Millions of devotees descended on Lord Shiva temples across India on 3 August, marking the first Sawan Somwar of the holy month of Sawan 2025. From the ghats of Varanasi to the ancient shrines of Haridwar and Deoghar, worshippers queued from the early hours to offer jalabhishek and seek divine blessings. The holy month of Sawan commenced on 30 July and will conclude on 28 August.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Grand Celebrations in Varanasi

Thousands of devotees gathered at the ghats of the sacred city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, taking a holy dip in the River Ganga before proceeding to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for jalabhishek. The temple was adorned with elaborate floral decorations, and the Mangala Aarti drew large congregations even before the main gates were opened for the day.

The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi Division and the temple's Chief Executive Officer showered flower petals on Kanwariyas and devotees as a mark of celebration. 'We attended the Mangala Aarti. We usually come on the Mondays of Sawan to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. There are very long queues outside, but the arrangements inside the temple are very good. We had a very good darshan,' one devotee said. Another noted that 'considering the large crowd, everything has been managed well,' adding that enthusiasm among worshippers was as high as in previous years.

Daksha Mahadev Temple: Haridwar's Sacred Draw

In Uttarakhand's Haridwar, devotees offered jalabhishek to Lord Shiva at the Daksha Mahadev Temple in Kankhal, located approximately 4 kilometres south of the main Haridwar city, amid Vedic chants. The ancient shrine is traditionally revered as the home of Lord Shiva's in-laws.

A temple priest explained the occasion's significance: 'The month of Sawan holds special significance because it is believed that Lord Shiva resides here for this month and symbolically governs the universe from this temple. Since today is the first Monday of Sawan, devotees have been queuing since around 3 a.m. to offer jalabhishek and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.' Devotees echoed this sentiment, with one saying, 'Whoever comes here to offer prayers has their wishes fulfilled.'

Baba Baidyanath Temple: Packed Premises, Smooth Darshan

The Baba Baidyanath Temple also witnessed a massive turnout on the first Sawan Somwar. 'There is a huge crowd on the first Monday of Sawan. The Baba Baidyanath Temple is packed with devotees,' the temple priest said. Worshippers praised both the spiritual experience and the administrative arrangements. 'The arrangements are very good despite the huge crowd. This is my first time here, and I will surely visit next year too,' a first-time visitor said. Another devotee acknowledged minor gaps but commended the overall management: 'The administration has done good work. The experience was much better than in previous years.'

Significance of Sawan Somwar

The Mondays of Sawan, known as Sawan Somwar, are considered among the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Devotees believe that fasting and offering jalabhishek on these days builds mental resilience, alleviates stress, brings inner peace, and secures blessings for marriage and family well-being. This year, four Sawan Somwars fall between 30 July and 28 August, drawing millions to pilgrimage sites and local temples nationwide.

With three more Sawan Mondays remaining in 2025, temple authorities and district administrations are expected to maintain heightened security and crowd management protocols through the month's end on 28 August.