Sawan Somvaar, also known as Shravan Maas, is about to begin, and devotees of Lord Shiva are getting ready to celebrate this auspicious month. Throughout the month, followers worship Lord Shiva and pray to Goddess Parvati. Every Monday, known as Somwars, during the month of Sawan, is considered auspicious for fasting, observed by devotees as Sawan Somwar vrats. Lead actors from &TV delve into the importance of this sacred month and share their reasons for observing fasting during Sawan Somvaar. These include Preity Sahay (Kamini, Doosri Maa), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. Preity Sahay, aka Kamini from Doosri Maa, shares, “The devotees of Lord Shiva hold this month in high regard as it is extremely auspicious. According to legends, during the cosmic ocean churning, known as Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva consumed venom to retrieve the nectar called Amrit, which would save the world. To prevent the venom from harming him, Goddess Parvati held his neck, turning it blue and causing him pain and burns. To express their gratitude, devotees offer water from the holy river Ganga to soothe their wounds. Moreover, they observe Shravan Somvar Vrats, fasting on all sixteen Mondays, also called Solah Somwar vrats, during Sawan, to seek blessings from Lord Shiva for success, marriage, and prosperity, and to fulfil their heartfelt desires.”
Himani Shivpuri, aka Katori Amma from Happu ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “During this month dedicated to Lord Shiva, people observe fasts, particularly on Mondays, which are known as ‘Shravan Somvar Vrat.’ Across various regions of India, devotees dress in traditional attire and embark on the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage, carrying water pots called kanwars on their shoulders. They walk to sacred rivers, including the Ganges, to collect water and offer it to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Goddess Parvati’s unwavering devotion impressed Lord Shiva, and he granted her wish to marry him. As a result, unmarried girls fast for sixteen Mondays, hoping to find a suitable partner. They wake up during the auspicious brahma muhurta, bathe at dawn, and worship Lord Shiva by offering various items such as milk, curd, honey, sugar, sandalwood paste, Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges), and other food items.” Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Observing a fast throughout the month of Sawan is considered highly auspicious. It involves waking up early in the morning, visiting the temple of Lord Shiva, and offering a sacred mixture known as Panchamrut, consisting of milk, ghee, yoghurt, Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges), and honey, along with Bilva leaves. This practice continues throughout the revered month of Shravan. During this sacred period, fasting individuals may consume milk and dairy products, fruits, and other permissible items. Apart from worshipping Lord Shiva, fasting individuals also pay homage to Goddess Parvati, seeking a life filled with peace, prosperity, and success. It is believed that those who observe fasts on Mondays in the month of Sawan receive divine blessings.”
Immerse yourself in the divine grace of Shravan Somvaar, dedicated to Lord Shiva! Tune in to watch Doosri Maa at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
