New Delhi: On the occasion of the first Monday of the month of 'Sawan' (Shravan), a large number of devotees thronged various temples of Lord Shiva at different places in the country.
The devotees were more enthusiastic and excited than before as it was after two long years that they got to worship in the holy month by visiting the temple, as there were restrictions on gathering and visiting religious places amid the surge in the spread of Covid-19.
The temples in the country witnessed long queues of devotees at various Shiva temples to worship on the first Monday.
One of the 'pujaris' at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi said that people celebrate the occasion like a festival. "We apply Chandan (Sandalwood), Gangajal (water from the River Gange), Belpatra (Vine leaves), Honey, Milk, Curd, Shakkar, and other dear items like Bhaang and Dhatura to the deity," he added.
A priest at a temple in Haridwar said that Sawan is the dearest month to Lord Shiva.
A huge crowd was also seen at the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Mahakaleshwar's Bhasma Aarti is believed as most special, as it is the only 'Jyotirling' amongst the 12 where the 'Shivling' is bathed with water. It is said that in all the other 11 'Jyotirlings' Bhasma is only applied to the deity. Hence, it is one of the reasons why people from all across the world come to attend it, said the Mahakaleshwar priest. (with Agency inputs)
