The sacred month of Sawan began with a surge of religious fervour across India on Monday, with thousands of devotees offering prayers at prominent Shiva temples in Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Haridwar.
The first Monday of the holy month is considered especially auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.
At Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, crowds began assembling before dawn to witness the world-famous Bhasma Aarti.
The temple opened its doors at 2:30 AM, with darshan continuing throughout the day.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh, a priest at the temple, said, “The first Monday of Sawan is extremely significant here. Mahakaleshwar is not only unique but known globally for the Bhasma Aarti.”
A devotee from Ujjain shared his experience: “I missed Shivratri due to personal reasons. But today, I feel truly blessed to have Baba Mahakal’s darshan.”
A grand city procession of Lord Mahakal is scheduled for 4 PM, expected to draw both pilgrims and tourists.
Omkareshwar’s sacred waters
Elsewhere in Omkareshwar, another sacred Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, thousands participated in Jalabhishek, pouring Narmada river water on the Shiva lingam in the early hours.
Devotees observed the ritual with deep reverence, continuing the timeless Sawan traditions.
In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, massive crowds gathered under heavy security.
Personnel from police, PAC, RAF, SSB, SDRF, and bomb squads ensured safety across major Shiva temples, including the revered Daksheswar Mahadev Temple.
Devotees bathed in the Ganges and launched their Kanwar Yatra, chanting ‘Bol Bam’ in unison. The spiritual energy reverberated through the city.
A devotee at Daksh Mahadev Temple remarked, “This is the first Monday of Sawan, the holiest day. The first Kanwariyas bathe here before heading to Har Ki Pauri.”
Among the thousands, a heart-touching story stood out. Sachin, a specially-abled devotee from Modinagar, travelled 170 kilometres on the shoulders of his wife to offer Jalabhishek at the Daksh Temple.
With emotion in his voice, Sachin shared, “My wife carried me the entire journey. I don’t know what destiny I have, but today I sit on my life partner’s shoulders—the burden that should’ve been mine, she bore for me.”
The day’s events not only marked the beginning of Sawan but also highlighted the spiritual unity and deep faith that define this sacred month.
From iconic rituals to personal stories of sacrifice, the first Monday of Sawan was a testament to enduring devotion across India.
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