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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Why No Marriage in Sawan 2025? Do These Remedies For A Stronger Love Life
In our rich Sanatan tradition, the month of Sawan is one of great spiritual depth. It is the time when Lord Shiva , the destroyer of illusion and the giver of supreme wisdom, is most easily pleased. The rains cool the earth, rivers swell, and hearts become ripe with devotion. Every Somvar (Monday) during Sawan becomes a sacred opportunity to offer prayers, seek blessings, and deepen one's connection with Mahadev. Yet, you may have heard from elders or astrologers that marriages are not conducted in the month of Sawan. For some, this may sound strange, especially when this month is filled with Lord Shiva's presence—He who is also known as Ardhanarishwara, the very symbol of divine union. So why is marriage not advised during this sacred month? And more importantly, if marriage is avoided, what can couples or would-be couples do to strengthen their bond during this holy time? Why Is Marriage Avoided in Sawan? First and foremost, Sawan is a month dedicated to deep inner sadhana. It is not considered a grihastha month, but rather a time when Rishis, yogis, and seekers reduce worldly distractions and turn within. Lord Shiva Himself is the ultimate renunciate—He wears bhasma, lives on Kailash, and meditates in silence. His energies in this month are meditative and inward, not aligned with the celebrations and material energy required for a marriage. According to astrology, the Sun begins its southward journey (Dakshinayan) during this period, which marks a more introspective and spiritual phase of the year. In Vedic thinking, any major worldly event like marriage, griha pravesh, or starting a new business is avoided during Dakshinayan unless absolutely necessary. The presence of heavy rainfall, planetary doshas, and lack of auspicious nakshatras also adds to the reasons. Our elders believed that marriage during Sawan could bring emotional disturbances, misunderstandings, or a lack of long-term harmony. It is not because the month is inauspicious, but because its energy is meant for inner union, not outer rituals. But Sawan Is the Month of Shiva and Parvati! This month is ideal for worshipping the divine union of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, whose bond was not based on just rituals but tapasya, surrender, and grace. Parvati Mata observed strict penance during Sawan to win Lord Shiva's heart. Her vrata, devotion, and patience moved even the austere Mahadev to accept her as His Ardhangini. Therefore, while formal marriages are avoided in this month, the spiritual energy of love, dedication, and divine bonding is at its peak. This is why unmarried women keep the Solah Somvar Vrat to get a husband like Mahadev. Married women pray for the health and longevity of their husbands. And couples seek strength in their bond by offering Jal to the Shivling together. What Can Couples Do Instead During Sawan? If you are in a committed relationship, engaged, or even already married, there are many ways to strengthen your bond during this divine time. These simple, meaningful acts invoke divine energies into your relationship and purify it from misunderstandings or karmic heaviness. 1. Perform Shiva-Parvati Puja Together Sit together in your home temple or visit a nearby Shiva temple. Offer water, milk, belpatra, and flowers to the Shivling. Light a diya and chant the following mantra together: 'Om Namah Shivaya' (108 times) Then chant: 'Om Uma Maheshwaraya Namah' (11 times) This simple act creates a beautiful vibration of unity, respect, and shared devotion between you. 2. Read or Listen to Shiva-Parvati Katha Listening to the story of how Parvati won Shiva through her patience, faith, and penance brings inspiration. It reminds us that true love is not about outward gifts or sweet words, but about standing by each other with inner strength and understanding. You may read the Shiv-Parvati Vivaah Katha from the Shiva Purana or listen to it together in the evening. 3. Offer Bilva Patra with Joint Sankalp When visiting the temple, offer Bilva leaves together , and do a sankalp (mental intention) for harmony, understanding, and divine guidance in your relationship. Even if you cannot go to a temple, do this at home before a picture or murti of Mahadev. Speak the sankalp silently in your heart: "O Mahadev and Mata Parvati, may our bond be filled with patience, love, and divine guidance. Let us walk this journey together in truth and respect." 