Fasting Rituals During Shravan: Benefits and Practices

A month-long festival beginning from the 22nd of July in Northern India, and the 5th of August in the Southern states, that brings with it the opportunity for us to, 

• Introspect,

• Set our spiritual and personal goals, &

• Build healthy, lasting habits.

Shravan, a month that marks renewal, washes away all impurities of this physical realm through rains from the skies up above, waters and nurtures the crops as a life-giving source, and holds the power to absolve our sins.

The month of Shravan is strongly entangled with Lord Shiva, who is closely linked to the Moon in Hindu mythology and astrology, and the Moon is believed to be at its strongest during this month. This lunar influence is observed to heighten emotions and intuition, making it an ideal time for spiritual practices and self-reflection.

Devotees perform Pujas, Vedic rituals, and chant mantras to worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings during this time.

But still, there’s one question we all seek an answer to… Why Do We Fast During Shravan?

As we all know by now, Sawan month is dedicated to Mahadev Shiva. So it is believed that a devotee who observes the fast of Shravan Somvar, known as ‘Somvrat‘ with a sincere heart and full devotion surely receives the blessings of Shiva. Married women also keep a fast of Shiva in Shravan, known as ‘Solah Somvar‘, to make their married life happy and unmarried women for a good groom. According to an ancient tale, Maa Parvati/ Gauri observed a special fast on Sawan Somvar to win Mahadev Shiva’s hand in marriage.

To put it simply, fasting is a practice religiously followed to demonstrate our devotion to Shiva, and spiritually done to fulfill certain wishes or desires. 

But, did you know? There’s also a scientific significance of fasting during the month of Shravan!

During monsoon, our body’s metabolism lowers as it gets affected by the change in weather around us. The humidity in many parts of the country also makes it difficult for the body to digest food properly. Hence, it helps in:

Detoxification: Fasting allows the body to detoxify and eliminate accumulated toxins, leading to improved vitality. And,

Digestive Rejuvenation: By providing the digestive system with a much-needed rest, fasting supports better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Metabolic Enhancement: Short-term fasting has been linked to heightened metabolic function, which can contribute to overall health.

Mind-Body Harmony: Fasting encourages a sense of mental clarity, serenity, and heightened mindfulness.

Even consuming non-vegetarian, spicy, or oily foods during this period can have a negative impact on both the immune system and the digestive system, as they are heavy and difficult to digest. Therefore, even religiously, ‘Sattvik’ food and an easy & calm lifestyle are advised during Shravan Maas.Come to think of it, the ‘Sanatan’ way of life and the Shastras often revolve around how an individual can live a healthy and fulfilled life, leading to holistic growth, and attain, ‘Sacchit Ananda‘(true bliss).

How To Do Shravan Somvar Vrat?

The goal of fasting is to keep the body energetic, alert, and highly focused on spiritual practices.Here are 5 simple ways how you can keep fast as per your capability:

• Remove onion and garlic which are Tamsik elements from your meals for the day.
• Use Sendha Namak as an ingredient in place of regular salt in all your meals of the day.
• Only eat fruits and dry fruits throughout the day.
• Only consume natural liquids throughout the day, such as water, coconut water, and freshly pressed fruit juices with no added sugar or other substances. 
• Keep a Nir-Aahar (consume no grains, cereals/food) fast.

Spend time in introspection and meditation, enhancing your spiritual connection. Using a Rudraksha mala can aid in focusing your mind and deepening your meditation practice.

Rudraksha beads have always been treasured through yugas and centuries, cherished by sages and saints, adorned by deities and Mahadev Shiva himself.

And even in today’s time, many people seek these divine beads for their numerous benefits and power to help with day-to-day life problems like health issues, work, relationships, and personal life, by elevating an individual’s overall self and curbing the malefic effects of the nine planets (Navgrah), that affect the course of every individual’s life.

Solah Somvar Vrat: Significance and Steps

The ‘Solah Somvar Vrat‘ involves fasting for sixteen consecutive Mondays during Shravan. This vrat is believed to bring happiness in married life and is also observed by unmarried women seeking a suitable groom.

Steps to Observe Solah Somvar Vrat:

• Early Morning Bath: Begin the day with a bath and wear clean, preferably white clothes.
• Prayer to Lord Shiva: Offer prayers to Lord Shiva with sincerity and devotion. You can also perform a short ritual, using milk, water, and honey for Abhishek(ritual bathing of the deity) of a Shivalinga at home or a nearby temple.
• Chant Mantras: Recite Shiva mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
• Fasting: Follow the fasting guidelines mentioned above. Consume only Sattvik food or fruits and liquids if complete fasting is not possible.
• Visit Shiva Temple: If possible, visit a Shiva temple and offer prayers.
• Maintain Sanctity: Throughout the day, maintain a positive and spiritual mindset, avoiding negative thoughts and actions.

Nirjal Fast

A Nirjal fast is a complete fast where the devotee abstains from consuming any food and liquids for a specified period. This type of fast is considered highly strict and is typically undertaken by those with a strong spiritual resolve and devotion.

Guidelines for Niraahar & Nirjal Fast

• Preparation: Mentally and physically prepare for the fast by gradually reducing food intake in the days leading up to the fast.
• Focus on Spirituality: Engage in meditation, chanting, and reading spiritual texts to maintain focus and energy.
• Break the Fast Gradually: When ending the fast, start with light foods like fruits or liquids to ease the digestive system back to regular functioning.

