NEW DELHI:  In a show of unwavering devotion, fervent devotees gathered at temples across the country on the first Monday of the sacred Sawan month in 2023.

Kanpur witnessed a magnificent congregation of worshipers at the revered Nageshwar Shiv temple, while in Haridwar, the Daksha Prajapati Shiv temple became a sanctuary for prayers.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, resounded with the divine echoes of the "Bhasma aarti" during the inaugural Monday of Sawan.

Amidst the bustling streets of the national capital, devotees thronged the Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk, offering their heartfelt prayers.

The spiritual aura of the holy Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi attracted a multitude of believers, seeking blessings during this auspicious time.

In Gorakhpur, devotees found solace and solace in their hearts as they paid homage at the Mahadev Jharkhandi Shiv Temple on this joyous occasion.

This year, the Sawan month extends its divine embrace for two months, commencing on July 4 and concluding on August 31. With an elongated duration of 59 days, devotees will be blessed with eight Mondays instead of the usual four.

As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Sawan, also known as Shravan, stands as the fifth month and one of the most sacred periods of the year. This year, the revered Shravan period stretches beyond its conventional one-month span, reminiscent of a similar observance nearly 19 years ago.

Notably, the Kanwar Yatra holds immense significance during the month of Sawan. Devotees embark on a spiritual journey to collect water from sacred rivers, storing it in Kanwars, small mud pots. Adorned in vibrant saffron attire, these faithful devotees undertake a pilgrimage by foot to visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims, often referred to as Kanwariyas, travel to destinations like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, as well as Sultanganj in Bihar, to procure the holy waters of the River Ganga. Subsequently, they present this sacred offering to the deity as a symbol of their devotion. Sawan, commencing on July 4 this year, will continue its divine grace until August 31.

May this pious period of Sawan bestow divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment upon all those who partake in its sacred rituals.

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