Shravan mas/mahina is the holiest and extremely auspicious month for Hindus. According to Hindu calendar, it is the fifth month. The star called Shravan rules the sky in this entire month; hence the month is called as Shravan. The month is full of religious festivals and ceremonies and all the days of this month are auspicious.For 2008, it starts from 2nd August and ends on 30th August.

Each day of Shravan mahina is dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. Shravana Somvar, each Mondays of this month are especially dedicated in Lord Shiva’s worship. These days are considered as the most auspicious time to pray Lord Shiva and also the best time of the year to buy Rudraksha. People fast on these days, visit temples, worship Shiva with flowers, fruits, milk, holy water, incense and bel leaves.

Shravana Mas and Lord Shiva and the Myth Behind
The myth says that at the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of oceans) that happened in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of gems came out from the ocean. Thirteen of which were distributed among the Asuras (demons) , except the poison ‘Halahal.’ Shiva drank this poison and stored it in his throat. Hence the name ‘Neelkantha’ (neela-blue, kantha-throat)is attributed to Lord Shiva.

In order to combat the strong effect of this deadly poison, Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head and then all the Gods started offering Ganges water to Him to lessen its effect. This is the reason why devotees offer Ganges water to Lord shiva in this month.

It is said that Lord Shiva saved mankind by drinking the poison ‘Halahal.’ So, since the day of Samudra Manthan, Mondays of Shravan month are especially dedicated to Shiva’s worship in compare to other Mondays of other months.

Shravan Weekdays and their Significance
Each day of Shravana month has its own ritual with a special significance as different Gods and Goddesses are worshiped on different days.

Monday: Monday is dedicated in Lord Shiva’s worship.
Tuesday: The day is dedicated in Gauri (Lord Shiva’s wife) worship especially by women for the wellbeing of their families.
Wednesday: Wednesday is dedicated in Vithala’s (form of Vishnu or Krishna) worship.
Thursday: This day is dedicated in Lord Buddha and Guru’s worship.
Friday: The day is dedicated in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Tulsi.
Saturday: The day is dedicated to Saturn (Shani).
Sunday: Sunday is dedicated in Sun God’s worship.

Festivals in Shravan Month
Shravana month is full of festivals and this is the reason why it is called as the holiest month of a year. Here is a list of festivals that fall in this month.

Naga Panchami
Hindola or Swinging
Kalkyavatara
Putradaikadashi
Shravani Purnima
Pavitraropana
Raksha Bandhan
Vara Lakshmi Vrata
Rishi Panchami
Sitala Saptami
Janmashtami
Ajaikadasi
Pithori
Pola