New Delhi, July 30: The holy month of Sawan began on Thursday with devotees gathering in large numbers at Shiva temples and pilgrimage centres across the country to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
From Patna and Varanasi to Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh, temples witnessed a steady flow of worshippers from the early hours of the day. Devotees performed Jalabhishek and offered water, milk, flowers, fruits and sweets at Shiva temples as religious activities marked the beginning of the sacred month.
In Patna, devotees formed long queues outside several temples and participated in special prayers and rituals. Many worshippers visited temples early in the morning to observe the first day of Sawan with devotion.In Uttarakhand, the annual Kanwar Yatra gained momentum as Kanwariyas began carrying holy water from the Ganga to Shiva temples in different parts of northern India.
Security arrangements were strengthened along major pilgrimage routes, with additional police personnel deployed and CCTV surveillance being used to monitor the movement of devotees.Rishikesh also witnessed a rise in the number of pilgrims, with devotees visiting prominent places of worship, including the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Temple authorities reported higher footfall as worshippers arrived to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies.In the national capital, devotees visited the Gauri Shankar Temple in Old Delhi and took part in special rituals. Similar scenes were witnessed in Noida, where worshippers gathered at local temples to offer prayers.
Large numbers of pilgrims also visited religious sites in Ayodhya. In Varanasi, devotees thronged the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the country’s most revered Shiva shrines, to seek blessings at the start of the holy month.
Several devotees said the number of visitors was expected to increase further, particularly on the Mondays of Sawan, which hold special religious significance for followers of Lord Shiva.Sawan, also known as Shravan Maas, is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar.
During the month, devotees observe fasts, perform special pujas and offer sacred items to Shiva Lingams. The period is associated with faith, spiritual discipline and religious reflection.Important observances during the month include Sawan Somwar, Shravan Shivratri, the Kanwar Yatra and Hariyali Amavasya.
Sawan will continue until August 28, and major Shiva temples and pilgrimage centres are expected to receive a large number of devotees throughout the month.
