“The story of Shiva-Sawan goes back to the tale of Samudra Manthan mentioned in the Vishnu Puranas. According to the Saka calendar which is officially followed by the Government of India, the month of Sawan is the fifth month in chronology.”
- How are Lord Shiva and the month of Sawan related?
- Stories in Popular Culture.
SHIVA-SAWAN: The God Of Gods
The story finds mention in the Vishnu Purana in the form of Samudra Manthan. All the Asuras and Devas gathered to churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality. In the process of churning the ocean for “Amrit” many celestial beings such as Kamdhenu (Cow), Airavat ( Elephant), gemstones along with Halahala (poison) came out.
This poison had the potential to destroy the entire existence. Someone had to consume it in order to safeguard the world from destruction. When the message reached Shiva Sawan, he, without giving a second thought drank the poison to protect the world. Goddess Parvati, who was nearby, grabbed Shiva’s neck in order to protect him from the poison. After the incident, his neck turned blue hence the name “Neelakantha”. The effect of the poison still continued and all the devtas decided to offer water from the holy river Ganges.
This story is believed to have taken place in the month of Sawan or Shravana. The devotees in order to reduce the effect of the poison carry Gangajal during their Kanwar yatra to offer it to Bholenaath in the pious
Legends associated with Sawan
It is believed that whoever worships Lord Shiva in this month, all of their wishes come true. There is a story in Shiv Purana about a merchant who wanted a child out of his wedding. He prayed to Lord Shiva to fulfill his desires.
Goddess Parvati after looking at the reverence of the devotee asked Lord Shiva to fulfill his wish. Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati that, even if he fulfills his wish, the child will only live for 12 years. Goddess Parvati kept on insisting and Shiva finally agreed. The child succumbed to an untimely death when he was 12.
Goddess Parvati again asked Shiva to grant him a new lease of life. The boy went on to live a happy and healthy life afterward. It is therefore believed that, if someone prays with devotion in their heart to Lord Shiva, all of their sufferings will end and their wishes will be fulfilled.
