Devotees Throng Temples on Last Monday of Shravan

Devotees across India flocked to various Lord Shiva temples to offer prayers on the last Monday of Shravan month. Major temples like Achleshwar Mahadev, Mahakaleshwar, Baba Baidyanath Dham, and Somnath saw significant footfalls. The occasion also coincided with Raksha Bandhan, enhancing the spiritual fervor.

Devotees across India flocked to Lord Shiva temples to offer prayers on the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan Purnima. Temples nationwide observed a surge in worshippers, reflecting the deep-rooted religious sentiments associated with this period.

Achleshwar Mahadev Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed a large number of devotees offering bel leaves, milk, and garlands, participating in special pujas and abhisheks organized for the occasion. In Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, also saw a significant turnout.

The last Monday of Shravan coincided with Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Devotees marked this occasion by praying for familial harmony and prosperity, with many offering Rakhis to Lord Shiva. Temple activities in various regions, including Patna's Lord Shiva temple on Boring Road, saw enthusiastic participation from devotees.

In Jharkhand, Baba Baidyanath Dham, another significant Jyotirlinga, drew devotees from diverse regions, highlighting its religious prominence. Similarly, the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat's Bilimora, known for its 'Swayambhu' Shivling and its 1,600-year-old heritage, experienced long queues of worshippers.

Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, was another focal point of religious activity, with devotees seeking Lord Shiva's blessings on the concluding Monday of Shravan. The period, typically from July to August, is associated with fasting, worship, and pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, this is the month when Lord Shiva consumed poison from the ocean churning to save the universe.

The rains of Shravan are symbolic of Lord Shiva's compassion and benevolence, further heightening the spiritual ambiance. Devotees across the country marked the occasion with fervor, underscoring the enduring significance of Shravan in the Hindu religious calendar. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)