Spiritual activities during Shravan Maas

Shravan Maas

• Fasting during this entire month is considered very auspicious. Waking up early morning, visiting the Shiva temple, and offering a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, gangajal, and honey also known as Panchamrut along with Bilva leaves is a must. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this time.
• It is said that one who worships Lord Shiva during this, experience major changes in life. Performing the Rudram Chamkam puja is extremely beneficial for a healthy, prosperous and wealthy life.
• People who are ill or going through critical life threatening situations such as diseases or other health issues, perform the Maha Mrityunajy puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in their lives. This puja is so powerful that it lengthens the lifespan of devotees and saves from life threatening circumstances.
• The Mangal Gauri Vrata, which is regarded as one of the most rewarding Vratas or fasts is done during this month of Shravan Maas.
• The Rudraksh which is symbolic to Lord Shiva is considered very auspicious as well. Devout devotees of Lord Shiva make sure to wear a Rudraksh during this time of the year to please him. Devotees also do japa with Rudraksh mala to please Lord Shiva.
• Fasting on all Shravan somvar, especially for unmarried women who are seeking a good husband is also very popular.
• The literal meaning of the word "Shravan" means "to hear". It is said that during this pious month, all devotees should listen to religious and spiritual discourse, noble words and sermons.
• Chanting the Shiva Mantra Chanting the Shiva mantra is highly fruitful in pleasing Lord Shiva.

  Om vande dev uma pati surguru vande jagatkaaranam l Vande pannagbhooshan mrugdhar vande pashoona pathim ll Vande surya shashank vahni nayan vande mukundpriyam l Vande bhakt jana-ashraya ch varadam vande Shiv-Shankaram ll

• Chanting the Maha Mrutyunjay Mantra, during this time is very important.

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra

• Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam|Urwarukmivbandhanaan Mrityormuksheey Maamritaat||
• Following Eka Bhukta Bhojan or having a one single meal in a day or Nakhtha Vratam ie, fasting during the day and having prasad or fruits at night is highly rewarding and meritorious.

Some pujas to be performed in shravan month:

Rudrabhishek

When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama, he lay the foundation to the establishment of the Shiva Linga at Rameswaram, before crossing the sea. He performed the Rudrabhishek to seek blessings and express his devotion to Lord Shiva.

According to Vedic texts, Rudrabhishek, ie, worshipping Shiva in his Rudra or angry form is considered the greatest pooja of all times. It can help one attain prosperity and fulfill all desires.

Performing this puja includes offering the Panchamrut, ie, a mixture of milk, sugar, honey, ghee, Gangajal, yogurt, bilva leaves, dhatura and other sacred items which are dear to Shiva, while continuously chanting "Om Namah Shivay". This puja is especially done to wash away one's sins or paap and for bringing prosperity, peace and happiness in one's house.

This is considered one the most difficult puja in Hindu faith. Each step in this puja has certain significance:

• Jal or water Abhishek: Forcuring fever
• Dudh or Milk Abhishek: For fulfilling all your wishes
• Ghee or clarified butter Abhishek: For Vansh Vistaar
• Milk with sugar Abhishek: Forintelligence
• Mustard oil Abhishek: For destroying enemies
• Honey Abhishek: For destroying sin.
• Cow milk Abhishek: For a long life
• Sugarcane juice Abhishek: For wealth
• Sugar and water: For good health of son

This puja is performed once in a lifetime, to get the blessings of Lord Shiva in your life. It is considered the best remedy for all problems in life and to remove any negative effects of planets in birth chart and for success. Procedure of Rudrabhishek..To know more......

I have a keen interest in Religion and Mythology. My favorite past time is to research and find out all the dark and weird secrets our ancestors had. I also work for a religious and spiritualism promoting website www.rgyan.com