Shravan Purnima

On 3rd August 2020, was the Shrāvan Purnima, a particularly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of Shrāvan or Savan and ushers in Chaturmas, four months full of important festivals.

Shrāvan is celebrated differently in different parts of India but in Kashmir it holds a special significance. Kashmir is Lord Shiva and Mā Parvati's abode. It is said the Lord Shiva recited the story of immortality (Amar Kathā) to Devi Parvati after she questioned him on why He wore a Māla of skulls (Mündmala) around his neck. He told her that every time She is born, He adds a head to his Māla. As there are only three beings in the universe who know the story of immortality; the Trimurti; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, no one else, even Gods were not allowed to hear Amar Katha as every one is required to take rebirth and regain their position which requires good Karma (virtues).

But Devi Parvati insisted on hearing Amar Katha, so Lord Shiva decided to go somewhere remote where no living being could overhear Him, the holy cave at Amarnāth.

*On way to Amarnath Cave, Lord Shiva left Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jataon). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left their son, Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements-  Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tāndava dance. Finally, Lord Shiva entered Holy Amarnath Cave with Parvati and took Samādhi on a Deer Skin and started to tell her the story.

Mā Parvati was tired and fell asleep while Shiva was reciting the story but two pigeons in the cave overheard Him. To this day two white pigeons are sighted near the cave which is considered to be highly auspcious.

Amarnath yatra is completed today with 'Chadi Mubarak' when two maces representing Shiv and Shakti are carried ceremonially to the Amaranth cave where Vedic hymns are chanted and pooja performed by devotees.

Kashmiri Pandits perform Partheshwar Pooja (Rudrabhishek) today. Traditionally, a visit to the Shakracharya hill was customary where soil was collected. It was mixed with mercury to form Shivling, Bhagwati and Ganpati for pooja.

**(Lord's formation created from Prithvi so Paartheeshwar पृथ्वी + ईश्वर. We used to add mercury to the holy soil/clay and create Shiv Ling, Bhgawati and गणपति with this.)

It is said that Shiva is easily pleased so all I have done today is pour some Gangajal (water from the river Ganga). I am attaching a link on how to do a proper Rudrabhishek here.

https://youtu.be/mDIMoNANeo4

On this Day, according to Hindu Dharma these things are considered auspicious and bring good Karma:

●Feeding a cow, after taking a ritual snan (dip) in a river.

●Feeding an ant or fish, reminding us that the smallest of lives whether on earth or water have significance.

●Dān, especially donating a cow is considered auspicious.

●Dān to a Brahmin and feeding a Brahmin.(Brahmins were the repository of knowledge and left their worldly goods to pursue knowledge).

●It is tradition to change sacred thread, Janeau on Shravan purnima.

(Courtesy *Amarnath blogspot and
**Sh. Dalip Langoo)

Sonal Sher