All About Shravan Month 2019

Shravan Maas 2019 Dates and Days Calendar

Shravan maas is most auspicious month in Hindu Calendar. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. People believe that shravan is best time to please Lord Shiva. All Mondays or Somwar which fall during Shravan month are considered highly auspicious for fasting and known as Shravan Somwar Vrat. Many devotees observe sixteen Mondays or Solah Somwar fasting from first Somwar of Sawan maas.

North India Shravan Mass Calendar

Shravan Month Dates for Northern States of India, which include, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarnchal, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttrakhand, This region follows Purnimant calendar (the month begins with the Purnima or the full moon).

• Thursday, 18 July - Start of Shravan(Sawan) Maas
• Monday, 22 July - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Monday, 29 July - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Tuesday, 30 July - Shravan Shivratri
• Saturday, 3 August - Hariyali Teej
• Monday, 5 August 2019 - Naga Panchami
• Monday, 5 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Monday, 12 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Thursday, 15 August - End of Shravan(Sawan) Maas / Raksha Bandhan

South India Shravan Calendar

Shravan Month Dates for Southern and Western States of India, which include, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This region follows Amavasyant calendar (the month begins from Amavasya or the New Moon).

• Friday, 2 August - Start of Shravan(Sawan) Maas
• Saturday, 3 August - Hariyali Teej
• Monday, 5 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Monday, 5 August 2019 - Naga Panchami
• Friday, 9 August - Varalakshmi Vrat
• Monday, 12 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Thursday, 15 August - Narali Purnima
• Sunday, 18 August - Kajari Teej
• Monday, 19 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Monday, 26 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
• Friday, 30 August - End of Shravan(Sawan) Maas
• Sunday, 1 September - Hartalika Teej

The Holiest Month

Shravan Maas is the 5th month of the Hindu calendar. This entire month is dedicated to the worshipping of Lord Shiva and praying to him during this time pleases him very much. A lot of people observe fast the entire Sawan Month and pray to the Shiva Lingam every day. They also organize various puja and other ceremonies to please Lord Shiva and to get his blessings.

Shravan Purnima or the full moon day in Shravan maas is coincides with the Nakshatra or birth star of Lord Vishnu or Shravan Nakshatra and is therefore called Sawan Maas. In this month each Somvar or Monday is called Shravan Somvar and is considered highly auspicious. All Mondays in Shravan month are celebrated in Lord Shiva temples. A Dharanatra is hung over the Shiva Lingam filled with Holy water and milk, to continuously bathe the lingam, throughout the day and night. Lord Shiva devotees then offer Bilva leaves, holy water and milk and flowers, also known as Falam toyam and Pushpam patram to the Shiva Lingam every Monday throughout Sawan Month. Devotees fast until sunset and the Akhand Diya burns throughout this time.

Spiritual activities during Shravan Maas

Shravan maas is most auspicious for spiritual activities. Devotees performs may spiritual and devotional activities during this holiest month. Here is some must follow spiritual activities you should follow during this shravan maas.

