The holy month of Shravan holds a special place in Hindu tradition, with millions of devotees dedicating the period to worshipping Lord Shiva through fasting, prayers, and spiritual practices. According to astrologer Gauri Jain, Shravan derives its significance from both mythology and astrology, making it one of the most auspicious times of the year for inner growth.

“The month of Shravan (Sawan) is considered spiritually powerful due to both mythological and astrological reasons,” she said.

Explaining the mythological significance, Gauri traced the origins of the month to the story of the Samudra Manthan. “Mythologically, it is associated with the Samudra Manthan, when a deadly poison (Halahala) emerged and Lord Shiva consumed it to save the universe, becoming Neelkanth,” she said.

She added that this divine act is also the reason devotees offer water and milk to Lord Shiva during Shravan. “Devotees therefore offer water and milk during this month to soothe and honor him,” she said.

Beyond mythology, Gauri believes astrology also plays a key role in making the month spiritually significant. “Astrologically, Shravan coincides with the Sun’s transit in Cancer (Karka Rashi), a water sign ruled by the Moon, which enhances emotions, intuition, and inner reflection,” she said.

She also pointed out that the monsoon season symbolises cleansing and renewal. “The monsoon season further symbolizes purification and renewal,” she said.

According to her, these energies together create the ideal environment for spiritual practices. “Together, these factors make Shravan an ideal time for fasting, meditation, chanting, and devotion, as spiritual efforts are believed to give deeper and faster results,” she said.

Talking about practices that can bring peace, prosperity, and protection during Shravan, Gauri recommends keeping things simple and consistent. “Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ (108 times) and offering water or milk to a Shivling, along with Bel Patra, are among the most powerful practices,” she said.

She believes discipline in everyday life is equally important. “Observing Monday fasts and maintaining a satvik lifestyle, pure vegetarian food, lighting a diya, and cleansing the space with dhoop or camphor help protect against negative energies,” she said.

Acts of charity also hold spiritual importance during this period. “Donating food, rice, or helping the needy supports prosperity flow. Overall, Shravan is about devotion, discipline, and inner purification, where even small sincere efforts give powerful results,” she said.

When it comes to chanting mantras, Gauri says there are a few that hold special significance during the holy month. “During Shravan, the most powerful mantra is ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, the Panchakshari mantra of Lord Shiva. ‘Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra’ is highly effective for health, healing, and protection from fear or unexpected challenges,” she said.

Another powerful chant, according to her, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. “‘Jai Jai Girivar Raj Kishori’ is a devotional chant dedicated to Goddess Parvati,” she said.

Explaining its significance, she added that Goddess Parvati’s own penance during Shravan makes the chant especially meaningful. “Its significance lies in the fact that Parvati performed intense penance during Shravan to attain Lord Shiva, so chanting her praise helps improve relationships and fulfil heartfelt desires,” she said.

Not everyone, however, is able to observe fasts or perform detailed rituals. For such devotees, Gauri says spirituality can still be practised through simple lifestyle changes.

“Try to be a little more patient, avoid anger and negativity, eat light and clean food, and do one small act of kindness each day, like helping someone or feeding animals,” she said.

Even devotional music can help cultivate the right mindset. “Listening to calming music or devotional songs can also create peace of mind. The essence of Shravan is not complexity, but becoming a better, calmer, and more aware version of yourself,” she said.

Gauri also shared a few simple do’s and don’ts for observing the holy month. “Keep Shravan simple, chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ for a few minutes daily, eat clean and light, maintain personal and mental cleanliness, practice gratitude, help others, and spend some quiet time in prayer or meditation,” she said.

“Don’t force fasting or rituals if they affect your health, and avoid alcohol/intoxicants. Shravan is about sincere devotion and mindful living, not perfection in rituals. Solah Somvar Vrat is traditionally considered especially significant for those seeking marriage or relationship harmony,” she said.

She added that unmarried individuals, those facing delays in marriage, or couples experiencing challenges often observe the vrat as a prayer to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. “It is also associated with strengthening love, commitment, mutual understanding, and marital harmony,” she said.

Explaining how the vrat is observed, Gauri said it is traditionally begun on a Monday during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, though customs may differ from region to region.

“On the first Monday, after bathing, take a sincere sankalp to observe the vrat for 16 Mondays and pray to Shiva-Parvati for your specific intention, especially marriage, relationship harmony, or a suitable life partner,” she said.

“Traditionally, devotees may observe a full fast or take one simple sattvic meal. Most important: The vrat is about sankalp, devotion and consistency,” she said.

Finally, Gauri emphasised that Lord Shiva’s blessings during Shravan are not restricted to any particular zodiac sign. “Lord Shiva’s worship during Shravan is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their zodiac sign. Shravan is a spiritually powerful period for prayer, meditation and self-purification,” she said.