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Thousands of devotees across India gathered at Shiva temples on Thursday to welcome the auspicious month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, with prayers, rituals and deep devotion.
Worshippers began arriving at temples from the early hours of the morning to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, with long queues witnessed at several prominent shrines across the country.
Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest months.
Observed during the monsoon season, devotees mark the month with fasting, prayers, temple visits and pilgrimages. They also perform abhishek of the Shivling using milk, honey, curd, ghee, holy water and Bael leaves.
According to Hindu mythology, the Samudra Manthan took place during Sawan, when Lord Shiva consumed a deadly poison to save the universe, earning the name Neelkanth.
The month is also significant because Goddess Parvati performed intense penance during Sawan to marry Lord Shiva.
As a result, devotees observe the month with prayers seeking prosperity, marital harmony, happiness and spiritual well-being.
Throughout Sawan, devotees observe the traditional Somwar Vrat every Monday, believing that sincere prayers and fasting during the sacred month bring peace, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes.
The period also coincides with the annual Kanwar Yatra, during which Kanwariyas undertake long pilgrimages on foot to collect holy water from the River Ganga and offer it on Shivlings at Shiva temples.
Many devotees also maintain strict religious discipline during the month by following a vegetarian diet and refraining from consuming non-vegetarian food, reflecting the spirit of devotion and self-restraint that defines the sacred observance of Sawan.
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