Must Do Spiritual Activities of Shravan

1. Fasting during shravan maas is considered very auspicious. Waking up early morning, visiting the Shiva temple, and offering a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, gangajal, and honey also known as Panchamrut along with Bilva leaves is a must. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this time.
2. It is said that one who worships Lord Shiva during this, experience major changes in life. Performing the Rudram Chamkam puja is extremely beneficial for a healthy, prosperous and wealthy life.
3. People who are ill or going through critical life threatening situations such as diseases or other health issues, perform the Maha Mrityunajy puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in their lives. This puja is so powerful that it lengthens the lifespan of devotees and saves from life threatening circumstances.
4. The Mangal Gauri Vrata, which is regarded as one of the most rewarding Vratas or fasts is done during this month of Shravan.
5. The Rudraksh which is symbolic to Lord Shiva is considered very auspicious as well. Devout devotees of Lord Shiva make sure to wear Rudraksh during shravan maas to please him. Devotees also do japa with Rudraksh mala to please Lord Shiva.
6. Fasting on all Shravan somvar, especially for unmarried women who are seeking a good husband is also very popular.
7. The literal meaning of the word "Shravan" means "to hear". It is said that during this pious month, all devotees should listen to religious and spiritual discourse, noble words and sermons.
8. Chanting the Shiva mantra during shravan maas is highly fruitful in pleasing Lord Shiva.
   Om vande dev uma pati surguru vande jagatkaaranam l
   Vande pannagbhooshan mrugdhar vande pashoona pathim ll
   Vande surya shashank vahni nayan vande mukundpriyam l
   Vande bhakt jana-ashraya ch varadam vande Shiv-Shankaram ll
9. Chanting the Maha Mrutyunjay Mantra, during this time is very important.
   Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam|
   Urwarukmivbandhanaan Mrityormuksheey Maamritaat||
10. Following Eka Bhukta Bhojan or having a one single meal in a day or Nakhtha Vratam ie, fasting during the day and having prasad or fruits at night is highly rewarding and meritorious.

You may like: Shravan Maas Rituals

Each Day Spiritual Significance of Shravan Maas

1. Monday: is the day to worship Lord Shiva.
2. Tuesday: women worship Gauri for the better health of their family.
3. Wednesday: is dedicated to Vithala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
4. Thursdays: are for worshiping Buddh and Guru.
5. Friday: For worshiping Lakshmi and Tulsi.
6. Saturdays: are for Saturn (Shani Dev). These days are also known as Shravan Saturdays or Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays) as one can pray for obtaining wealth.
7. Sundays: are for the Sun god. Sun worship was common practice in the Vedic period and it is followed even now. Especially in Shravan, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped.

Perform Rudrabhishek During Shravan Maas

When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama, he lay the foundation to the establishment of the Shiva Linga at Rameswaram, before crossing the sea. He performed the Rudrabhishek to seek blessings and express his devotion to Lord Shiva. According to Vedic texts, Rudrabhishek, ie, worshipping Shiva in his Rudra or angry form is considered the greatest pooja of all times. This puja is more auspicious during Shravan maas. It can help one attain prosperity and fulfill all desires. 

Performing this puja includes offering the Panchamrut, ie, a mixture of milk, sugar, honey, ghee, Gangajal, yogurt, bilva leaves, dhatura and other sacred items which are dear to Shiva, while continuously chanting "Om Namah Shivay". This puja is especially done to wash away one's sins or paap and for bringing prosperity, peace and happiness in one's house. This is considered one the most difficult puja in Hindu faith. Each step in this puja has certain significance:

Types of Rudrabhishek and their Significance

1. Jal or water Abhishek: Forcuring fever
2. Dudh or Milk Abhishek: For fulfilling all your wishes
3. Ghee or clarified butter Abhishek: For Vansh Vistaar Milk with sugar Abhishek: Forintelligence
4. Mustard oil Abhishek: For destroying enemies
5. Honey Abhishek: For destroying sin.
6. Cow milk Abhishek: For a long life
7. Sugarcane juice Abhishek: For wealth
8. Sugar and water: For good health of son

This puja is performed once in a lifetime, to get the blessings of Lord Shiva in your life. It is considered the best remedy for all problems in life and to remove any negative effects of planets in birth chart and for success.

Procedure and Steps of Rudrabhishek Puja

1. Place Shiva Lingam facing north, while one sits facing west, sitting on an asana made of wool or kusha.
2. Smear bhasma or holy ash in three horizontal stripes on forehead.
3. The devotee are supposed to wear Rudraksh beads during this puja Sprinkle water on oneself.
4. Remember Lord Ganesha, one's Guru and Parents.
5. Bath Shiva Lingam with water and offer Panchamrit while chanting "Om Namah Shivay"
6. Offer dhoop and incense
7. Offer flowers
8. Chant Eeshan mantra
9. Burn camphor
10. Chant gayatri mantra and Surya mantra 3 times each
11. Chant Maha mrityunjay mantra with rudraksh mala
12. Finally bow in salutation to Lord Shiva

