Did you know Harihar is a unique avatar of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu? Well, yes! It is said that one must worship this form during the month of Sawan.
As you may know lord Shiva is the destroyer and lord Vishnu is the preserver. In the Harihar form, one half of the deity is depicted as Shiva and the other half as Vishnu.
The Harihar form serves a reminder to devotees that Shiva and Vishnu are not separate deities, but two aspects of the same supreme truth. Worshipping this form symbolises balance in life.
What the legend has to say…
The legend has it that once there was a fierce debate and conflict between Shaivites (devotees of Shiva) and Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu). Each claimed their deity to be supreme. To put an end to this conflict, the supreme energy manifested itself as Harihar – half Shiva, half Vishnu.
There’s another story also around this form. It talks about how certain powerful demons, who had boons that made them invincible against one deity alone, were destroyed by this combined form of Harihar because they could not be defeated by Shiva or Vishnu individually.
In some southern parts of India, there are temples that are dedicated to Harihareshwara.
Importance of worshipping Harihar Avatar in the month of Sawan…
since the period of Chaturmas is ongoing, lord Vishnu has gone into yog nidra. This is why the responsibility to look after the universe has fallen on lord Shiva. It is said that lord Shiva resides on Earth during the month of Sawan. Given this is the month of Sawan and Chaturmas period has also begun, it is said one must worship both lord Shiva and lord Vishnu. Since Harihar avatar is part lord Shiva and part lord Vishnu, it is said one must worship this form during the month of Sawan.
By worshipping the Harihar form, devotees can seek the grace of lord Shiva and protection of lord Vishnu.