Sawan 2024: Somvaar Vrat , Why We Offer Milk To Lord Shiva, Know The Reason

The Monday or Somvar of the month Saavan is considered to be the significant day in which devotees fast and it is commonly known as the Mondays, or Shravan Somwar or Sawan Somwar.  Many devotees fast for sixteen Mondays, known as Solah Somwar, beginning with the first Somwar of the Sawan calendar month. This saavan which is being starts from July 22, 2024 consistes  of five somvar vrat. You can get the list of all the Monday or Somvar for the Saawan 2024 this year. Devotees use to offer many things as mentioned in the Hindu panchang including Belpagr, Bhang, Dharuta and others to the Shiv ling during the saavan. However, Offering milk to Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan (also known as Shravan) is a common religious practice observed by many Hindus, particularly in India.

Sawan is considered an auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees engage in various forms of worship and religious rituals during this time.

Significance 

The significance of offering milk to Lord Shiva has its roots in Hindu mythology. According to one popular legend, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons to obtain the elixir of immortality, a pot of poison (halahala) emerged from the ocean.

The poison was so potent that it had the potential to destroy the entire universe. In order to protect the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison, but he did not swallow it. Instead, he held it in his throat, which turned blue due to the poison. This is why Lord Shiva is often depicted with a blue throat, earning him the name "Neelkantha" (one with a blue throat).

Milk Symbolizes Purity and Devotion

In gratitude for Lord Shiva's selfless act of consuming the poison, devotees offer milk to him during the month of Sawan. The milk symbolizes purity and devotion. It is believed that by offering milk, devotees show their love, respect, and gratitude to Lord Shiva. They seek his blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

During Sawan, devotees visit Shiva temples and perform Rudrabhishek, a ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam with various sacred items, including milk, honey, curd, ghee (clarified butter), and holy water. The milk is poured over the Shiva lingam as a symbolic gesture of purification and reverence.

In Hindu mythology and traditions, the month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, holds great significance, particularly for Lord Shiva. Devotees observe this month with reverence and offer various items, including milk, to Lord Shiva. There are a few reasons behind offering milk to Lord Shiva during Sawan:

Symbolic association

Milk is considered a symbol of purity, nourishment, and vitality. It is often associated with motherly love and is believed to have a cooling effect, both physically and spiritually. Lord Shiva is known for his ascetic lifestyle and represents the ultimate renunciant. Offering milk symbolizes devotion, surrender, and a desire to attain purity and spiritual enlightenment.

Symbolic association and stories: Hindu mythology contains several stories related to Lord Shiva and his connection to milk. One popular legend revolves around the churning of the cosmic ocean, known as Samudra Manthan. During this event, various divine substances emerged from the ocean, including a pot of poison. To save the universe, Lord Shiva consumed the poison but held it in his throat, turning his throat blue. To soothe the burning sensation caused by the poison, devotees offer milk to Lord Shiva.

Auspicious month 

Sawan is considered an auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva, and his devotees fast and engage in various acts of worship and penance during this time. Offering milk is seen as a way to seek Lord Shiva's blessings, protection, and grace.

Personal preferences and beliefs: Devotees have personal preferences when it comes to their offerings to deities. Some may have specific beliefs or experiences that lead them to offer milk to Lord Shiva during Sawan.

It's important to note that these practices and beliefs may vary among different regions, communities, and individuals. The significance of offering milk to Lord Shiva during Sawan can be deeply rooted in cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and personal devotion.

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