Shravan 2nd Monday: Kanwariyas throng Shiva temples in UP, Uttarakhand
Synopsis
On the second Monday of Shravan, Kanwariyas descended on Shiva temples from Prayagraj to Rishikesh in one of north India's largest annual religious mobilisations — carrying Ganga water on foot, chanting Har Har Mahadev, and praying at sites whose mythological roots stretch to Lord Brahma's Ashwamedha Yajna.
Key Takeaways
The second Monday of Shravan drew large crowds of Kanwariyas and devotees to Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand .
In Prayagraj , pilgrims gathered at Daraganj , Dashashwamedh Ghat , and Brahmeshwar Mahadev Temple for Jalabhishek.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh received Kanwariyas from midnight, with devotees offering milk, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva.
Ayodhya's Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi also saw large pilgrim gatherings seeking Lord Hanuman's blessings.
Police and local administration were deployed at key sites to manage security and crowd movement.
The second Monday of Shravan on 11 August 2025 drew massive congregations of Kanwariyas and devotees at Shiva temples and sacred sites across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with pilgrims carrying holy Ganga water for Jalabhishek amid reverberating chants of Har Har Mahadev and Bol Bam.
Prayagraj: Daraganj to Dashashwamedh
In Prayagraj, large groups of Kanwariyas converged on the Daraganj area to collect sacred Ganga water. One devotee described the traditional circuit: 'We are offering holy water at Dashashwamedh Ghat and then heading to Kashi Vishwanath Temple,' reflecting the centuries-old practice of carrying Ganga water for Shiva worship.
The Dashashwamedh and Brahmeshwar Mahadev temples in Prayagraj were packed through the day, with chants filling the air and devotees offering Ganga water while praying for blessings, prosperity, and the fulfilment of personal wishes.
Ancient Significance of Brahmeshwar Mahadev
Temple priest Shom Ji Shastri elaborated on the site's mythological importance. 'The main significance of this place is that, in ancient times, Lord Brahma performed an Ashwamedha Yajna here and established Brahmeshwar Mahadev before beginning the creation of the universe. There are two Shiva Lingams here — Dashashwamedh Mahadev and Brahmeshwar Mahadev. The present Dashashwamedh Mahadev is believed to be self-manifested,' he said.
A devotee at the temple noted that the shrine draws pilgrims who believe prayers offered here are answered: 'This is a very ancient temple. Devotees who come here perform their prayers and rituals in a proper and orderly manner… it is believed that the wishes of devotees who pray here are fulfilled.'
Ayodhya and the Hanumangarhi Gathering
In Ayodhya, the second Monday of Shravan also drew large numbers of Kanwariyas and devotees to Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi, where pilgrims sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The temple premises were enveloped in a festive religious atmosphere, with darshan and prayers continuing through the day.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
In Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the ancient Neelkanth Mahadev Temple received a surge of Kanwariyas from midnight onwards. Devotees performed Jalabhishek and offered milk, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva, with chants of Har Har Mahadev echoing through the hills.
Police and local administration officials were deployed at the temple to maintain security, manage crowd movement, and ensure orderly access for pilgrims. The Kanwar pilgrimage — which sees devotees travel on foot to collect and carry Ganga water — is among the largest annual religious mobilisations in northern India. The second Monday of Shravan is regarded as especially auspicious by Shiva devotees, and observances this year were marked by high turnout, traditional rituals, and sustained devotion across both states.
Point of View
Water supply, and route safety along Kanwar corridors are perennial pressure points that local administrations must plan for months in advance. The devotional fervour is genuine and massive; the institutional response to it deserves equal scrutiny.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kanwar Yatra and why is it significant during Shravan?
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage in which devotees — called Kanwariyas — travel on foot to collect holy Ganga water and offer it at Shiva temples in a ritual known as Jalabhishek. The pilgrimage is considered especially meritorious during the month of Shravan, with Mondays regarded as the most auspicious days for Shiva worship.
Which temples saw the largest gatherings on the second Monday of Shravan?
Major gatherings were reported at Dashashwamedh and Brahmeshwar Mahadev temples in Prayagraj, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, and Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya. Kanwariyas began arriving at Neelkanth Mahadev from midnight onwards.
What is the religious significance of Brahmeshwar Mahadev Temple in Prayagraj?
According to temple priest Shom Ji Shastri, the site is believed to be where Lord Brahma performed the Ashwamedha Yajna before the creation of the universe, and where he established Brahmeshwar Mahadev. The temple houses two Shiva Lingams — Dashashwamedh Mahadev and Brahmeshwar Mahadev — with the former believed to be self-manifested.
What security arrangements were made for pilgrims during the Shravan Monday observances?
Police and local administration officials were deployed at key temple sites, including Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, to maintain security, regulate pilgrim movement, and manage large crowds throughout the day and night.
Why is the second Monday of Shravan considered especially auspicious?
Each Monday of Shravan is considered sacred to Lord Shiva, and the second Monday intensifies the pilgrimage as more devotees complete their Kanwar journeys and perform Jalabhishek. The cumulative momentum of the month's observances, combined with the belief that prayers offered on these days carry special efficacy, draws progressively larger crowds at major Shiva shrines.
