This month is known by different names across India, though it refers to the same period on the lunar calendar:

• North India: Called Sawan or Shravan Mahina. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana follow this name and the Purnimant calendar.
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Called Sravana Masam (Telugu calendar), following the Amavasyant calendar.
• Karnataka: Called Shravana Masa (Kannada calendar), also on the Amavasyant calendar.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa: Called Shravan Mahina, following the same Amavasyant calendar as the Telugu and Kannada regions.
• Tamil Nadu: This period overlaps with the Tamil month of Aadi. Varalakshmi Vratham is locally known as Vara Lakshmi Pooja.

Note: These dates follow the Amant and Purnimant calendar systems, which differ by region.

Fridays are the most important day in Sravana Masam for worshipping Sri Maha Lakshmi. Women observe Varalakshmi Vratham on a Friday, usually the second Friday of the month or the Friday just before Purnima.

Mondays in Sravana Masam are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Married women observe Mangala Gowri Vratham on Tuesdays during Sravana Masam.

During Sravana Masam, Goddess Lakshmi’s grace is believed to overflow in abundance. This is why the month is dedicated to her worship. Tuesdays and Fridays are already significant days for worshipping the Divine Mother, and observing them during Sravana Masam is considered even more powerful.

Why Lord Shiva Is Worshipped During Sravan Month

As per ancient scriptures, the Samudra Manthanam (churning of the sea) took place during this month. Gods and demons worked together to churn the ocean, using Sumeru Parvatha as the churning rod and the snake Vasuki, which circles Lord Shiva’s neck, as the rope. This churning brought up many invaluable gems.

At the end, poison (Halahal) emerged, one strong enough to destroy everything. Neither the gods nor the demons could handle it. Lord Shiva stepped in and drank the poison, holding it in his throat. This turned his throat blue, giving him the name Neelkanth (Blue Throat). Because Lord Shiva saved everyone this way, the month is considered highly auspicious.

The following rituals are observed during Sravana Masam for the blessings of Lord Shiva:

• Fasting on Mondays: Devotees fast during the Sawan month or specifically on Sravana Somavaram (Mondays).
• Temple visits: Devotees visit a Lord Shiva temple daily after bathing and offer Panchamrutha Abhishekam to the Shiva Linga.
• Bilva Patra offerings: Bilva leaves are offered to the Lord.
• Mantra recitation: Devotees recite the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, Lingastakam, and Shiva Namasmarana as many times as possible.
• Month-long fasting: Some devotees fast for the entire month and make daily offerings to Lord Shiva.

• Varalakshmi Vratham: Mainly observed by married women, for the wellbeing of the family and especially the husband. Many women begin performing it in the first year of marriage. In some traditions, it can be performed by any woman with devotion, regardless of marital status.
• Mangala Gowri Vratham: Mainly observed by newly married women, usually for the first five years after marriage, for the husband’s health and wellbeing. It is performed on all Tuesdays of Sravana Masam.
• Sravana Somavaram fasting: Open to all devotees of Lord Shiva, both men and women, who wish to observe Monday fasts during the month.

Is Sravana Masam auspicious?

Yes. As per Hindu scriptures, Sravana Masam is very auspicious. Many Hindus fast for the whole month and worship Goddess Lakshmi.

What are the main festivals celebrated during Sravana Masam?

Rakhi Pournami, Nagula Panchami, Varalakshmi Vratham, Sravana Somavaram, Mangala Gowri Vratham, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, and Polala Amavasya are the most popular festivals in Sravana Masam.

Is Sravana Masam good for housewarming and marriages?

Yes, Sravana Masam is generally auspicious for housewarming, marriages, and other functions. But if Adhika Masam or other inauspicious days fall within it, those specific days are not good for marriages, gruha pravesham, or other events.

Why do we celebrate Sravan month?

On the Purnima day of Sawan month, Sravana Nakshatra is the ruling star, which is why the month is called Sawan Mahina or Sravana Masam. The month is also connected to the arrival of the South-West monsoons. According to Hindu mythology, the Samudra Manthanam (churning of the sea) took place during this month.

Which masam comes after Sravana Masam?

Bhadrapada Masam comes after Sravana Masam.

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