Shravan Amavasya is a significant day in the Hindu calendar that falls on the day of the new moon (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Shravan, which typically falls in July or August.

Shravan Amavasya holds particular importance because it falls during the holy month of Shravan, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shravan is believed to be a month of devotion, fasting, and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. Many Hindus observe various religious activities and rituals during this period.

On Shravan Amavasya, devotees often visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and offer prayers and offerings. They may also engage in special rituals like fasting, performing Rudrabhishek (a sacred bath of Lord Shiva’s idol with water, milk, and other offerings), and chanting prayers and mantras.

Additionally, Shravan Amavasya is associated with paying homage to ancestors and performing ancestral rituals. Many people perform Tarpan (a ritual of offering water and prayers to ancestors) on this day to seek their blessings and show gratitude.

Overall, Shravan Amavasya holds great religious and spiritual significance for Hindus, particularly those who follow the Shaivism tradition and have reverence for Lord Shiva. Interestingly Shravan Amavasya is also known as Hariyali Amavasya.

So, let’s get to know more about the Date, Puja Vidhi, and Significance of Shravan Amavasya 2023.

Shravan Amavasya 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings

This year, Shravan Amavasya will be observed on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Shravan Amavasya Tithi Starts: 11:38 p.m, July 16, 2023
Shravan Amavasya Tithi Ends: 01:31 p.m, July 18, 2023

Find Out When is Shravan Purnima 2023, which is Also Known as Narayali Purnima

Significance of Shravan Amavasya

Shravan Amavasya holds several significances in Hindu culture. Here are some of the key aspects associated with the observance of Shravan Amavasya:

Devotion to Lord Shiva

The month of Shravan is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that by offering prayers, fasting, and performing rituals on Shravan Amavasya, they can seek the blessings and grace of Lord Shiva.

Participate in Rudrabhishek During Sawan Maas

Auspicious for Ancestral Worship

Shravan Amavasya is also a time when people perform rituals to honour and pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that by performing Tarpan (ancestor rituals), individuals can express their gratitude, seek blessings from their forefathers, and ensure their well-being in the afterlife.

Spiritual Cleansing and Purification

The new moon day (Amavasya) is considered significant for cleansing and purifying oneself. It is believed that observing fasts, engaging in spiritual practices, and performing rituals on Shravan Amavasya can help eliminate negative energies, purify the mind and body, and promote spiritual growth.

Importance of Fasting

Many individuals observe fasting on Shravan Amavasya as a way to purify the body and mind and to demonstrate their dedication to Lord Shiva. Fasting is believed to have spiritual and health benefits, and it is seen as a means to increase self-discipline and focus on spiritual pursuits.

Associated Festivals

In some regions of India, Shravan Amavasya is celebrated as a festival such as Hariyali Amavasya or Bheemana Amavasya. These festivals involve rituals, fasting, and community gatherings where people come together to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Find More About Hariyali Amavasya

Overall, Shravan Amavasya is considered a propitious time for religious and spiritual practices. It provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their devotion, seek divine blessings, honour ancestors, and purify themselves on a spiritual level.

Find Out How to Perform Amavasya Puja

Shravan Amavasya 2023 Religious Rituals

Sawan/Shravan Amavasya holds significant importance as the monsoon season begins in the month of Shravana, bringing lush greenery and rejuvenation to the land. People experience a sense of relief and cheerfulness during this time. On this day, various rituals are observed, which are as follows:

In the morning, take a bath in a sacred river, lake, or pond. Offer Argh (water offering) to the Sun God and perform oblations (Tarpan) for your ancestors.
Fast and make donations to the needy, intending for the peaceful afterlife of your forefathers.
Worship the Peepal tree and circumambulate around it.
Planting trees like Peepal, Banyan, Lemon, Banana, Basil, etc., is considered auspicious on Shravana Amavasya, as these trees are believed to be inhabited by divine beings.
Planting trees on specific Nakshatras (lunar constellations) such as Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Rohini, Mrigashira, Revati, Chitra, Anuradha, Mool, Vishakha, Pushya, Ashwini, Shravana, Hasta, etc., is considered virtuous and auspicious.
Feed flour balls to fish in nearby rivers or ponds. Also, offer flour or sugar to the ants near your home.
Visit a nearby Hanuman temple on Sawan Hariyali Amavasya and recite the Hanuman Chalisa (a hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman). Offer vermillion (Sindoor) and Jasmine oil to Lord Hanuman as a gesture of devotion.

