Shravan

Shravan is a term used in Indian culture with several related meanings. It refers to a Hindu lunar month, a common given name for men in India, and to a legendary figure associated with filial piety in the Ramayana tradition. The multiple uses reflect its Sanskrit origins and cultural prominence.

As a month, Shravan (also spelled Shravana) is part of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It typically falls in the midsummer to rainy season, around July and August in the Gregorian calendar. The month is considered auspicious for devotional activities, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rituals often emphasize ascetic discipline, fasting on Mondays (Shravan Somvar), and temple visits or river pilgrimages. The exact timing of Shravan varies by region and calendar system.

As a given name, Shravan is a masculine name derived from Sanskrit roots associated with listening or hearing, and it is widely used in India. Names based on Shravan carry associations with attentiveness, learning, or the month itself, depending on family tradition.

Shravan Kumar is a legendary figure in the Ramayana tradition, celebrated as a model of filial piety. He is described as a devoted son who carried his elderly parents in two baskets while traveling to sacred sites, embodying reverence for parents and elders. His story is invoked in Indian culture as a symbol of duty, care, and respect within the family.

In modern use, Shravan continues to appear in personal names, place names, and cultural references tied to the month and its religious observances.