People across India welcomed the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) with prayers and religious fervour on Thursday, as thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples from the early hours to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Long queues were seen at prominent Shiva temples across the country as devotees performed special rituals and participated in religious ceremonies to mark the beginning of the sacred month. Many worshippers offered prayers and performed abhishek of the Shivling with milk, honey, curd, ghee, water and sacred Bael leaves, which hold special significance in Shiva worship.
Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and coincides with the monsoon season, typically falling during July and August. It is regarded as one of the holiest periods in Hinduism and is observed through fasting, prayers, temple visits and pilgrimages by millions of devotees.
According to Hindu mythology, the Samudra Manthan (cosmic churning of the ocean) took place during Sawan. During the churning, a deadly poison emerged that threatened the universe, and Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed it to protect creation, holding it in his throat, which turned blue and earned him the name Neelkanth.
Religious beliefs also associate the month with Goddess Parvati’s penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. As a result, Sawan is considered particularly auspicious for devotees seeking prosperity, marital harmony and spiritual well-being.
Throughout the month, devotees observe Somwar Vrat (Monday fasts) as an expression of their devotion to Lord Shiva. The fasts are believed to bring peace, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes through sincere prayer.
The month also marks the annual Kanwar Yatra, during which Kanwariyas undertake long pilgrimages on foot to collect holy water from the Ganga and offer it on Shivlings at Shiva temples.
Many devotees also observe strict religious discipline during Sawan by following a vegetarian diet and abstaining from non-vegetarian food as part of their spiritual observances.
(With IANS inputs)