These rituals and practices on Sawan Amavasya blend spirituality, environmental consciousness, and reverence for ancestors, creating a meaningful observance during the auspicious month of Shravana.

Mythological Legends Behind Shravan Amavasya

There are several legends associated with Sawan Amavasya, also known as Shravan Amavasya. One of the popular legends is the story of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) found in Hindu mythology.

According to the legend, the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) decided to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality known as Amrit. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope.

During the process, various divine beings and objects emerged from the ocean. One of the significant items that surfaced was the poison known as Halahala, which was incredibly toxic and had the potential to destroy the entire universe.

To save the universe from the destructive effects of the poison, Lord Shiva came forward and drank the Halahala poison. However, instead of swallowing it, he held it in his throat. As a result, his throat turned blue, earning him the name “Neelkantha” (the one with a blue throat).

Sawan Amavasya is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva consumed the poison. To alleviate the burning sensation caused by the poison, devotees offer cool substances such as milk, bael leaves, and water to Lord Shiva on this day. It is considered an act of reverence and gratitude towards Lord Shiva for his selfless sacrifice.

This legend highlights the significance of Sawan Amavasya and Lord Shiva’s role in preserving the universe. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the willingness of Lord Shiva to bear the burdens of the world for the sake of its well-being.

Benefits of Observing Shravan Amavasya Vrat

Observing Shravan Amavasya, or any religious observance, is believed to bring several benefits on various levels, including spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some potential benefits associated with observing Shravan Amavasya:

Spiritual Growth: Engaging in religious rituals and practices during Shravan Amavasya is believed to promote spiritual growth and deepen one’s connection with the divine. It provides an opportunity to devote oneself to spiritual pursuits, seek blessings from deities, and enhance one’s spiritual journey.
Ancestral Blessings: Performing Tarpan (ancestor rituals) on Shravan Amavasya is considered a way to honour and seek blessings from ancestors. It is believed that by acknowledging and showing gratitude to one’s forefathers, individuals can receive their blessings, guidance, and protection.
Cleansing and Purification: Participating in fasting, bathing in sacred waters, and engaging in spiritual practices on Shravan Amavasya are seen as acts of purification. They help cleanse the mind, body, and soul, releasing negative energies and promoting inner harmony.
Strengthening Family Bonds: Observing Shravan Amavasya often involves gathering with family members to perform rituals and prayers together. This fosters a sense of unity, strengthens family bonds, and promotes a feeling of togetherness.
Environmental Consciousness: Planting trees and caring for the environment on Shravan Amavasya is considered auspicious. By actively participating in activities that benefit the environment, individuals contribute to the preservation of nature, promoting ecological balance, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet.
Generosity and Compassion: Many people use Shravan Amavasya as an opportunity to perform acts of charity and donate to the less fortunate. By practising generosity and compassion, individuals cultivate virtues such as empathy, kindness, and selflessness.
Emotional Healing: Engaging in religious practices and connecting with one’s faith during Shravan Amavasya can provide solace and emotional healing. It offers a space for introspection, reflection, and seeking inner peace.

It’s important to note that the benefits of observing Shravan Amavasya can vary based on personal beliefs and the sincerity of one’s devotion. Ultimately, the observance of Shravan Amavasya provides Devotees with an opportunity for spiritual growth, connecting with traditions, and cultivating positive qualities in their lives.

Learn about the Religious Benefits of Fasting on Amavasya

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