwars’, which are bamboo poles with two water-filled pots hanging from each side, chanting ‘Bol Bom’ come instantly come to mind.
The month of Shravan is one of the auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. This month is said to be the most favourite month of Lord Shiva. And there is a tradition that on Mondays, during the month of Shravan, devotees carry holy water on their shoulders to the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and pour water on the Shiva Linga.
There is a famous legend behind this tradition of pouring water on Lord Shiva.
During Samudra Manthan or the churning of ocean, besides innumerable gems, Halahal poison also emerged, leaving the gods and demons in a fix. When they were not able to decide what to do with the poison as it could otherwise destroy everything, Lord Shiva came forward and drank the poison. Instead of letting it down to his stomach, he held it in his neck. Under its impact, his neck turned blue.
Thus, Lord Shiva is also called Neel Kanth.
To reduce the impact of the poison on Lord Shiva, all Gods started pouring water on him. Thus, the tradition of pouring water on Shiva Linga is believed to have started.
The legend also has it that Lord Ram covered a distance of 109 kilometres carrying holy water from the Ganges and poured on Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan.
It is also believed that holding fast on Mondays during the month of Shravan brings good luck to the fast holders. While they will be blessed with joy and happiness, their desires will also be fulfilled.
For the unmarried women fast holders, it is believed that they will get healthy and handsome husbands. And the married ones will be blessed with good health of their husbands.
This year, a rare coincidence has taken place. This year, the holy Shravan month spans 59 days, from July 4 to August 31. This is due to happening of Joda Masa, which means the month of Shravan will have an extra month.
According to astrologers, the coincidence is taking place after 19 years. This year, the holy month of Shravan will have eight Mondays.
Here is the list of Shravan Mondays:
July 10, 2023: First Shravan Monday
July 17, 2023: Second Shravan Monday
July 24, 2023: Third Shravan Monday
July 31, 2023: Fourth Shravan Monday
August 7, 2023: Fifth Shravan Monday
August 14, 2023: Sixth Shravan Monday
August 21, 2023: Seventh Shravan Monday
August 28, 2023: Eighth Shravan Monday