Shravan Maas in 2014

Shravan Maas is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. In 2014, as per Gregorian calendar Shravan Maas will commence on 13 July and will last till 25 August 2014. During this month, on the full moon day the Shravana Nakshatra rules the sky, thus the whole month gets its name as Shravan Maas or month. The month of Shravan, often referred to as Sawan is the holiest month of the year as the entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many ancient Vedic texts speak about the importance and auspiciousness of the holy month of Shravan.

Each day of the Shravan month is considered auspicious more so Mondays (Somvars) are considered as the best days to fast and to worship Lord Shiva. Numerous festivals are celebrated during the month of Shravan such as Nag Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan and many more. It’s highly auspicious to wear Rudraksha In the month of Shravan and offer worship and do abhishekam for Lord Shiva using Bel Patra, Milk, Ganga Jal, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar, Coconut Water, Sugarcane Juice, Lotus flowers, Datura fruit and much more.

During the Shravan Month and especially on Shravan Mondays devotees throng to Shiva temples big and small to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek health, wealth and prosperity. Various Pujas such as Shravan Maas Shiv Pujan, Laghu Rudra Abhishekam, Maha Rudra Abhishekam, Shiva Mantra Japa, Maha Mritunjaya Mantra Japa are offered to Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan. During Shravan Maas, women observe fast on Mondays and recite the Shravan Somvar Vrat katha so as to find a good husband.

As per Legends it was in the month of Shravan that the Samudra Manthan took place. And it was on a Monday in the month of Shravan that Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison that emerged from the Samudra Manthan. Shravan Maas is also an excellent time to get in touch with one’s spiritual side, do meditation and Mantra Japa especially Maha Mritunjaya Mantra and the Maha Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’.

Importance of Parad Shivaling

Shivalings are always considered to be superior and Parad Shivaling is one step higher than the rest as it is made out of Siddh Parad or Mercury along with other important herbs. Unlike others, Parad Shivaling contains no other metal but only mercury. Let us now explore the importance of this special Shivaling…

Importance of Parad Shivaling

Parad Shivling is known to give us 24 Ras and fiveTatva which helps in eradicating all diseases in the human body.

A quote from SarvadarshanaSangraha states;

“A man can get crore times greater blessing by worshipping a Shiva Linga in case he worships a Parad (Mercury) Shivalinga. Poverty would never enter his house and he would never fear death during his life.”

It is believed that when you worship a ParadShivaling by following a proper procedure and belief, it helps you physically, spiritually, and even psychologically. ParadShivaling is known to protect us from natural calamities, disasters and even against the evil.

There are many holy texts that have a mention of the ParadShivaling and its benefits. According to RasRatnaSamuuchayy, it is believed that ParadShivlingis made of pure mercury and this makes it unique and leads to longevity of life, enhances prosperity and also washes away the sins.

Besides this, it is also considered that Goddess Lakshmi resides in the house of those who worship the ParadShivaling. This Shivaling also ensures that your life is in perfect harmony.

Worshipping of Parad Shivling

Here is the method to worship Parad Shivaling:

• While chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” or singing the “Maha Mrityunjaya mantra”, you need to first wash the lingam in a bowl containing clean water.
• Then wipe the lingam dry with a soft tissue.
• Follow this bath with milk and then with rose water.
• After the final bath, you need to install in a place of worship with full love and devotion.
• Apply “Vibuthi”, sandal paste and then follow it with”saffron”.
• Post this, offer the incense stick or Dhoop of Googal.
• Offer Bilva leaf and flowers to the lingam

It is believed that Rudram chants please Lord Shiva. Worshipping ParadShivaling with a pure heart is sure to yield results.