4. Observe Partial Fasting on Somvar If both partners can, observe a light fast on Mondays. Have fruits, milk, and satvik meals. Do some japa or meditation together in the evening. This brings alignment between your energies and invokes blessings for stability in your bond. 5. Avoid Conflict, Harsh Words, or Ego Battles Sawan is a time of spiritual purity. Mahadev, being the master of silence, teaches us that speech must be sweet, truthful, and measured. Couples are advised to avoid arguments, sarcasm, or proving each other wrong. Instead, try to listen more and speak less. Even a simple act of forgiveness can lift the vibration of your relationship. 6. Offer Diyas and Flowers Together in the Evening After sunset, light a diya together and offer flowers to Mahadev. Sit in silence for a few minutes and thank each other mentally for being present in your life. Even if there have been fights or pain in the past, this sacred act brings closure and healing. 7. Perform Rudrabhishek for Relationship Peace If possible, arrange for a simple Rudrabhishek at home or in a temple. Offer milk, honey, curd, and water to the Shivling while chanting the Rudra Mantras or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra : 'Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat' This is especially powerful if you are going through relationship turbulence. Mahadev removes obstacles, misunderstandings, and the ill effects of Rahu-Ketu that may trouble relationships. Sawan Is for Soulful Bonding, Not Outer Celebration Marriage is a celebration of two souls coming together. But in the month of Sawan, the celebration is of inner union—between the Jeevatma and Paramatma, between heart and mind, between ego and surrender. If marriage is avoided in this month, it is not a loss. It is a divine invitation to purify your bond, deepen your bhakti, and prepare for a more sacred partnership. Whether you are planning marriage, already married, or facing trials in love, let Sawan be a time of prayer, patience, and purposeful love. Bow to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Their story teaches us that true love is tested by time, purified by tapasya, and blessed by divinity. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Make yoga a way of life to discover peace and inner bliss
The word 'yoga' originates from the Sanskrit root word 'YUJ' which means to join, to unite or to yoke. This 'union' refers to the harmony of body, mind and spirit. The word 'yoga' itself signifies the attainment of this union. If these three always work in tandem, there is no misery in life. Yoga is a way of life that provides a rare opportunity to leave the rough and tumble of the world behind and attain inner peace. We are all aware that whole world is going through turmoil and tough times, while facing challenges of different magnitude. Yoga, in its essence, is more than just physical exercise; it encompasses physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It's a holistic approach to health. Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self, to the self—'The Bhagavad Gita'. Yoga is not just a set of exercises; it's a way of integrating practices like mindful breathing—pranayama, physical postures—asanas, meditation and ethical principles into daily life. It's a highly scientific practice that has a deep understanding. It helps individuals understand their physical and mental patterns and encourages them to make conscious choices. It reduces anxiety, mental stress and you are relaxed and that leads to changed mental resilience and to a more harmonious way of living. It is a journey that has no destination, but on its way aids you of self-discovery and personal growth. Meditation is a way for nourishing and blossoming of the divinity within you. The, best part of yoga is that it has no side effects, whatsoever. In fact, it boosts our immunity while balancing the body and mind during the times where you have the stench of disease and death (remember the horrific Covid anguish. The United Nations has declared June 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Most educational institutions around the world have started to include yoga in their curriculum. India is the source of this knowledge. It is our heritage that has been handed over to us by our Rishis and Munis. It's our moral responsibility that we need to preserve and expand this knowledge and spread it to every corner of the world. The origin of yoga traces back to 5000 years. It was first mentioned in the ancient sacred text, 'The Rigveda'. Though it was practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great sage, Maharishi Patanjali systematized and codified the existing practice of yoga. Widely revered as the father of yoga, he compiled various aspects of yoga into 'yoga sutras', which is a foundational text for the practice. The enduring popularity of yoga is largely due to its adaptability through the ages. It is non-competitive and compliant to every size, shape, gender and age and is not one size for all. You can adapt it to your own body. There is a basic outline and alignment for each posture but it is also about listening to your own body and moving from within. As a strong believer in the power of yoga and a long- term practitioner I can vouch that @ 73, I am still going strong without any of the ailments associated with age. Every practice prepares me for new challenges and readies me to face the world with courage, strength and determination. Practice yoga for your entire life and use it as a tool for staying young and agile. Remember yoga is just not touching your toes, it's about what you learn. It's all about trusting yourself about being powerful and kind.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Vyasa's wail and India's cry in the moral abyss
