Devotees Flock to Shiva Temples on Final Monday of Sawan

Thousands of devotees gathered at Shiva temples across India, particularly Baba Baidyanath Dham and Somnath Temple, to offer prayers on the last Monday of the Sawan month. Sawan, considered an auspicious month, sees devotees observe fasting and rituals to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

Thousands of devotees thronged Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand on the last Monday of Sawan to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Bearing pooja thalis laden with offerings like milk, honey, sandalwood paste, water, and Bel patra, worshippers patiently waited for their turn.

Sawan is deemed the most auspicious month, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts every Monday during this period. Baba Baidyanath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is considered a sacred abode of Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from various regions who come to offer prayers.

Similarly, large numbers gathered outside Gujarat's Somnath Temple and at Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain to mark the last 'Shravan' Monday. Devotees queued up since early morning at the Mahakaleshwar temple to seek Baba Mahakal's blessings and participated in a special 'Bhasma Aarti'.

Sawan is significant in Hindu mythology, being the month when Lord Shiva consumed poison from the ocean churning (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe. Devotees observe fasts, chant mantras, sing bhajans, and perform Rudrabhishek to seek blessings during this period.

(With inputs from agencies.)