Conclusion

Fasting during Shravan is a deeply spiritual practice that combines religious devotion with scientific benefits. By observing these fasting rituals, devotees not only please Lord Shiva but also promote physical health and mental clarity. The practices of Shravan Somvar Vrat, Solah Somvar Vrat, and Niraahar & Nirjal fast offer a holistic approach to achieving spiritual growth, personal fulfillment, and overall well-being during this sacred month.

Mantra Chanting During Fasting

• The Panchaakshari Mantra – OM NAMAH SHIVAYE
• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Rudra Gayatri Mantra
• Shiva Strotam
• Rudra Mantra

Story of Sawan Vrat

There was a rich man in ancient times, but unfortunately, the man had no children. The grief of this always haunted them, but both the husband and wife were Shiva devotees. Both started fasting on Monday in the worship of Lord Shiva. Seeing the true devotion of both, Mata Parvati urged Lord Shiva to fill the abandoned lap of both the childless couple.

Bholenath accepted this and with the blessings of Bholenath, a son was born in his house, but this child was an Akashvani being short-lived. This child will die at the age of 12. With this Akashvani, that person named the short child Amar. The rich man wanted to send his son Amar to Kashi for education. He along with his son Amar decided to send his brother-in-law to Kashi. Wherever he rested on the way to Kashi, he used to give donations and Dakshina to the Brahmins. On the way, they reached a city. Where a princess was getting married.

The bridegroom of that princess was one-eyed, this fact was kept hidden from the king’s family by the family members of the groom. He was afraid that if the king came to know about this, then this marriage would not take place. To avoid this, the family members of the groom requested Amar to become the groom of falsehood and he could not refuse their request. In this way, Amar married that princess, but Amar did not want to deceive that princess. That’s why he wrote all the things in the princess’s chunri(a piece of fabric in Indian traditional women’s clothing) with complete truth. When the princess read Amar’s message, she accepted Amar as her husband and waited until she returned from Kashi. Amar and his maternal uncle left from there towards Kashi. Amar, on the other hand, was always engaged in religious activities. When Amar was exactly 12 years old, he was offering bael leaves to Bhole Nath in the Shiva temple.

At the same time, Yamraj came there to take his life, but before this, Lord Shiva, pleased with Amar’s devotion, had given him the boon of a long life. As a result, Yamraj had to return empty-handed. Later Amar returned home with his wife (Princess) after receiving an education from Kashi.

Ways to Seek Mahadev’s Blessings During the auspicious month of Shravan

1- Rudraksha – To increase happiness, good luck, and prosperity on the first day of Sawan, wearing an original Rudraksha bead, combination, or mala, will be very auspicious and will increase good fortune.

“श्रावण मासे प्रदोषे च रुद्राक्षधारणं शुभम्, शिवप्रियं शिवं यान्ति मोक्षं यान्ति न संशयः”
Meaning, ‘In the month of Shravan, wearing Rudraksha during Pradosh is auspicious; it pleases Shiva, leads to Shiva, and undoubtedly grants liberation.

The Spiritual Essence of Rudraksha

Beyond the rituals lies a deeper, more personal connection with the divine. Rudraksha beads are believed to have powerful spiritual and healing properties. They are said to balance the chakras, enhance concentration, and protect the wearer from negative energies. During Shravan, the spiritual benefits of Rudraksha are amplified, making it an ideal time to incorporate these sacred beads into one’s spiritual practices.

Click To Read More About The Importance Of Rudraksha During Shravan

2- Pujas – Shravan being a month of great spiritual and devotional significance is considered holy to perform rituals and puja. Also, during this month, pleasing Bholenath is the easiest, and through pujas, one can attract Lord Shiva’s choicest blessings.

Click To Be A Part of Rudralife’s Powerful Shravan Special Mahapujas

3- Shravan Somvar Vrat – Fast on Mondays during Shravan to please Lord Shiva. Follow the fasting guidelines such as consuming only fruits, dry fruits, and natural liquids, and abstaining from Tamsik elements like onion and garlic.

4- Abhishekam – Perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sugar. Each element has its significance and is believed to purify and energize the devotee’s soul.

5- Chant Mantras – Recite Shiva mantras like the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Shiva Chalisa or the Om Namah Shivaya mantra. Repeating these mantras with devotion can help in seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings and protection. 

6- Visit Shiva Temples – Pay visits to Shiva temples, especially on Mondays. Participate in the temple rituals and seek the blessings of the deity.

7- Meditate and Reflect – Spend time in introspection and meditation to connect with Lord Shiva on a deeper spiritual level. Using a Rudraksha mala can help in focusing your mind and enhancing your meditation practice.

8- Practice Charity and Good Deeds – Perform acts of charity and kindness. Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to those in need is considered a way of pleasing Lord Shiva.

To truly embrace Shiva’s energy this Shravan, explore the divine power of Rudraksha with Rudralife. Rudralife offers a variety of Rudraksha beads, each with unique properties and benefits. Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, protection, or healing, Rudralife has the perfect Rudraksha for you. Embrace the spiritual journey with Rudraksha and feel the divine presence of Shiva guiding your path.

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The time to seek Mahadev Shiva’s blessings and become one with him is now. 

OM NAMAH SHIVAYE