Among the many Rishis of ancient India, the one that stands out is Rishi Krishna Dwaipayana, more popularly known as Veda Vyasa. He was not only revered as an 'amsa' of Lord Vishnu, but he was also the author of several scriptures and the ithihasa of Mahabharata. Towards the close of that epic, he did something uncommon for any author: he shed the robes of a neutral litterateur, and donned those of an activist advocator and ardently addressed the world at large: 'On bended knees I beg, but no one listens to me; when men can get all they want—the four purusharthas: dharma (righteous life), artha (material wealth), kama (worldly wants) and moksha (samsaric-liberation)—by treading the path of dharma, why do they do adharma?' Dharma was given the pride of place; the other three were meant to be attained by being 'dharmabadh'. Dharma was of such sublime spiritual sui generis genre of thought that an ancient Sanskrit text, the Hitopadesa, says, 'Dharma alone is specific to humans; without dharma, they are equal to animals'. Vyasa probably took such an unusual step because he wanted to warn future generations not to repeat that which had brought about that horrific Kurukshetra yuddha—the inability of great men like Bhisma, Drona and Karna to make the right dharmic choice by putting the self ahead of society. Bhisma had decided that being faithful to his solemn vows was worth even fighting on the side of adharma; in the case of Drona, it was the sin of ingratitude to the Kauravas; for Karna, it was the principle of mitra-dharma. Whether Vyasa intended to address his contemporaries or posterity, his passionate plea rings loud and clear in our society today. The tentacles of adharma reach everywhere: governance, policy-making, politics, personal priority-setting, self-indulgence, social injustice, economic inequity, pervasive corruption, ethical atrophy... We are indulging in what Lord Krishna (in the Bhagavad-Gita, 16.9) called 'horrible works meant to destroy the world', a result of our acquiring what He described as 'demonic nature'. Fanaticism has become fashionable, and assimilation has replaced accommodation in our mindset. Put in terms of the Katha Upanishad, we are treading the path of preyas (pleasure; sensual gratification) and not the path of shreyas (long-term goodness; spiritual growth). Preyas has taken the form of ruthless pursuit of pleasure, power and profit, convenience, comfort and control. Those who still strive for shreyas are shunned as bad examples. Clever we think we are, we reason: there is no reason to struggle to be good if by doing bad we can get the best of both: the good of good and not the bad of bad. Everything is commodified and monetized, even spirituality. That has led to our embracing hedonistic materialism at the expense of dharmic values. We have not only harmed ourselves, but also nature, which is all around us. Dharmic living also entails a sense of responsibility that a person owes to the non-living, and to all sentient beings. So low is our moral bar that brazen billionaires and shady celebrities have become our role models. Mammon is god; greed is good, and integrity is a needless nuisance. Every day, in every sphere—business, politics, social work or sports— what shines as glitz and glamour, right and bright, hides a lot of libertinage and sleaze. We hate to admit it, but we do get a kick out of it. It is important to remember that the ambit of dharma is more spiritual than 'secular' morality. While 'moral behavior' generally refers to acting according to one's personal sense of right and wrong, fair and unfair, based on human reason, 'dharmic behavior' encompasses living in harmony with natural laws and the cosmic order. Arrogant anthropocentric behavior has gravely disturbed that 'harmony', turning man into a lethal geologic force, and shooting to be, to borrow the phrase from Yuval Noah Harari, Homo Deus (Man-God). It is at the heart of the current climate crisis. Injecting dharmic principles into daily human life is perhaps the only way to save the planet. What is baffling is that although this 'crisis' is expected to drastically depress the living standards of half of India's population and aggravate every social divide, it is not even a major issue in public