You should read: Must chant shiva mantras in Shravan maas

Maha Mrityunjaya Puja During Shravan Maas

Performing Maha Mrityunjaya Puja in Shravan maas; one can achieve long and healthy life. Lord Shiva is considered the one of the main deities in Hinduism. Shravan Month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. According to the Vedas, Lord Shiva is renowned for his strong powers which his devotees admire. It is said that one who worships him, experience major changes in life. As per ancient mythology, he is the "giver" also known as "Trayambaka Deva" or the three-eyed God. He is also called Mahadev or one of the three Supremes. He is "the destroyer", who removes all evil from the world. Worshipping lord Shiva through the Maha Mrityunjay Yagna can help one overcome various troubles in life.

As the name itself suggests that this Puja has the ability to save one from critical situations in life, even death. This puja has the ability to save one from life threatening vibes. 

Why should one perform Maha Mrityunjaya Puja?

People who are ill or going through critical life threatening situations such as diseases or other health issues, perform this puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in their lives. This puja is so powerful that it lengthens the lifespan ofdevotees and saves from life threatening circumstances.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

“Om tryambakkamyajamahey, 
Sugandhim pustivardhanam,
Urvaarokameva bandanaan,
Mrityormooksheya maamritaat”

Maha Mrityunjay mantra is one of the most powerful ancient mantras originating from the Rig Veda. It is a mantra that has many forms and names. It is a form of Rudra mantra, ie, it worships the furious side of Lord Shiva. It is done to ensure a long and healthy life of the devotee or get rid of any prolonged sickness. People have experience miraculous effect after organizing and performing this puja

You may like: Shravan maas shiva mantras

Items needed for Maha Mrityunjaya Puja

1. Gangajal, ghee, curd, honey, sugar, cow's milk, janeu or the sacred thread, white cloth, tulasi and bilva or bel leaves, dhatura, betel nuts, bhang, rice and sandalwood paste.
2. Other items required include incense, lamps, fruits and flowers, sweets, and sacred red and white thread.

Procedure of Maha Mrityunjaya Puja

1. This puja starts by chanting Maha Mrityunjay mantra 108 times with jaap mala.
2. Flowers are then offered to the Shiva Lingam, and abhishek of Lord Shiva is done with milk and water.
3. Water is then poured from a pot on the Shiva Lingam while performing Sankalp.
4. Lord Shiva is then worshipped with 5 items, bel leaves, water, incense, lamp and fruits.
5. Finally havan is performed at the end of the jaap puja.

Benefits of Maha Mrityunjay Puja

1. This puja destroys evil effects and influences in your life.
2. Conquers and wards off untimely death.
3. Ensures health and prosperity (sukh-samridhi) in one's life.
4. Pleases and seeks blessings of Lord Shiva.
5. Creates a kavach or guard around one's family, protecting it from all evils.
6. Brings harmony in relationships.
7. All sins are cleaned after chanting this mantra.

This mantra is not just used during the puja, it can be chanted anytime during day or night or even when one is about to sleep. It improves focus and concentration, and also brings mental peace and harmony. A person should concentrate on the center of his forehead between the eyes, also known as the third-eye position, and chant this mantra. One can slowly feel an awakening in this area and positive energy will surround him.

"Om Namah Shivay"

Things to do during Shravan Maas

Shravan Mass is synonymous with religious festivals and events. It is the considered a very auspicious time for conducting any Puja or other religious ceremonies and all days of this month are considered very prosperous. Shravan Purnima or the full moon day in the month of Shravan is coincides with the Nakshatra or birth star of Lord Vishnu or Shravan Nakshatra and is therefore called Shravan maas. In this moth each Somvar or Monday is called Shravan Somvar and is considered highly auspicious.

