Which is correct: Saawan, Sawan, Shrawan or Shravan? Why so many spellings and ways of writing?

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Lord Shiva is the ruler of the month of Sawan and there are a lot of people who believe in Shiva in their way. There are multiple spellings of the word and which one is correct needs to be known?

Which is correct: Saawan, Sawan, Shrawan or Shravan? Why so many spellings and ways of writing?

Every monsoon, as dark clouds gather over the Indian subcontinent and the scent of wet earth fills the air, conversations about the holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva start flowing just as freely.

But alongside the devotion and celebrations, one small but curious question pops up more often than you’d think: whether it is Saawan, Sawan, Shrawan, or Shravan?

You might have noticed different spellings in temple pamphlets, WhatsApp forwards, devotional songs, or even on social media.

At first glance, they might seem like typos or random choices, but there’s actually a fascinating story behind why this one sacred month is spelled in so many different ways.

In this article, we’ll walk through the reasons behind this linguistic puzzle in a friendly, down-to-earth way, no grammar lessons, just simple truths about culture, language, and how beautifully diverse our country really is.

What is the root of the name, “Shravan” in Sanskrit?

The word “Shravan” finds its roots in the ancient language of Sanskrit, where it is written as श्रावण (Śrāvaṇa). Interestingly, this name is not just randomly assigned as it has deep connections with both the lunar calendar and Vedic tradition.

In Sanskrit, the word “Shravan” is closely linked with the Shravana Nakshatra, which is one of the 27 lunar constellations or “nakshatras” that form the foundation of the Hindu calendar.

This nakshatra is dominant during the full moon of this particular month, which is why the entire month gets its name from it. The word “Shravana” itself is derived from the root “श्रु (śru)”, meaning “to hear” or “to listen.”

In Vedic times, this symbolized the act of deep listening both to the spiritual teachings of the scriptures and to the inner voice of devotion and discipline.

If we go a little deeper, this idea of “listening” wasn’t just about ears and sounds as it was about being spiritually receptive. Shravan is the time when people consciously turn inwards, listen to sacred stories, chant mantras, and observe fasts like practices that require silence, stillness, and reflection.

That’s why the month is seen as sacred and perfect for devotion to Lord Shiva, who is often meditated upon in quiet stillness. In fact, many devotees believe that during Shravan, if one sincerely listens to divine chants, spiritual discourses, or even the inner call of the soul, blessings are more easily received.

Why different spellings?

The original word for the holy month comes from Sanskrit, where it’s written as श्रावण (Shrāvaṇa). This classical pronunciation has a very specific sound, especially the “श्र” (shra) part, which doesn’t exist in many regional Indian languages in its pure form.

So when Sanskrit traveled through centuries and across states, the word began to bend and adapt itself to local tongues. And that’s how we ended up with variations like “Shrawan,” where an extra "a" is added for ease and natural flow in speaking or writing.

Another reason for these spelling differences is the diversity of Indian scripts and speech patterns. Hindi, for instance, simplifies the “श्र” sound into just “स” (sa), giving us the widely used “Sawan.” In Gujarati or Rajasthani dialects, however, people often pronounce it more like “Shrawan,” keeping the "sh" but softening the rest.

Meanwhile, in music and literature, especially in Bollywood songs or poetic verses, you’ll often see “Saawan” with two "a"s.

Because it stretches the sound for lyrical beauty. Think of it like this: sometimes, the spelling is less about grammar and more about emotion. Language in India doesn’t live in a rulebook as it dances through poetry, everyday talk, traditions, and songs, each adding its own twist.

Lastly, the English language itself contributes to the confusion. There is no universal rule in India for writing Indian words in the Roman script (the English alphabet). People just go with what sounds closest to what they say.

That’s why the same word becomes “Shravan” in a newspaper headline, “Sawan” on your friend’s Instagram story, and “Shrawan” in a temple calendar in Rajasthan.

Each version reflects a different ear, region, and purpose. So the next time you see these spellings, know that none are wrong as they’re just different windows into the same tradition. And in a land as colorful and multilingual as India, that kind of diversity in spelling is not a problem as it’s a celebration.

Which spelling should you use?

When it comes to choosing the right spelling for the holy month, be it Shravan, Sawan, Shrawan, or Saawan as it really comes down to who you're speaking to and what tone you're aiming for.

If you're someone living in a region like Rajasthan or Gujarat, or if your spoken dialect leans toward a softer, rounded pronunciation, you might find yourself naturally writing “Shrawan.”

It’s not just a matter of spelling as it’s about representing how the word feels and sounds to you. In many parts of North-Western India, "Shrawan" is more than just a transliteration; it's a cultural choice.

The "Shra" part retains a touch of the original Sanskrit root "श्र," while the "wan" ending comfortably matches the regional accent.

However, in more formal or pan-Indian contexts such as writing articles, official documents, or school textbooks, “Shravan” tends to be the preferred and widely accepted spelling.

This is because it's the closest match to the original Sanskrit word "श्रावण" and thus seen as more technically accurate. If you're writing for a general Indian audience or publishing something for a broader, possibly devotional readership, sticking to “Shravan” might be the safest and most respectful option.

But that doesn't make “Shrawan” wrong as it simply makes it more regional and personal. It's similar to how people say "Krishna" in some places and "Kanha" or "Kanhaiya" in others, each one rooted in affection and identity.

At the end of the day, the choice of spelling, especially when it comes to “Shrawan”, boils down to context and intention. If you're expressing your devotion on social media, writing a folk story, or posting about a local festival, “Shrawan” may actually feel more authentic to your voice. It gives a regional flavor, a human touch that feels closer to home.

What matters more than spelling is the sentiment behind it. Whether you say “Shrawan” with the earthy warmth of Rajasthani soil or “Shravan” with the grace of classical Sanskrit, you're still honoring the same sacred month.

Why does this happen with many Indian words?

This isn’t unique to "Shravan" as many Indian words have multiple English spellings due to several reasons. Unlike Chinese, which uses Pinyin for standardized Romanization, India lacks a single system for writing native words in English, leading to variations.

Lastly, the country’s hundreds of languages and dialects influence pronunciation differently, while personal preference also plays a role, as people spell words based on how they were taught.

Unless you’re writing for a formal or academic purpose, the exact spelling isn’t a big deal. Most people will understand "Sawan," "Shravan," or "Saawan" in context.

Language is fluid, and spellings evolve based on usage. So next time you see different versions of this month’s name, remember as it’s not about right or wrong, but about diversity in language and culture.

Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub

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