Lucknow, August 3. On the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, major Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh witnessed a remarkable confluence of devotion and faith. Thousands of devotees queued up from late night to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. From Prayagraj’s famous Mankameshwar Temple to Etah’s historic Kailash Temple, chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” filled the atmosphere with devotion.
Devotees thronged the Mankameshwar Temple early in the morning.
Long queues of devotees had formed at the Mankameshwar Temple in Prayagraj even before dawn. Devotees arrived with Ganga water, Bel leaves, Datura, flowers, and puja materials to perform Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. The temple complex was filled with devotional hymns and Vedic chants.
Mahant explains the temple’s religious significance
Mahant Brahmachari Shri Dharanand Ji Maharaj of Mankameshwar Temple explained that this is a very ancient Shiva temple, mentioned in the Puranas as “Kameshwar Teerth.” According to religious belief, Lord Rama and Mother Sita also worshipped Lord Shiva here during the Treta Yuga. He said that Lord Shiva fulfills the wishes of any devotee who worships here with a true heart and complete devotion.
Devotees report a long wait, but the darshan brings immense peace
The enthusiasm of the devotees who arrived at the temple was palpable. A female devotee explained that due to the special significance of the first Monday of Sawan, she arrived early in the morning. Despite the heavy crowd, the devotees’ faith remained unshaken. Another devotee said that they arrived at the temple around 4 a.m. and stood in line for a long time to have darshan. They said that after seeing Lord Shiva, all their fatigue vanished and they found immense peace in their mind.
Even the rain couldn’t deter the faith of Shiva devotees.
Devotees said that despite the overnight rain, their devotion remained unwavering. Their desire to see Lord Shiva was so strong that they stayed up all night to reach the temple with complete devotion.
Crowds also gathered at the 150-year-old Kailash Temple in Etah.
Meanwhile, at the historic Kailash Temple in Etah, the doors of the temple were opened to devotees at 3 a.m. after the Mangala Aarti at 4 a.m., the ritual of Jalabhishek began, which continued uninterrupted. The temple’s chief priest, Dhirendra Jha, explained that during the month of Sawan, devotees from far and wide come here to perform Rudrabhishek, special pujas, and Bhandara. Crowds of devotees continue to gather here throughout the month of Sawan to have darshan of Lord Shiva.
Kanwariyas arrived with 51 liters of Ganga water.
Kanwariyas arrived on foot from the Lehra Ganga Ghat in Kasganj, carrying 51 liters of holy Ganga water, to the Kailash Temple in Etah. The pilgrims reported excellent security and other arrangements by the administration during the pilgrimage. Police forces were deployed along the entire route, ensuring a peaceful and smooth journey. The pilgrims, Gaurav, Arun Kumar, and Neeraj, explained that they bring Ganga water every year on the first Monday of the month of Sawan to perform the Jalabhishek (water consecration) of Lord Shiva. According to them, offering water on this day holds special religious significance.
Tight Security Arrangements
In view of the large crowd of devotees, extensive security arrangements were made in the temple premises and surrounding areas. Police and administration teams continuously monitored the arrangements, ensuring the entire process of darshan and Jalabhishek was completed peacefully.
A Great Confluence of Faith on the First Monday of Sawan
On the first Monday of Sawan, Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj and Etah, witnessed a unique confluence of devotion, faith, and enthusiasm. Devotees continued to arrive at the temples from morning until late evening, and the entire atmosphere was filled with devotion, with chants of Lord Shiva’s praise.