The month of Shravan (also known as Sawan) is one of the most important months in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that worshipping Shiva during this month brings peace, blessings, and spiritual strength.
In 2025, the month of Shravan begins on July 11 and ends on August 23, according to both North and South Indian calendars. During this time, people fast, visit temples, chant mantras, and try to lead a more disciplined and spiritual life. One powerful tool that can help during this month is the Shiv Mala, a sacred Rudraksha mala used for chanting and meditation.
What is the Shiv Mala?
A Shiv Mala is a string of beads made using Rudraksha, the sacred bead believed to have originated from Lord Shiva’s tears. These beads are worn around the neck or used in the hand while chanting mantras. The Shiv Mala usually contains 108 beads, which is a very important number in Hinduism and spiritual practices.
Each bead represents a repetition of a mantra or prayer. Chanting with the mala helps keep the mind focused and calm. It also helps increase the power of your prayers and improves your connection with Lord Shiva.
Why 108 Beads?
The number 108 is not random, it holds deep meaning in spirituality. It is believed that there are 108 energy points in the human body that connect to the heart. Others believe that chanting a mantra 108 times helps purify the mind and bring discipline. The Shiv Mala helps you count those 108 repetitions without distraction.
Types of Rudraksha in a Shiv Mala
Most Shiv Malas are made with a 5 Mukhi Rudraksha, and in some special malas, a 1 Mukhi Rudraksha is added as the main (Guru or Meru) bead.
🔷 1 Mukhi Rudraksha—The Most Sacred Bead
- The 1 Mukhi (one-faced) Rudraksha is the rarest and most powerful Rudraksha.
- It represents Lord Shiva in His purest form.
- It is said to help a person reach a higher state of awareness, clarity, and peace.
- It brings focus, spiritual growth, and freedom from worldly attachments.
- Because of its strong energy, it is usually used as the Guru (Meru) Bead in a Shiv Mala—the bead from where the chanting starts and ends.
Note: Due to its rarity, 1 Mukhi Rudraksha is not available everywhere and must be sourced from trusted places only.
🔷 5 Mukhi Rudraksha—The Most Common and Powerful for Daily Use
- The 5 Mukhi (five-faced) Rudraksha is the most widely used and easily available Rudraksha.
- It represents Kaalagni Rudra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva who burns away negativity and ignorance.
- This Rudraksha promotes mental peace, good health, and spiritual awareness.
- It is ideal for daily use, chanting (japa), and meditation.
- Most Shiv Malas contain 108 beads of 5 Mukhi Rudraksha and are suitable for anyone, from men and women to even children.
How to Use the Shiv Mala During Shravan
Using a Shiv Mala during Shravan is very simple and deeply rewarding. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose a quiet place, preferably after a bath, and sit facing east.
- Hold the mala in your right hand. Use your thumb and middle finger to move the beads. Avoid using the index finger.
- Start from the bead next to the Guru (Meru) Bead (larger or different bead in the mala).
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra on each bead.
- After completing 108 chants, stop at the Guru (Meru) bead; do not cross it. If you wish to continue, reverse the mala and begin again.
Doing this every day during Shravan, especially on Mondays, can help you feel more peaceful, focused, and spiritually connected.
Rituals and Practices to Do During Shravan
Shravan is the best time to deepen your devotion. Some key practices you can follow include
- Fasting on Mondays (Shravan Somwar)
Many devotees observe fasts on Mondays during Shravan to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Some eat only once a day or follow a fruit-based diet. - Performing Rudrabhishek
This is a special Shiva puja where the Shivling is bathed with water, milk, honey, ghee, and curd while chanting Vedic mantras. It is believed to remove bad karma and bring peace and prosperity. - Chanting Powerful Shiva Mantras
Mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra are especially effective during Shravan. Chanting them daily brings strength, protection, and calmness.
How to Take Care of Your Shiv Mala
To keep your Shiv Mala spiritually strong and physically clean, follow these simple steps:
🔹 Clean It Monthly
Wash it gently with water. Use a soft brush and a few drops of almond or sandalwood oil to maintain its shine and quality.
🔹 Energize the Mala
Touch the mala to a Shivling and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 11 times. You can also perform a small Rudrabhishek for it.
🔹 Keep It Sacred
- Do not let others wear or use your mala.
- Keep one mala for wearing and one for chanting.
- Remove the mala while drinking alcohol, eating non-veg food, or attending funerals.
- Women can wear it during their periods; there is no restriction for them.
What Makes Shravan So Spiritually Powerful?
- It is believed that during Shravan, Lord Shiva opens his heart to devotees.
- Prayers and chanting done during this time are said to be 1000 times more powerful.
- It is the best time to begin or deepen your spiritual routine, including meditation, chanting, fasting, or wearing Rudraksha.
- The energy in nature also supports healing and spiritual growth during this time.
Conclusion: Why You Should Use a Shiv Mala This Shravan
Using a Shiv Mala is not only a ritual, it’s a spiritual habit that helps you stay grounded, focused, and positive. It keeps your mind calm and reminds you to stay connected with the divine, especially during the powerful month of Shravan.
If you haven’t used a Shiv Mala before, Shravan is the perfect time to start. It doesn’t require big changes; just a few minutes daily with the mala can make a big difference in your energy and mindset.
May Lord Shiva bless you with strength, peace, and spiritual enlightenment this Shravan.
Om Namah Shivaya 🙏
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