discourse and policy-making. If nothing else, this tells us a lot of how much India has declined as a dharmic society. Conclusion As a people, we must squarely face up to the bitter truth that the Indian society does not show even a hidden hint that it was once a society whose very sinews were held together by the dharmic way, which was what enabled India to be a great civilization. Although the religion of which it was its very soul—Sanatana dharma, now known as Hinduism—is still by far the most dominant religion in today's India, dharma is off the radar of public consciousness. It is all the more mystifying because dharma was not the monopoly of Hinduism; it was a part of all other Indic religions. Be that all as it may, the primary impetus to redeem and revive dharma is not nostalgia but renewed relevance. That alone now can fill the bill. 'Secular morality', the other alternative, is limited to personal probity and can be influenced by subjective biases. Only by imbibing a broader moral and cosmic concept like dharma can we hope to acquire and facilitate moral catharsis, social reform and spiritual sensitivity. Modern life has become so slippery that the so-called social animal does not know how to harmonize personal fulfillment and social purpose. Only dharma can provide the answer because it is only in this esoteric thought individual life and cosmic life are deeply connected. To serve the purpose, it is necessary to reinterpret and realign what the Bhagavad-Gita (3:35) calls swadharma—'personalized' dharma that is innate and at the same time serve a common cause. In today's world, almost everything 'personal' is also 'inter-personal', which, in turn, generates dharmic dilemmas. Knowing the quintessence of dharmic duty at any time is like dancing on what the Katha Upanishad calls ksurasya dhārā, the razor's edge. Living with dharma can help us find a light when our sense of goodness gets severely tested. What should then be the fail-safe dharmic across-the-board test? The answer is to adopt, as a governing principle of our behavior, what Bhisma advised King Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata: 'Yasmin yathā vartate yo manusyas; tasmims tathā vartitavyam sa dharmah' (As a person behaves towards another, so should he be treated; that is dharma). Like karma, dharma too must be done for its own sake and regardless of how unrewarding it is. Towards this we should 'operationalize' the aphorism 'manava seva madhava seva'. Bhakti and seva should go hand in hand. Swadharma and samaja dharma must be coupled. That will not only sanctify whatever we selflessly do, but it will also socially leverage divine offering. That empowers individuals to fulfill their cosmic duty while also pursuing a path towards spiritual fulfillment. It must also be economical to the point. A dharmic-driven economic model will not only be egalitarian and in sync with nature, but it will also give a boost to empathetic economic growth that puts the needs of the most-needy foremost. That is the right way to make headway to meet its 'tryst with destiny'. India will then not only get rid of its moral ills and mental mediocrity, but also grow into a great nation, and be a beacon to a world that is dangerously roaming rudderless. Without a dharmic rebirth, even if everything else is in place, India will fall short of achieving any of its ambitions, economic or social, at home or abroad. And Vyasa's wail will continue to resonate as India's cry in the moral abyss. (The writer is a retired IAS officer)
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Haryana CM participates in Yoga Utsav at Haryana assembly in Chandigarh
Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], June 10 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in Yoga Utsav at the Haryana Assembly in Chandigarh on Tuesday ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21. He was joined by Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Krishan Lal Middha and others. Earlier on Monday, the Haryana Chief Minister said that with cleanliness and yoga, the country will quickly realise the dream of 'Viksit Bharat'. Preparations for International Yoga Day 2025 have begun with the launch of a cleanliness campaign on May 27, and daily yoga classes are underway for the grand event on June 21. CM Saini said, 'When Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of Yoga at the United Nations, 177 countries agreed. Today, Yoga, derived from our land, has reached everyone globally. The Prime Minister has worked to spread the message of yoga all over the world.' CM Saini said the International Yoga Day programme in Kurukshetra will be historic and grand. 