The month of Shravan (Sawan) holds immense sanctity in Sanatan culture. It’s profoundly dear to Lord Shiva, and devotees observe special pujas, fasts, and meditations throughout this period. Shravan Somwar (Monday) holds unique significance, as it combines Shiva’s favored day with his cherished month. Lore tells of Mata Parvati undertaking rigorous fasts every Monday of Shravan to have Lord Shiva as her husband. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva accepted her as his consort. This narrative powerfully conveys the strength of resolve, concentration, and unwavering faith in achieving one’s goals.
A deeper connection lies between Monday, the Moon, and our mind. From a Vedic perspective, the Moon is the presiding deity of the mind – as stated, “Chandrama Manaso Jatah,” meaning the Moon originated from the cosmic mind. In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), the Moon governs human consciousness and emotions. Monday is dedicated to the Moon God. Lord Shiva is also known as Someshwar because he bears Soma (the Moon) on his forehead. The crescent moon adorning Shiva’s head symbolizes the profound truth that the mind’s restlessness and instability can find stillness in the refuge of a great yogi like Shiva, which is also fundamental to Indian Sonic Philosophy. Through devotion to Shiva and the resonance of mantras, the human mind balances the Moon’s influences, dispelling negative impurities.
Mental Well-being and the Influence of Sound
The psychological impact of Shravan Somwar’s rituals, fasting, and meditation is remarkable. Lord Shiva, known as Yogeshwar, is the lord of meditation and samadhi. Engaging in his worship helps clear negative emotions from the practitioner’s mind and enhances inner strength. According to Indian Sonic Philosophy, practices like mantra chanting, meditation, and Rudrabhishek intensify the quality of meditation through sound and vibration. This accelerates the practitioner’s inner journey and mental vigor.
On a spiritual level, these observances strengthen self-discipline and willpower. Regular worship reduces stress and anxiety and enhances concentration. Modern psychology corroborates that prayer and meditation decrease stress hormones and balance mood-enhancing hormones like dopamine and serotonin, leading to feelings of peace and positivity. Thus, Shravan Somwars offer a unique opportunity for both spiritual awakening and mental well-being, demonstrating the profound capability of our ancient traditions to offer solutions for contemporary mental health challenges.
Natural Science and Ancient Wisdom
There’s also a deep scientific rationale embedded in Shravan Somwar traditions. This month falls amidst the monsoon season, a time of heavy rainfall, humidity, and fluctuating environmental conditions that significantly impact the body. Both Ayurveda and modern science indicate that digestive power weakens during the rainy season. Reduced sunlight and increased humidity slow down the digestive fire (Jatharagni), making it difficult for the body to process heavy or oily foods effectively. Furthermore, waterborne diseases and infections spread rapidly during this time.
Ancient sages, keenly aware of these natural circumstances, established specific dietary and lifestyle regulations. Fasting during Shravan is one such practice. Observing fasts or consuming light, sattvic (pure) food allows the digestive system to rest and the body to detoxify itself. This also helps protect the body from unnecessary pollutants, as vegetables and grains are more susceptible to contamination during monsoon. Notably, leafy green vegetables are often avoided in Shravan; this is because initial monsoon rains can carry harmful bacteria and parasites onto them. The traditional practice of offering milk to Shiva during this period was a wise measure, considering potential purity concerns of milk in the rainy season. This reflects a scientific understanding veiled in religious practice to ensure public well-being.
The offering of Bilvapatra (Bael leaves), highly revered by Lord Shiva, is also scientifically invaluable as a medicinal herb. Its compounds help alleviate common monsoon ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and bloating – essentially, bael is a natural remedy for the rainy season. This signifies a remarkable integration of ecology and health within Shravan’s religious rituals, where sages interwove the science of nature with the faith of devotion.
Modern research also praises the benefits of fasting, including improved metabolism, enhanced brain health, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This confirms that the empirical knowledge of our ancestors stands strong against the scrutiny of modern science.