Things to do during the Shravan Month

1. Devotees fast to please Lord Shiva: Fasting during this entire month is considered very auspicious. Waking up early morning, visiting the Shiva temple, and offering a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, ganga jal, and honey also known as Panchamrut along with Bilva leaves is a must. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this time.
2. Fasting on all Shravan somvar, especially for unmarried women who are seeking a good husband.
3. As Rudraksh is symbolic to Lord Shiva, wearing the Rudraksha is considered very auspicious as well. Devout devotees of Lord Shiva make sure to wear a Rudraksh during this time of the year to please him.Devotees also do japa with Rudraksh mala to please Lord Shiva.
4. Offering Panchamrut, bilva leaves, gangajal, dhatura, along with Honey or sugar and Bibhuti to Lord Shiva is considered very auspicious.
5. The Mangal Gauri Vrata is also done by married women during this month for the health and prosperity of their households.
6. Chanting the Shiva mantra during shravan maas is highly fruitful in pleasing Lord Shiva.
   Om vande dev uma pati surguru vande jagatkaaranam l 
   Vande pannagbhooshan mrugdhar vande pashoona pathim ll 
   Vande surya shashank vahni nayan vande mukundpriyam l 
   Vande bhakt jana-ashraya ch varadam vande Shiv-Shankaram ll
7. Chanting the Maha Mrutyunjay Mantra, during this time is very important.
8. Following Eka Bhukta Bhojan or having a one single meal in a day or Nakhtha Vratam ie, fasting during the day and having prasad or fruits at night is highly rewarding and meritorious.

You may like: Shravan maas rituals

The Do's and Don’t's of Shravan Maas

What to Do?

1. Do fast during this entire month. Fasting during this entire month is considered very auspicious. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this time.
2. Do wake up early morning, visiting the Shiva temple, and offering a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, gangajal, and honey also known as Panchamrut along with Bilva leaves is a must.
3. Do take a sankalp while fasting. Dedicate yourself to perform this Vrata in your best ability.
4. Do Shiva worship or Puja twice every Monday.
5. Do chant the Maha Mrutyunjay Mantra during this time.
6. Do wear Rudraksh as it is considered very auspicious.
7. Do read the Shravan SomwarVrata Katha on Mondays. This katha is symbolic to Lord Shiva's journey from life to eternity.
8. Do chant Om Namah Shivaythe whole time while fasting.

What not to Do?

1. Don't eat meat or consume alcohol during this pious month.
2. Don't shave during this month.
3. Don't break your fast in between. Once started, breaking the fast in between is considered very inauspicious.

Why do we Fast during Shravan Maas?

The full moon day also known as Shravan Poornimain the month of Shravan is coincides with the Nakshatra or birth star of Lord Vishnu or Shravan Nakshatra and is therefore called Shravan Maas. Duringthis month every Monday is called Shravan Somvar Vrat and is considered auspicious. All Mondays in Shravan month are celebrated in Lord Shiva temples.

IMP. TIPS: Things to do during Shravan Month, Spiritual activities during Shravan Maas

A Dharanatra is hung over the Shiva Lingam filled with Holy water and milk, to continuously bathe the lingam, throughout the day and night. Shiva devotees then offer Bilva leaves, holy water and milk and flowers, also known as Falam toyam and Pushpam patram to the Shiva Lingam every Monday. Devotees fast until sunset and the Akhand Diya burns throughout this time.

This period is considered very auspicious to the devotees of Lord Shiva and almost everyone of them will be fasting either for the whole month or at least every Mondays of the Shravan.

Legend behind Shravan Maas

As per ancient Hindu mythology the Samudra manthan or the churning of the sea was the joint effort of the Gods (Devatas) and the demons (Danavas).According to age old legends, the holy month of Shravan was the one during which the Gods and Demons decided to churn the ocean to decide who among them was the strongest. This was done to please Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. And also so that she would reward them with the nectar from the ocean. The Gods and demons had agreed to share the nectar equally among themselves. Snake Vasuki, who is depicted on Lord Shiva's neck, and Sumeru Parvat were used for the manthan.

