The sacred month of Sawan has started, which is of extremely religious importance for the worship of Lord Shiva. The devotees have faith that this month is blessed with divine favors and forgiveness from sin when the rituals are done with full devotion.
Sawan 2025 Dates and Ritual Practices
Shravan will this year be between 11th July and 9th August. Throughout this holy phase, Shiva devotees in the country keep fasts, do Jalabhishek (showering water on Shivling), and pray to Mahadev with utmost devotion.
One of the popular beliefs still remains that women will not touch the Shivling. It is a tradition that is followed in many communities without any religious rationale.
Astrologer’s Explanation: No Gender Restriction
A noted astrologer Pandit Shailendra Pandey dispels the myth regarding this issue. Shivling is not an idol but a shapeless joining of Shiva and Shakti symbolizing the cosmic power and unity of the divine, says he.
The Shivling Represents Brahma’s Nature
It is said by Pandit Shailendra Pandey that the Shivling embodies the essence of Brahma where both Shiva and Shakti exist together. Hence, there is no place for gender bias in its worship.
Women Can Pray and Touch Shivling
The astrologer categorically says that women can pray and touch the Shivling with complete faith. He further says that the restriction is a social notion and not a rule mandated by sacred scriptures.
Finally, in the holy month of Shravan, all devotees whether male or female can worship Lord Shiva with a clean mind. Faith and not gender decides devotion.