5 Sacred Books to Read During Shravan Maas for Mental Peace and Good Karma This Season

Shravan Maas (Sawan) is considered the holiest month as per the Hindu calendar. The Sawan season is dedicated to Lord Shiva, starting from July till August. As per Hinduism, Sawan is said to mark the beginning of the monsoon season. Many of the devotees follow a strict diet by avoiding onion and garlic and fast on Mondays. This month is packed with multiple festivals, including Naga Panchami, Raksha Bandhan and Krishna Janmashtami. Millions of pilgrims known as Kanwariyas also perform Kanwar Yatra, where they walk from their home to fetch holy water from the River Ganga in Haridwar, Uttarakhand and come back home to offer the holy water to the Shiva Linga. Experience the vibe of this holy season by giving a read to some of the sacred texts. Read more to find some of the suggestions that will help you gain peace of mind and get the essence of this season. 

What Is The Meaning Of Shravan In Hindu Mythology?

As per Hindu mythology, Shravan means “listening” or “hearing”. This season has been named based on Ramayana-based Shravana Kumara, who was known for his devotion towards his parents, and Shravan Maas, which is the sacred fifth month of the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, Samudra Manthan took place during this month, when Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison to save the universe. It is said that to calm his throat, the Gods offered cold waters of the Ganga river, marking the beginning of Kanwar Yatra. Sawan is also considered to be the month when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva got married. It is said that Goddess Parvati kept fast for Solah Somvar (16 Mondays) to get married to Lord Shiva; therefore, this ritual is practised by many women to find their other significant. Found these facts interesting? Then you must give a read to the well-curated book recommendations to know more about Hindu mythology. 

Shiva Purana: Volume 1

Shiva Purana: Volume 1

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Visited or heard of Kedarnath or Rameshwaram? But don't know about the origin of these 12 Jyotirlings? The Shiva Purana is a must-buy for you. This book series comes in three volumes and has a detailed explanation about the life of Lord Shiva. The book describes Shiva as Swayambhu (self-born) and immortal, who can control kaal (time). It mentions the first marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Sati, and her rebirth as Goddess Parvati. The book revolves around interesting stories of the birth of sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, and their legends. The scripture teaches us to let go of attachments and attain mental peace. This text teaches us to take a pause and breathe before taking any actions, thereby teaching us to follow good karma. If you found this book interesting, you can give the next volume a read. 

The Shiva Sutras

The Shiva Sutras

₹ 179

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The Shiva Sutras originated when Sage Vasugupta had a dream in which Lord Shiva instructed him to seek out a specific stone with sutras engraved. These sutras are said to be reserved for those deemed worthy of the divine grace. The texts help us unravel the mysteries of our true nature, which is not seen by many due to our illusory societal existence. These sutras are the foundational texts of the Trika system. It is divided into three chapters with three main goals: sudden awakening, mental centring, and sense withdrawal. It helps in identifying the root of mental agitation and mentions that peace is not created but uncovered by removing the ‘dirt'. Encouraging us to detach from all the pleasures and pain, this text explains karma as the binding force that limits the soul. 

7 Secrets Of Shiva

7 SECRETS OF SHIVA

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This book by Devdutt Pattanaik provides us with insights into the legend of Lord Shiva. It mentions his role in the Hindu trinity alongside Lord Vishnu and Brahma. Lord Shiva, known as ‘the destroyer' among the Hindu Trinity, is said to be depicted in multiple contradictory ways. He is called an ascetic who wears animal skin and carries Sheshnaga wrapped around his neck, with his body smeared with bhasma (ashes). However, contradictory to his wild nature, he is also depicted as a family-centred God. This book provides interpretations of his contradictions and explains different anomalies. It is based on interpreting ancient symbols and rituals and not literal history. Briefly, the seven secrets mentioned are Shiva's linga, dance, union, consorts, children, demons, and temples. 

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

₹ 169

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This book is a timeless guide by Swami Vivekananda, enhancing the practice of yoga and meditation. This particular edition of the book represents a translation of the ancient texts of Sage Patanjali's famous Yoga Sutras. These texts provide a roadmap to quiet the mind, overcome suffering, and achieve ultimate spiritual attainment. The book has helpful explanations and mentions must-haves for yoga enthusiasts. It further unveils the path to inner peace and enlightenment by practising Yoga. Patanjali outlines the Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga) to separate oneself from the mind's control. The text teaches us to maintain emotional equilibrium by having emotions of friendliness towards the happy, compassion towards the sad, joy towards the virtuous, and equanimity towards the non-virtuous. 

Linga Purana

Linga Purana

₹ 139

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The Linga Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas in the Hindu scriptures. Besides the Shiva Purana, the Linga Purana is another Mahapurana dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in his abstract form. These Puranas help us in deciding right and wrong and differentiating between holy and vile. The texts describe the Linga as a Cosmic Egg (Brahmanda), symbolising the union of nature with cosmic consciousness. The Purana differentiates between Alinga and Linga and considers that the existence of the universe is the sign of the presence of the invisible God. The physical form of the Linga is designed as a focal point for meditation, improving concentration and resting the lost and ego-driven mind. It highlights that devotion is more powerful than the complex sacrifices done by many to please God. 

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Conclusion:

These are some of the sacred book suggestions that can be given a read during this Sawan. However, the choice and selection of the books may differ from person to person based on their interests. While some might want to read mythology-based texts, some would prefer the ones with interpretations and explanations. You can find more such texts on Amazon.