It is said that 14 kinds of pious things came out of the ocean. An innumerable amount of gems and jewels along with the poison (Halahal) came out of the sea. But the demons and the Gods were unsure of what to do with the poison, as it had the ability to destroy everything. Lord Shiva then came to the rescue and stored this poison in his throat, which became blue. Hence earning the name Neelkanth. Lord Shiva gave life to everyone in this world by drinking the destructive poison, this is why this entire month is dedicated to him and is considered very auspicious.

The impact of this poison was so strong that Lord Shiva had to wear a crescent moon of his head and all the Devatas or Gods started offering him the holy water from the river Ganges, so that poison is tamed. As these events took place during this month, that is why this month is considered highly propitious.

Shravan month is also important as three days are also considered highly auspicious, the Shravan Mangalvar or Tuesdays in this month, Shravan Shukrawar or Fridays during this month, and Shravana Shaniwar of Saturdays during this month. Newly married girls, also perform the Mangala Gauri Vrata on Tuesdays during this month to avoid bad and negative omens. On Shravan Shukrawar or Fridays of this month Varalakshmi Vratam is observed by married ladies and during Saturdays or Shravan Shaniwar Lord Vishnu also know as Lord Balaji or Lord Venkatesh is worshipped by devotees.

Why do we fast during Shravan Maas?

- Shravan Maas is consideredvery auspicious to the devotees of Lord Shiva and almost everyone of them will be fasting either for the whole month or at leastevery Monday of the Shravan Maas. Taking an early morning bath and chanting "Om Namah Shivay" with Rudrakshbeads nine or one hundred and eight times.

- Fasting during this entire month is considered very auspicious. Waking up early morning, visiting the Shiva temple, and offering a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, gangajal, and honey also known as Panchamrut along with Bilva leaves is a must. One can have milk and milk products, fruits and other fasting approved items during this time.

- Fasting on all Shravan somvar, especially for unmarried women who are seeking a good husband.

- According to Hindu mythology, worshipping Shiva is considered 108 times more powerful during this time than any other time of the year.

- Those who fast during this time, are blessed with happiness and prosperity along with the pleasures of the world.

- Following Eka Bhukta Bhojan or having a one single meal in a day or Nakhtha Vratam ie, fasting during the day and having prasad or fruits at night is highly rewarding and meritorious.

Shravan Somvar Vrat

Mondays of holiest Shravan maas is known as Shravan somvar. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As Lord Shiva loves to be worshiped on Mondays; Shravan somvar is considered very auspicious. It is believed that in this month Bholanath fulfils all the wishes of his devotees. It is also believed that on Shravan Mondays, the people who worship Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati simultaneously receive a boon of good fortune and there is no financial hardship in the life of such people. Regular worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on all Shravan somvar keeps his grace and continues to be happy in a married life.

If a person is not getting married and facing obstacles for his/her marriage, then such people should definitely observe Shravan somvar vrat. The devotees get married soon after the grace of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. This vrat also helps to receive life partner.

You should read: Important dates of Shravan 2019

Shravan Somvar Vrat Dates in 2019

Shravan somvar vrat Dates for Northern States of India, which include, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand.

Thursday, 18 July - Start of Shravan MaasMonday, 22 July - Shravan Somvar VratMonday, 29 July - Shravan Somvar VratMonday, 5 August - Shravan Somvar VratMonday, 12 August - Shravan Somvar VratThursday, 15 August - End of Shravan(Sawan) Maas

Shravan somvar vrat Dates for Southern and Western States of India, which include, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Friday, 2 August - Start of Shravan Maas 
Monday, 5 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
Monday, 12 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
Monday, 19 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
Monday, 26 August - Shravan Somvar Vrat
Friday, 30 August - End of Shravan(Sawan) Maas

You must read: Must do rituals of Shravan Maas

Shravan Somvar Vrat Vidhi

First of all, you have to decide what type of fast to observe on Shravan somvar? There are three types of fasting on Monday.

