The nature scorched by the scorching heat of summer satisfies its thirst in Shravan, the earth dances in green attire and the devotees immersed in devotion say loudly - Bam Bam Bhole. All the seasons have their own special significance for maintaining the ecological cycle and its balance. But from the spiritual point of view, Shravan has a different significance in Sanatan Dharma. According to the Hindu calendar, Shravan is the fifth month of the year. This month is considered to be dedicated to the God of Gods, Mahadev.

According to mythological beliefs, the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) happened in the month of Shravan due to the demons' desire to attain immortality. According to Shiva Purana, during Samudra Manthan, along with other substances, the dreadful poison Halahal was also produced, which could have posed a terrible threat to the universe. To save the universe from this terrible threat, Mahadev drank this poison. Due to this poison, Mahadev's throat turned blue and he is also called Neelkanth. Due to the effect of Halahal poison, Mahadev's body started generating heat like thousands of volcanoes and Mahadev also seemed to be disturbed.

Then, to give him relief, the deities performed Jalabhishek of him with water. Even today, the Kanwar Yatra held across the country is a symbol of this Jalabhishek. In the month of Sawan, lakhs of people in India perform Jalabhishek of Mahadev with the water of Ganga ji. Amrit Kalash was also produced from this Samudra Manthan which happened in the month of Shravan, and it was in the month of Shravan that all the three worlds received Amrit.

According to Sanatan Dharma, Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Harishayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, is celebrated on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. On this day, Lord Vishnu gives the charge of operating the universe to Mahadev and goes into Yog Nidra for four months (Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik), which is called Chaturmas. During this time, the operation of the universe is in the hands of Lord Shiva. Shravan month also comes in Chaturmas, and in Shravan, the operation of the universe is in the hands of Lord Shiva. This is also one of the many reasons why Shravan month is considered to be a month dedicated to Shiva.

In the month of Sawan, the water Abhishek of Lord Shiva is considered as Rudrabhishek. Lord Shiva is pleased with the Rudra Abhishek of Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan and all the wishes of the person are fulfilled. According to astrology, Rudra Abhishek provides relief from Vish Yog, Kalsarp Dosh, etc. and brings happiness, prosperity and wealth.

This article is written by Rajeev Aacharya, Astrologer, International Sanatan Dharm parishad nyas ujjain.