Thousands of Kanwariyas and devotees thronged prominent Shiva temples and religious sites across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan, offering Ganga water and performing prayers amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bol Bam”.
In Prayagraj, large groups of Kanwariyas gathered in the Daraganj area to collect holy Ganga water for Jalabhishek as part of the ongoing Shravan pilgrimage.
A devotee told IANS, “We are offering holy water at Dashashwamedh Ghat and then heading to Kashi Vishwanath Temple,” referring to the traditional practice of carrying sacred Ganga water to Shiva temples.
Prominent temples in Prayagraj, including Dashashwamedh and Brahmeshwar Mahadev, witnessed heavy footfall as devotees offered Ganga water and prayed for blessings, prosperity and fulfilment of their wishes.
A devotee at the temple said the shrine holds immense religious significance.
“This is a very ancient temple. Devotees who come here perform their prayers and rituals in a proper and orderly manner. The temple holds great religious significance, and it is believed that the wishes of devotees who pray here are fulfilled,” the devotee said.
Temple priest Shom Ji Shastri explained the religious significance of the site and its association with Lord Brahma.
“The main significance of this place is that, in ancient times, Lord Brahma performed an Ashwamedha Yajna here and established Brahmeshwar Mahadev before beginning the creation of the universe. There are two Shiva Lingams here, Dashashwamedh Mahadev and Brahmeshwar Mahadev. The present Dashashwamedh Mahadev is believed to be self-manifested,” he said.
In Ayodhya, a large number of Kanwariyas and devotees gathered at Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Devotees performed darshan and offered prayers amid the religious fervour marking the second Monday of Shravan.
In Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh, a large crowd of Kanwariyas gathered at the ancient Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from midnight. Devotees performed Jalabhishek and offered milk, flowers and fruits to Lord Shiva while chanting “Har Har Mahadev”.
Police and local administration officials were deployed at the temple to maintain security, regulate the movement of pilgrims and manage the crowds.
The second Monday of Shravan holds special significance for Shiva devotees. During the Kanwar pilgrimage, large numbers of pilgrims travel, often on foot, to collect holy Ganga water and carry it to Shiva temples for Jalabhishek.
Across religious centres in the two states, the day’s observances were marked by traditional rituals, prayers and chants dedicated to Lord Shiva.
(IANS Inputs)
