Mumbai: The month of Shravan, deeply revered in Hinduism, is a period filled with spiritual fervour and devotion. Known as Shravan Maas or Sawan Maas, this sacred month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and it holds special religious significance. It is believed that prayers and rituals performed during Shravan yield immense spiritual benefits, making it the holiest month of the year.
This year, Sawan has been marked by two rare and auspicious coincidences. The first is that the month began on a Monday, a day traditionally associated with Lord Shiva. The second is that there are a total of five Mondays during this Sawan, which is considered highly auspicious for devotees who observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat (Monday fast).
Sawan end date and last Sawan Somwar 2024
The sacred month of Shravan, which began on July 22, 2024, is set to conclude on the night of August 19, 2024, at 11:55 PM. This marks the end of Sawan and the beginning of the month of Bhadrapada, or Bhado. Notably, the final day of Sawan will also see the observance of the last Sawan Monday fast, which is of great significance to devotees.
Special Events on the Last Day of Sawan
The final day of Shravan is not only significant for the concluding Monday fast but also because it coincides with several important festivals. On August 19, 2024, the festivals of Raksha Bandhan, Sanskrit Day, Narali Purnima, and Gayatri Jayanti will all be celebrated. Raksha Bandhan, in particular, is a cherished festival symbolising the bond of love between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective rakhi on their brother’s wrists.
Last Sawan Somwar
The last Sawan Monday, also falling on August 19, 2024, carries great spiritual importance. Due to the loss of the Chaturdashi date of Shukla Paksha on August 18, the full moon, or Purnima, begins on August 19. With the onset of Purnima, the period of Bhadra will also begin, lasting until 1:31 PM on the same day.
For those who have diligently observed all the Sawan Somwar fasts, it is essential to perform the Udyapan, or conclusion ceremony, on the last day of Sawan. This ritual ensures that devotees receive the full spiritual benefits of their fasting and prayers throughout the month.
Sawan Monday Fast Dates 2024
July 22, 2024 – First Sawan Monday
July 29, 2024 – Second Sawan Monday
August 5, 2024 – Third Sawan Monday
August 12, 2024 – Fourth Sawan Monday
August 19, 2024 – Fifth Sawan Monday
The Spiritual Significance of Sawan
The month of Shravan is steeped in mythology and spiritual lore. According to ancient tales, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance during Shravan to win the love of Lord Shiva. This devotion is why Sawan is considered especially dear to Lord Shiva. Throughout the month, devotees offer water to Lord Shiva, believing that their prayers will be answered.
The Legend of the Churning of the Ocean
Another significant story linked to Shravan is the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, from which the deadly poison Halahal emerged. To save the world, Lord Shiva drank the poison, which turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. To mitigate the poison’s effects, the gods, goddesses, and demons offered Ganga water and milk to Lord Shiva. This event is commemorated every year during Shravan, as devotees continue to pour Ganga water on Shiva’s idol, seeking his blessings.
As Shravan comes to a close, devotees reflect on the spiritual journey of the past month, finding solace in their prayers and rituals. The concluding ceremonies and festivals bring a culmination to this deeply revered period, marking the end of a time filled with devotion, fasting, and the hope for divine blessings.
Discover the significance of the last Sawan Somwar 2024, including key dates, rituals, and the spiritual importance of Sawan ka Mahina as it draws to a close. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
