K.A.Viswanathan

 

In Hindu calendar Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Whole month is considered auspicious to seek blessing of Lord Shiva. Devotees keep various fasts during Shravan month to please Lord Shiva.

 

Shravan month is also known as Sawan month in North Indian states. All Mondays or Somwar(s) which fall during Shravan month are considered highly auspicious for fasting and known as Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar Vrats. Many devotees observe sixteen Mondays or Solah Somwar fasting from first Somwar of Sawan month. This month is considered as the holiest month of the year as it comes with innumerable religious festivals like Nag Panchami, Raksha Bhandan, Amar Nath yatra and Krishna Janmashtami. 

 

All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Tuesday's fasting during Shravan month is known as Mangal Gauri Vrat. Sawan Shivaratri and Hariyali Amavasya are other auspicious days during Shravan month.

 

At the 74 year old Sri Bhuvaneshwar Shiva temple at Matunga, on every Monday the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Lord Shiva is decorated with Ghee, pulses, fruits, flowers , dry fruits and finally Ice on the final day depicting Kailash Parbhat. Another temple nearby Shri Sankara Mattam also celebrate and do pooja to Shiva Linga every Monday with Bilwa leaves .