'Our ancient ideology is included in yoga. Rishis have given us yoga and meditation as a gift. By doing yoga, a man remains healthy,' he added. The Chief Minister addressed a meeting organised with various institutions regarding International Yoga Day in the auditorium of the Multi-Art Cultural Centre, Kurukshetra, on Sunday. The Chief Minister urged the officials of institutions, NGOs, business organisations, and other organisations present at the meeting to contribute to the programme's success. He also asked Patanjali Yog Peeth to spread the message of yoga in every house of the city. The Chief Minister said Swami Ramdev has been spreading yoga in the country and the world. 'The arrival of Baba Ramdev on June 21 in Kurukshetra, the land of Lord Krishna, is a matter of great pride for the people of Kurukshetra,' he added. He said the theme of International Yoga Day this year is 'One Earth, One Health', and the Haryana Government has also added the slogan 'Yoga Yukt, Nasha Mukt'. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to mark celebrations for the International Yoga Day, scheduled to be celebrated on June 21 in Andhra Pradesh. (ANI)
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Haryana CM holds meeting ahead of International Yoga Day event in Kurukshetra
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that with cleanliness and yoga, the country will move towards realising the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' at a fast pace. Preparations for International Yoga Day 2025 have begun with the launch of a cleanliness campaign on May 27, and daily yoga classes are underway for the grand event on June 21. CM Saini said, 'When Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of Yoga at the United Nations, 177 countries agreed. Today, Yoga, derived from our land, has reached everyone globally. The Prime Minister has worked to spread the message of yoga all over the world.' CM Saini said the International Yoga Day programme in Kurukshetra will be historic and grand. 'Our ancient ideology is included in yoga. Rishis have given us yoga and meditation as a gift. By doing yoga, a man remains healthy,' he added. The Chief Minister addressed a meeting organised with various institutions regarding International Yoga Day in the auditorium of the Multi-Art Cultural Centre, Kurukshetra, on Sunday. The Chief Minister urged the officials of institutions, NGOs, business organisations, and other organisations present at the meeting to contribute to the programme's success. He also asked Patanjali Yog Peeth to spread the message of yoga in every house of the city. The Chief Minister said Swami Ramdev has been spreading yoga in the country and the world. 'The arrival of Baba Ramdev on June 21 in Kurukshetra, the land of Lord Krishna, is a matter of great pride for the people of Kurukshetra,' he added. He said the theme of International Yoga Day this year is 'One Earth, One Health', and the Haryana Government has also added the slogan 'Yoga Yukt, Nasha Mukt'. The Chief Minister said people have started taking medicines to cure minor diseases, whereas those diseases can be easily controlled with yoga. Therefore, we all should adopt yoga. He said if we want to save our youth from addiction, they will have to adopt yoga. The Chief Minister urged the people of Kurukshetra to reach Brahma Sarovar and Mela Ground at 4 am on June 21 to mark their presence in this great 'yagya' of yoga. He said more people should be involved in this campaign, and whoever has been given any responsibility should fulfil it as a priority. He said that, like festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Bhai Dooj, this International Yoga Day should be celebrated similarly. It was informed that the Brahma Sarovar and Mela Ground have been divided into 103 sectors. Out of these, 64 sectors have been made in Brahma Sarovar and 37 sectors in the Mela Ground and surrounding areas. The Chief Minister administered an oath to institutions, NGOs, and other people present in the auditorium to adopt yoga, pranayama, and meditation regularly in life, to avoid addiction, and to inspire others to do the same. He also inspired them to promote yoga in their families, society, and workplace. Former State Minister Subhash Sudha said the International Yoga Day programme on June 21 is a matter of good fortune for the people of Kurukshetra. This programme will be seen all over the world, he claimed. Citizens from every house of the city will participate in this programme. He also demanded that the Chief Minister open a meditation centre in the city. Haryana Yog Aayog Chairman Dr. Jaideep Arya said that on June 21, environmental protection is starting with yoga from Kurukshetra. He said 10 lakh yoga practitioners in the state will sow medicinal plants, and more than 1 lakh people in Kurukshetra will set a world record by doing yoga together. On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh, Superintendent of Police Nitish Agarwal and District Council President Kanwaljit Kaur and other dignitaries were present. (ANI)
