The month, dedicated to Lord Shiva: Shravan

The Shravan month, dedicated to Lord Shiva, carries a profound message beyond the rituals and events associated with Shiva Sadhana. It serves as a reminder to surrender everything for the betterment of the universe.

During this month, it is an opportunity to reflect upon the factors necessary for the salvation of individuals and society, ensuring their proper operation and the showering of multidimensional blessings.

Shiva signifies truth, the element that awakens the greatest potential to reveal the embodiment of Shivam Sundaram, upon which the body and the universe rest. Each ritual and act of worship during this month holds scientific concepts and conveys a message.

When we perform Abhishek or offer water to the Shivling, visualize a bridge being formed between Shiva and the soul. That bridge acts as a powerful medium for energy transmission, maintaining the flow of divine energy. Through this connection, we experience bliss and a sense of oneness with Shiva.

Shivatva, the essence of Shiva, begins with emptiness, when we free ourselves from the constraints of the mind, brain, and heart. To establish Shiva within ourselves, we must make our hearts like crematoriums—empty of desires. By invoking Shiva, we can attain the ability to establish that divine presence.

Dedication and faith serve as the foundation for Shivatva. The one who sincerely dedicates all worldly wealth to Shiva becomes worthy of attaining Shivatva. Lord Ashutosh Shiva, despite having nothing, possesses the power to fulfill our desires beyond imagination. Shivatva is born from emptiness and liberation from the mind, brain, and heart.

Shivatva is directly related to being non-possessive, conflict-free, generous, sensitive towards living beings, virtuous, philanthropic, service-oriented, and devoted to humanity. Cultivating even one of these qualities brings us closer to Shivatva. Without understanding the personality, life, surroundings, and profound secrets of Shiva, it is futile to talk about the essence of Shiva.

Proximity to nature is essential to attain Shivatva. Shiva resides in Kailash, where the luxury and splendor of nature abound. We can only experience Shivatva when we are close to nature. Unfortunately, we have built settlements and encroached upon the land and sky, distancing ourselves from nature's beauty. We must reclaim our connection with the vast earth and the free sky to embrace Shivatva.

To attain Shivatva, we must adopt coordination, harmony, and peace. The diverse beings and elements of Shiva's entourage coexist in harmony despite their contrasting natures. Shiva, known as Pashupatinath, establishes coordination, harmony, and peace among the Ganas, people, and animals. In the present era, surrounded by different types of animals—both literal and metaphorical—developing the skill to navigate through these interactions is crucial.

Our worship of Shiva should not be limited to external rituals or ostentation. True devotion to Shiva lies in leading a pure life, free from corruption, dishonesty, and adultery. Detachment from desires, generous assistance to the needy and poor, and understanding that what we possess belongs to society are essential. We must adopt a sense of public service and serve our community without discrimination, participating in the mission of service as trustees. This embodies the nature and unique qualities of Shiva in an honest and authentic manner.

I extend my heartfelt best wishes to everyone for success in the rituals of the month of Shravan. May Lord Bholenath bring great joy to our lives, and may the essence of Shiva permeate everywhere.