The month of Sawan or Shravan brings with itself the beauty of greenery with the rains, and spiritual inclination in the heart of many Hindus. This holy month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and of the various rituals practiced during this month, the fast observed on Mondays or Somwar holds great importance. As the rains bless the earth and serenity prevails in the atmosphere, millions come to embrace the practice of observing fasts during Mondays in Sawan for seeking divine blessings, health benefits, and personal fulfillment. This period does not signify mere fasting to a devotee but a means of developing a closer bond with Lord Shiva, seeking his grace, and seeking better well-being.
Significance of Fasting in Sawan
The fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar is Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva because of its divine connection. This month is said to yield results a hundredfold for religious duties performed compared to other times in the year. Fasting during Sawan is a means of purifying the body and soul, aligning to divine energies, and garnering blessings for personal and familial well-being. The devotees believe that the fasting of this period can fulfill all their desires like happiness, prosperity, and hurdles.
Sawan Somwar Fasting Significance
Mondays or Somwar become more special in the month of Sawan. According to Hindu traditions, the worship of Lord Shiva is practiced more energetically during this day of the week. It is mentioned that fasting on Mondays is supposed to bring surplus in spiritual benefits and more blessings from the god than on other days. Sawan Somvar Vrat is a practice where a fast is observed on Mondays by avoiding certain foods, coupled with the performance of pujas or prayers before Lord Shiva.
Some people hold the Monday fast in special regard for certain results to be achieved, like a happy married life, good health and longevity of family members or some for general prosperity. Unmarried girls fast for a good husband while the married women do so for a long life with their husbands and harmony in their married life. Mondays performed with such rituals are considered to be actually equal to a pilgrimage, done with a view to getting divine rewards, not necessarily earthly.
Health Reasons
Fasting during Sawan is not only a spiritual trend but also holds practical health benefits. The time of monsoon season, with its high humidity and erratic weather, can affect digestion and hence overall health. Fasting detoxifies the body and keeps a balance in the digestive system. Light and easily digestible food taken during this period does not allow waterborne diseases and maintains good health. By not indulging in too much, pungent, and tamasic foods, one is adhering not only to the religious norms but also to the ways of making sure that his or her body is well prepared to cope with seasonal changes.
Foods to Have
During the Sawan Monday fasts, there are particular foods to be consumed that give a specific diet course to keep oneself in line with religious practices and health:
Fruits and Milk Products: Fresh fruits and milk products such as milk, yoghurt, and buttermilk are regarded as essential for providing the required nutrition and fluids in the body.
Sabudana and Rajgira: These two ingredients are in huge demand because they get easily digested and help energize.
Vegetables: Light vegetables are opted for, which include sweet potatoes, bottle gourd, and colocasia, as they get easily digested.
Nuts and Dry Fruits: These include almonds, cashews, and raisins for their high energy and health values.
Food Items That Should Be Avoided
There are several food items that are explicitly forbidden during the Sawan fasts to adhere to religion as well as for health reasons:
Grains and Lentils: Rice, wheat, and other grains are avoided because these are considered 'anna,' or heavy foods.
Onions and Garlic: Because they are tamasic in nature, these are not taken as food.
Salt and Spices: All types of salt, except rock salt, are not allowed. Red chilies, turmeric, and fenugreek spices are not allowed, too.
Heavy Foods: Jaggery and other items which are heavy for digestion are avoided.