The month of Sāvan has arrived. It started yesterday, 11 July 2025, in the Gregorian Calendar.

Considered the most auspicious month in the Sanatan tradition, Sāvan or Shrāvan Mās, is the fifth month of Vikram Samvat. Spiritually, this month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the God of Gods, Devadhi Dev. He is, therefore, also called Mahadev.

Lord Shiva is benevolent and Compassionate. He gulped down deadly poison “Halāhal” which emerged as a result of the churning of the celestial sea of milk (“Ksheer Sāgar). The churning was conducted by demigods and devils.

Everyone was worried as the Halāhal was deadly and not be left unattended. To save humanity from the deadly effects of poison, Lord Shiva offered to drink it. The poison was intense and hot in its effect. Lord Shiva also felt its severity. Lord stopped the poison in his neck, which became blue because of the severe poisonous nature of Halāhal. It is because of His blue nape that Lord Shiva was called “Neelkanth”.

Siva became restless because of the heat of the poison Halāhal. He was calmed down by Goddess Parvati by pouring a large quantity of cold water on him. Shravan mās is considered His month.

The story of churning tells us that to achieve the desired thing, one must “churn” with honesty and diligence. It does not necessarily yield the desired result, but persistence will ultimately lead to results, along with other benefits.

The month of Sāvan is the season of rains. Monsoon is active and bringing respite from the scorching heat. Socked Earth wears a green stole. Every part of the earth is covered with eye-soothing green cover. The streams, ditches and ponds filled with pluvial waters become the breeding place of many animals, notably amphibians.

Sāvan is regarded as auspicious and is the month of devotion, prayer, oblation and fasting. Mondays falling in this month are especially auspicious. Monday (Somvār) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit Shiv temples to offer water, milk and floral oblation. The religious city of Varanasi is seen laden with deep religious fervour and devotion. People from all over India visit this city to offer their devotion to Shiva. The city is full of people.

Varanasi, described as Kashi scriptures, is believed to be the eternal city, situated on the trident of Lord Shiva. It is considered mandatory to visit Kashi and offer holy water of Ganga Ji to Shiva at the holy temple of Kashi Vishwanath.

The rainy season of Sāvan is important not only because of its religious importance, but it also has some economic reasons. Principally an agrarian society, Indian agriculture is mainly dependent on the Monsoon. The rain-fed area of the fertile Gangetic plains thrives on rainwater. Farmers start working in their fields, planting paddy in waterlogged fields.

It is difficult to grade seasons. Every season is great and important, as they play a vital role in moving the vast life-sustaining system. They break monotony, bring harmony and joy, besides being pivotal in feeding animals and humans alike with the bounties they offer.

Every season is an occasion to thank the Almighty for His endless bounties and blessings. O Amighty! I bow to thee. Be kind to us.

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