Anupama Garg
(Author:The Tantric Curse)
Shishya of Baba Batuknathji
Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. It is considered the most auspicious month of the Hindu year. The name Shravan is derived from “Shravan Nakshatra.” Nakshatras relate to an arrangement of a group of stars in a particular fashion. According to Vedic astrology, ear/footprints are considered as the symbol of Shravan Nakshatra. The arrangement of stars is visible in the night sky. The three footprints are linked to the story of Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu who is the ruling deity of this Nakshatra.
Shravan translates to ‘hearing’, and therefore this Nakshatra is considered to be of listening (being receptive) and learning. It is also the birth star of Devi Saraswati, and hence is a month to gain knowledge and be a good listener. Listening is an art and a good listener is a good learner. The ancient Indian education system aimed towards the development of the internal and the external aspect of a student. The Brahmachari stage of one’s life was a dedicated to acquiring knowledge and travelling (chari) far and wide to attain it. However the month of Shravan was not conducive to travel due to rains and reptiles. During the month of Shravan students were required to stay in the ashram and engage in the process of ?hravan. It meant students had to learn by listening intently to the teacher or Guru.
Shravan month is in the monsoon season when sunlight is reduced making the digestive function sluggish. The prescribed fasts in this month lead to reduced food intake which boosts the immunity system. Water borne diseases spread rapidly in this month and consuming non-vegetarian food is prohibited to avoid infections. Further this month is also known as month of love and is the breeding period of many animals hence killing and eating is prohibited.
Shravan maas is dedicated to Lord Shiva and all Mondays of Shravan month are celebrated as Shravan Somwar in Lord Shiva’s temples. Devotees keep a fast either on Monday (Somwar vrat) or on Tuesday (Mangal Gauri Vrat) dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
According to the Puranas the month of Shravan is associated with the Samudra Manthan.The devtas and the Asuras participated to churn the ocean to obtain various celestial possessions and Amrit (nectar of immortality). However Halahala, the deadly venom which had the ability to destroy the entire creation also emerged from the ocean bed. To save the universe Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat which turned his neck blue. As a gesture of gratitude, his devotees offer water from the river Ganga to reduce the effect of Halalahal.
Somvar(Monday) is governed by Som (moon) and symbolises the mind. Moon is adorned by Lord Shiva on his head. Lord Shiva is believed to discipline the mind of spiritual seekers and hence is worshipped on Somvars.
Important Hindu festivals falling in this month are Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Naag Panchami and Teej.Varalakshmi Vrata and prayer to Goddess Mahalaxmi are offered on the Friday preceding the Shravan Purnima (full moon day).
This month is filled with an energy which, when directed inwards can unleash a process of learning, self transformation, consuming and destroying traits that are detrimental for us.
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