Sawan 2026 Significance: Holy Sawan is starting from July 30, know why it is dearest to Lord Shiva and the mythological stories associated with this month. The holy month of Sawan begins on July 30. Learn why it is dearest to Lord Shiva and the mythological stories associated with this month.

In the Hindu calendar and Sanatan Dharma, the month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered the most sacred, auspicious and fruitful of all the 12 months. This month dedicated to Lord Shiva is going to start from 30th July 2026 this year. Even in Skanda Purana, while describing the glory of the month of Saavan, it has been said that this month is most dear to Mahadev and by merely listening to it or worshiping in it, a person attains all the achievements and salvation. Throughout this month, amidst the torrential rains, chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ echo in the pagodas and devotees perform special rituals to please Bholenath. Let us know why this month of Saavan is special and what are the historical and mythological events related to it.

Why is water offered to Lord Shiva? (Story of churning of ocean)

According to mythology, the famous ‘Samudra Manthan’ of the universe took place in the month of Sawan. During this time, the deadly Halahal poison emanating from the churning had put the entire creation in danger, then Lord Shiva took that poison in his throat to protect the gods and demons. Due to the effect of poison, Mahadev’s throat turned blue and he was called ‘Neelkanth’. To calm down the intense heat and heat of that poison, all the Gods and Goddesses continuously offered water to Mahadev, since then the great tradition of offering water and Belpatra to Shivalinga in the month of Sawan has been going on. The basic purpose of the famous Kanwar Yatra is also linked to this mythological tradition.

Incident of penance of Mother Parvati and sage Markandeya

According to religious beliefs, Mother Parvati observed a strict fast and rigorous penance in the month of Sawan to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his better half on the auspicious occasion of Hariyali Teej. Apart from this, according to the story of Shiv Purana, Markandeya, the young son of Maharishi Mrikandu, had chanted Mahamrityunjaya Mantra uninterruptedly while sitting near Shivling in the month of Sawan. Appearing due to his devotion, Lord Shiva defeated Yamraj and gave the wonderful boon of immortality i.e. eternal life to child Markandeya.

Other major events and anniversaries related to the month of Sawan

The religious history of the month of Shravan is also associated with many other major festivals and historical events:

• Amarnath Yatra and birth of Luv-Kush: The holy Amarnath Yatra starts from the month of Ashadha and ends on the day of Shravan Purnima i.e. Rakshabandhan. Apart from this, according to mythological beliefs, Lord Ram’s sons Luv and Kush were also born on the day of Shravan Purnima in the ashram of Maharishi Valmiki.

• Celebration of Nag Panchami: Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month, in which snake deities are worshipped. On this day, Lord Krishna saved the lives of people by killing Kaliya Naag in Vrindavan.

• Tulsi Jayanti and Kalki Jayanti: According to folk beliefs, the great saint Goswami Tulsidas was born and visited Golok on Shravan Shukla Saptami, which is celebrated as Tulsi Jayanti. Besides, the arrival of the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu i.e. Lord Kalki is also considered to happen on the Shashthi of Shukla Paksha of this month.