THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING DURING SHRAVAN: A SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE
Shravan, a month deeply associated with Lord Shiva, is a period when many cultures across India encourage fasting. Shiva devotees typically fast on the four Mondays of this month, while those who worship Goddess Parvati observe the 'Mangal Gauri Vrat' on Tuesdays.
Why Fast During Shravan?
Fasting during Shravan serves multiple purposes, both spiritual and practical:
- Spiritual Significance:
Fasting is a form of prayer and devotion to Lord Shiva, especially during Sawan Shivratri. It helps in taming our inner desires and animalistic tendencies, bringing a sense of calm and discipline.
The Hindi word for fasting, upvas, symbolically means coming closer to oneself. This practice deepens meditation and spiritual connection, bringing devotees nearer to the divine.
- Health Benefits:
During the monsoon season, our body's metabolism slows down due to the change in weather and increased humidity. This makes digestion more challenging. Fasting gives the digestive system a break, allowing the stomach and intestines to rest and recuperate.
- Environmental Harmony:
By fasting, the fauna around us is allowed to grow and thrive, aligning our practices with the natural world.
Why is Consuming Non-Veg Food Discouraged?
Lord Shiva, also known as Pashupatinath (the lord of all animals and living beings), is revered during this time. Consuming non-vegetarian food is discouraged as it involves taking the lives of beings dear to him, particularly during the holy month of Shravan.
The Avoidance of Onion and Garlic
While avoiding onion and garlic during Shravan might seem purely religious, there are practical reasons behind this practice:
Health Concerns: Onions and garlic are layered vegetables that grow below the soil. During the monsoon, rainwater can cause bacteria to seep deep into these layers, making them potentially harmful to consume.Embrace the spiritual essence of Sawan Shivratri and the entire Shravan month by incorporating devotional attire such as a Hanuman T-shirt, Ganesh T-shirt, Krishna T-shirt, Ganpati T-shirt, Anjaneya T-shirt, Krsna T-shirt, Lord Krishna T-shirt, or a Hindu T-shirt into your daily wear. To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here! These can enhance your connection to the divine and make your fasting experience even more meaningful.
Fasting during Shravan is not just a religious practice but a holistic approach that nurtures both the body and soul, while fostering a deeper connection with Lord Shiva and the natural world.
[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]
| SAWAN SHIVRATRI | LORD SHIVA | HINDU T SHIRT | SHIVJI T SHIRT | HANUMAN T SHIRT | GANESH T SHIRT | KRISHNA T SHIRT | RAM T SHIRT | BAJRANG BALI T SHIRT | HINDU |
~Mimansa Sharma