Bhubaneswar: With the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan or Shravana, is approaching next week, the Shiva shrines across Odisha have been decked up for special rituals of Lord Shiva during the month especially on Mondays.

This year, the Shravan month will have an additional month (Adhik Maas in Hindi and Joda Masa in Odia Calander) that commences from July 4 and will last till August 31, spanning 59 days.

According to astrologers, this is a rare coincidence taking place on the month of Shravan after 19 years.

As per Hindu Calander, the days during first Krushna Paksha and last Shukla Paksha are auspicious for performing religious activities. The first Shukla Paksha and last Krushna Paksha cannot be regarded as the holy period for worship to Lord Shiva.

As per Shiva Puran, the month of Shravan has special significance for Shaivites. This is special period to practice spiritualism, fasting and meditation to attain divine bliss. The Kaudias in this month offers holy water on Shivling seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. The festival is called Bol Bam Jatra.

This year, the month of Sharavan will have eight Mondays instead of four. However, all eight Mondays will not be observed to carry out special rituals for Lord Shiva.

As the full moon day falls on this Monday (July 3), the month of Shravan will begin from Tuesday (July 4). From July 4 onwards, special puja of Lord Shiva will be performed at temples. While first two Mondays are considered as auspicious time for worship, two Mondays during last Shukla Paksha will be observed by devotees in a gap of 15 days. The Kaudias during this period can offer water on Shivling at temples, said a Badu servitor of the Lingaraj Temple, Aniket Batu, in Bhubaneswar.

Accordingly, the first Shravan Monday and Bom Bam festival starts on July 10. The devotees will complete Shravan Sombar brata on August 28.

Mondays in Shravan Joda Masa

First Shravan Monday – July 10, 2023,
Second Shravan Monday – July 17, 2023
Third Shravan Monday – July 24, 2023
Fourth Shravan Monday – July 31, 2023

Shravan month Mondays

First Shravan Monday – August 7, 2023
Second Shravan Monday – August 14, 2023
Third Shravan Monday – August 21, 2023
Fourth Shravan Monday – August 28, 2023