Why Are Devotees Gathering at Shiva Temples Nationwide on the Second Sawan Monday?

New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The sacred month of Sawan has showcased a remarkable exhibition of faith on its second Somvaar, as millions of devotees flocked to Lord Shiva temples nationwide to offer holy water and seek blessings.

From the revered Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar to the ghats of Haridwar and the bustling streets of Varanasi, the air was filled with chants of 'Bol Bam', echoing the unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.

In Deoghar, the world-famous Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, experienced an unprecedented surge of devotees.

Countless kanwariyas made their way after completing a 108-kilometre barefoot pilgrimage from Sultanganj, carrying holy water from the Ganga. As it was not merely the second Monday of Sawan but also Ekadashi, the crowds grew even larger. Streets were filled with people in long queues extending over 10 km since dawn.

District officials estimated that over three lakh devotees would offer holy water at the shrine today. The temple complex was lavishly decorated with flowers, resonating with chants of 'Bol Bam', as the devotees performed jalabhishek using arghas.

Local priest Lambodar Parihast acknowledged the temple's spiritual magnificence and commended the administration for facilitating a smooth experience.

In Ballia, massive congregations gathered at the Baba Baleshwar Nath Temple.

A local priest shared, “In Sawan, Lord Bholenath is our everything -- our protector and guide. All that we have is by His grace.” A devotee added, “The crowd is large, but we are able to have darshan on time. We feel blessed.”

At Dudheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, a devotee remarked, “We come here every Monday. Today's arrangements are excellent, and darshan is flowing smoothly.”

Devotees also gathered at Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, where temple priest Umashankar Bharti highlighted its spiritual importance, describing it as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) and south-facing shrine.

Kashi (Varanasi) was alive with divine energy as thousands of kanwariyas came to offer water at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Locals welcomed them with flower showers at the Godowlia crossing and even washed their feet, a profound sign of respect. The entire city transformed into a sea of saffron, vibrant with chants and spiritual fervor.

In Haridwar, a vast number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganga before performing jalabhishek at various Shiva temples.

A surge of devotees was seen at Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kankhal, where worshippers patiently queued to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

In Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, a devotee visiting Shivalaya Temple expressed, “Sawan Mondays are dear to Lord Shiva. It is believed that offering water to Him at this time brings us closer to Him.”

In Greater Noida, temples experienced a massive influx of visitors early in the morning, particularly in Mubarakpur village, where devotees believe that prayers offered on the second Monday of Sawan eliminate all obstacles.

“This is an ancient temple, and every year thousands come here with profound faith,” said a local devotee.

In West Delhi’s Madipur village, the ancient Shiv temple also witnessed substantial crowds of worshippers from Delhi NCR and beyond. A devotee shared, “Those who visit with pure intentions find their wishes fulfilled. Baba blesses everyone who comes here.”