1. Shravan somvar vrat: Keeping fast only on Shravan somvar
2. Solah somvar vrat: Keeping fast on sixteen Mondays starting from first Monday of Shravan.
3. Mildly Pradosh Vrat

The methods of fasting are same for all types. It is considered auspicious to start this fast on first Shravan somvar. Here is some important vrat vidhi to perform on this Shravan somvar;

1. On Shravan somvar, you should wake up before sunrise. Complete all your morning routine like cleaning the house, bathing and etc.
2. After the bath, spray the Ganga water in the entire house.
3. Establish the statue of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati in the temple or on a clean place. If the idol or photo is already there, then clean it.
4. After preparing, chant this mantra: 
   ‘Nam kshemasthairyavijayaarogyaishvaryaabhivrddhayarthan somavratan karishye' 
   (मम क्षेमस्थैर्यविजयारोग्यैश्वर्याभिवृद्धयर्थं सोमव्रतं करिष्ये)
5. Then meditate this mantra- 
   ‘ध्यायेन्नित्यंमहेशं रजतगिरिनिभं चारुचंद्रावतंसं रत्नाकल्पोज्ज्वलांग परशुमृगवराभीतिहस्तं प्रसन्नम्। 
   पद्मासीनं समंतात्स्तुतममरगणैर्व्याघ्रकृत्तिं वसानं विश्वाद्यं विश्ववंद्यं निखिलभयहरं पंचवक्त्रं त्रिनेत्रम्॥ 
   (Dhayyanayanthyamheshe rajatgirinibhun charuchandravatantas ratnakalpojjalang parashumrgvarabhihastan prasannam. 
   Padmasinam Samanitantamnagarabragratitratna vasanan vishvadanya vishwvandya nikhilbhayrahan panchkakta trenetram)
6. After meditation, worship Lord Shiva with chanting ' Om Namah Shivaya' and Maa Parvati with chanting 'Om namah shivaayai'.
7. After the worship, listen to vrat katha and then do aarti.
8. Donate Prasad and follow swastik diet for all the day.

You should read: Shiva Mantras to chant on Shravan Mass

Shravan Somvar Vrat Katha

In Amarpur town, there was a wealthy merchant; who had no lack of money and also people respected him in the society. But he was very unhappy; as he had no children. He is often upset about the fact that he has no children. Who will take care of his property after leaving? He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He worshiped him on every Monday with obeisance and lit the lamp in the temple in the evening.

On seeing the devotion of that merchant, Parvati told Lord Shiva on one day- 'O Prananath, this merchant is your true devotee. He is doing regular fast and worships you on Monday for a long time. God, you must fulfil his wish.’

Lord Shiva said that man gets the fruits according to his deeds. But Parvati did not agree and said that you must fulfil the wish of this devotee. Lord Shiva accepted with Maa Parvati and said that ‘I will give him a boon of having a son; but his son will not survive for more than 16 years.’

On the same night, Lord Shiva gave a boon to the merchant in his dream and gave him a boon for a son and told him about the survival of his son for 16 years. The merchant was pleased with the boon of God, but the anxiety of the son's short life destroyed that happiness. He continued to fast on Monday as usual. A few months later, the beautiful son was born in his house. The celebration of son's birth was celebrated with great pomp.

The merchant was not happy with the birth of the son. As he know the secret of the child's short life. This secret was not known to anyone in the house. His son was named Amar; means immortal. When Amar was 12, he sent him to Kashi to get education with his uncle. Mama and Amar came out for Varanasi. Where Amar and his uncle reached, they donated the poor.

At the time they reached in the city, the wedding ceremony of the princess of the city was going on. The groom was a one eyed person. But this thing was not known to the princess and her family. The groom's parents kept this secret hidden. The groom's parents were afraid that if their son came in front of the princess, their pole would open and the marriage would be broken. So they were searching an unknown person in the city. Coincidentally they met Amar and asked him to become face groom for shake of their pride.  Amar accepted the request and became a groom and got married with the princess.

Amar did not want to hide the truth from the princess; so he wrote all the truth about the groom and his family. The Princess was surprised to read that letter. Then she decided not to go with the prince. The princess told Amar that she is his wife and she will wait here till he completes his education.

