Spiritual importance of doing drinking water charity in the month of Shravana:
The Legend – Once a thirsty person was asking for water to a shopkeeper of a kiosk. The merchant was not interested for any charity and so denied. The person then moved to the second trader in the line but again got the same response. He went on urging for water one after one kiosk owner in that row and finally arrived at the last cabin. The trader of the last kiosk was so rude that he even did not utter a single word but just showed his hand ahead.
If we translate the above stance of the owner it says “Aage Badho”, a sentence of denial. The thirsty person misunderstood the body language and got that perhaps the shopkeeper showed him a point where he can get drinking water.
Eventually the person moved in the direction that the merchant had waved his hand and co-incidentally found water over there. He drinks as per his satisfaction and proceeds ahead.
Now, come to the second episode of this mythological story – After some years the seller dies and (as per belief of Hindu philosophy) was presented before the court of Yamaraj, the God of death. Chitragupta, the analyst of vices and virtues there announced that the person had never performed a virtuous deed, except in one occasion. Hence, he deserves one day stay in heaven for that single virtuous deed and the rest of the period in hell.
The person gets astonished because as per his knowledge he had never performed any virtuous endeavor. Thus, he wanted to know what the exact act is for which he becomes eligible for heaven for the single day. Chitragupta explains – “On one occasion, you had served a thirsty person with drinking water unknowingly. You actually denied him but he misunderstood and got the water source as per your hand waving and so you are eligible for a single day stay in the heaven, the cherished place of all human being, who believes in Hindu Philosophy”.
Moral:
If someone unknowingly performs an act and avails the outgrowth of virtue for drinking water charity, when we will do the same with all our heart and soul, imagine how much virtue we will be blessed with. Hence, donating water is a great and highly virtuous act and so we suggest you to not to leave any chance of serving a thirsty person (or animal) with water.
Moreover, as per Hindu mythological texts, Lord Shiva dwells at his abode incessantly during the whole month of ‘shraavana’, for which lakhs of devotees bring sacred and sanctified water on pure pots to pour on the Lingam, the worldly manifestation of the God. It is also believed that the more pain you take, the Lord blesses you the more. Hence, devotees love to bring water from sources like rivers and springs from long destinations to perform ‘Jal-abhishek’ of the Lord.