Devotees Celebrate First Monday of Sawan with Enthusiasm Across India

Devotional Gatherings at Major Temples

New Delhi, July 14: On the inaugural Monday of the holy month of Sawan, a surge of devotion enveloped India as thousands flocked to prominent Shiva temples, including Ujjain’s Shri Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, and Daksheswar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar, to engage in prayers, partake in 'Jalabhishek' rituals, and witness special aartis.

At the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, devotees began arriving in the early morning hours for the renowned 'Bhasma Aarti', a ritual rich in tradition. The temple opened its doors at 2:30 a.m., with darshan available throughout the day. A grand procession featuring Lord Mahakal is set for 4 p.m., attracting both pilgrims and tourists.

Mahesh, a priest at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, highlighted the day's significance: "The first Monday of Sawan is particularly meaningful, especially at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, a unique Jyotirlinga recognized globally. The temple's famous Bhasma Aarti draws devotees from distant places."

A local devotee expressed his spiritual fulfillment: "I have come to see Mahakal after a long time. I intended to visit on Shivratri Pradosh, but circumstances prevented me. Today, I had a deeply satisfying darshan, and it felt wonderful to see Baba."

In Omkareshwar, another revered Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, thousands of devotees performed jalabhishek with Narmada water early in the morning, continuing the Sawan tradition with profound respect.

Meanwhile, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, large crowds celebrated the day with religious zeal, supported by stringent security measures. Personnel from various security forces, including police, PAC, RAF, SSB, and SDRF, along with dog squads and bomb detection units, ensured the safety of pilgrims at key Shiva temples.

Devotees bathed in the Ganges and commenced their Kanwar Yatra, with chants of “Bol Bam” resonating in the atmosphere.

A devotee at Daksheswar or Daksh Mahadev Temple in Haridwar remarked, "Today marks the first Monday of Sawan, the most significant day. The initial Kanwariyas arrive at our Daksh Temple, regarded as a temple of truth. Here, the first ritual bath is conducted before heading to Har Ki Pauri for the Kanwar journey."

One of the most poignant moments of the day was shared by Sachin, a specially-abled devotee from Modinagar, who traveled 170 kilometers on his wife's shoulders to perform jalabhishek at Daksh Mahadev Temple.

In an emotional reflection, Sachin stated, "My wife carried me for this 170 km journey. I am uncertain about my fate, but today I am on my life partner’s shoulders. The burden that should have been mine, she has taken upon herself."