Sawan, the Month of Ultimate Devotion
Sawan, the Month of Ultimate Devotion
‘Devotion’ is a beautiful word. It comes from the Latin word, devovēre, meaning ‘to vow, to make a solemn pledge or promise. So, a devoted person completely surrenders himself to the service of God. And Sawan is the month of such ultimate devotion.
This holy month is the most pious month for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Due to their devotion, they consciously choose to worship Lord Shiva in this Sawan month and their devotion is fueled by endless love. They believe that Lord Shiva will bless them with prosperity and everlasting happiness. As a result, nothing can stop devotees from expressing their deep adoration for Mahadev during Sawan.
Unwavering Love for Lord Shiva
During the holy month, many devotees endure immense hardship by going on an annual pilgrimage to seek His blessings. The pilgrimage, that has been suspended this year due to COVID-19, is very challenging. Devotees collect water from River Ganga and offer at Shiva temples. They visit various places, including some really difficult terrains, like Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, to fetch water.
Walking barefoot with kavads (special vessels with Holy Water from The Ganges) on their shoulders, devotees move towards their destination ignoring the excruciating physical pain. Their profound devotion gives them such great endurance. By undertaking this arduous journey, they show their unwavering love for Lord Shiva. It seems that devotees have become akin to Lord Shiva and He is filling them with courage.
It is their devotion that pushes them beyond physical limits to serve their Lord Shiva. It is a festive dedication of their whole self to Him. The prayerful devotion also manifests itself through their Satvic lifestyle and daily prayers. Many devotees practice fasting on Mondays or even for the entire month. They seek to be near Lord Shiva, persevere and spend time in prayers and meditation.
The Month of Receiving Blessings
Scriptures say that Lord Shiva can be pleased quickly and Sawan is the best month to please Him. Further, He can be pacified by anyone and so one of His names is ‘Ashutosh’- one who is pleased very quickly. His devotees belong to all castes and creeds and walks of life. Lord Shiva loves all and fulfills their wishes.
He fulfils the materialistic desires of worshippers by bestowing the choicest blessings upon them. He blesses the simple-hearted with religious zeal, grants peace to pious devotees, and connects with seekers who meditate on Him.
Devotion is the Answer to all Questions
Life is all about change. We always face questions like what to do in life, which direction to choose, what choice should we make, what should we do for a living, how to meditate regularly, etc. These are just some of the many questions that we face in our day-to-day life and will continue to face. But where can the answers be found?
Devotion is the answer here. God guides His devotees to follow the appropriate path and make the right choices in life. For this inner awakening and guidance, we need to ask Him with full devotion and for the same purpose devotees choose this month of Sawan.
They sit before Lord Shiv and pour out their heart in His Holy presence and seek His blessings. And being ‘Bholenath’ He fulfils the wishes of all.
So, in this auspicious month of Sawan, let’s celebrate the presence of Shiva element in our inner world and feel akin to Him. Let us offer prayers, meditate on Shiva and also do noble deeds like serving the needy.
Om Namah Shivaye!
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