Amar want to Kashi for his education; still he never missed somvar vrat. Specially on shravan somvar; he worshiped Lord Shiva with complete dedication and donate prasad to poors. Time went on growing; when  Amar was 16 years old, Yamraj stood in front of him. But Yamraj had to return empty handed. Because before this; Lord Shiva gave him a boon to long life due to his devotion and noble deeds.  As he was observed 16 somvar vrat starting from shravan somvar with proper manner and devotion. After getting his education in Kashi, Amar returned home with his wife and the family started living happily.

Mangala Gauri Vrat: Mangala Gauri Puja, Vrat Katha and Benefits

Mangala Gauri Vrat for a Happy Married Life

Shravan Mangala Gauri Vrat or Mangala Gauri puja is regarded as one of the most rewarding Vrats or fasts. It is performed during the month of Shravan Maas. It is an important Vrat observed by married and unmarried women in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and a few communities of Maharashtra. This vrat is performed for a long life of husband and a happy married life. It is observed on Tuesdays or Shravan Mangalwar during the Shravan Maas (the month of July-August).

This puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati or Gouri, with the intent that Goddess Gauri will bless the household with prosperity, good health, and marital bliss. This vrat is performed by women during the first five years of marriage.

You may like: Shavran Maas Rituals

Mangala Gauri Vrat Dates in 2019

Mangala Gauri Vrat Dates for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar

1. Tuesday, 23 July 2019
2. Tuesday, 30 July 2019
3. Tuesday, 06 August 2019
4. Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Mangala Gauri Vrat Dates for Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

1. Tuesday, 06 August 2019
2. Tuesday, 13 August 2019
3. Tuesday, 20 August 2019
4. Tuesday, 27 August 2019

You may Like: Important Dates of Shravan Maas 2019

How to perform the Mangala Gauri Vrat?

The procedure for Mangala Gauri Vrat varies from region to region. Here are the things required to perform the puja:

Puja Samagri

1. Idol of Goddess Parvati or Gauri or 5 pyramids made from turmeric powder
2. Kalasha
3. Jaggery or Gur
4. Rice
5. Cotton or flower mala or garland
6. Red flowers
7. Fresh coconut in broken in half
8. Cloth folded like a pyramid
9. Assorted fruits

You must read: Spiritual activities during Shravan Maas

Mangala Gauri Vrat Procedure

Mangala Gauri avahan, Ganpati avahan mantra, Avahan mantra for all Gods and Goddess, Story and Aarti of Goddess Gauri, dhyaan, pushpanjali, and homam are performed in sequence. Special puja dedicated to Goddess Parvati is performed on Shravan Mangalwar and women dress up in traditional attire complete with mangalsutra, bangles, vermilion or sindoor, and flowers. This symbolic to staying a married women for their entire lives. The puja is done to ask for Goddess Parvati's blessings for a good married life, and a prosperous household.

10 Benefits of Mangala Gauri Vrat

1. Ensures a healthy and prosperous household.
2. Blesses women with a happy and content married life.
3. Protects from blood related diseases
4. Minimizes the ill effects of the planet
5. Mars on one's astrological horoscope
6. Wins over lawsuits and enemies
7. Finishes loans and brings wealth
8. Manglik dosha in girls is also reduced by this vrat
9. Grants peace of mind Unmarried women are blessed with good husbands when they performed this vrat
10. Spiritual and material life both see great improvement when this fast is observed

You may Like: Things to do during Shravan Maas

Mangala Gauri Vrat Katha

The story goes: A very long time ago, there lived a merchant named Dharampal. He was very wealthy and had a beautiful wife. But they were very unhappy as they didn't have any children. By a lot of puja and the grace of God, his wife gave birth to a son, but he was short-lived as he was cursed to die of snake bite by the time he turned 16. He was married before he turned 16 and was fortunately saved by his wife whose mother observed the Mangala Gauri Vrat. The girl's mother, because of her vrat, was blessed by a daughter who would never face widowhood. Hence, Dharampal's son was saved and got a life of 100 years. Thus, all women observe this puja for a long and healthy life of husband.