Shravan (Sawan in North India) is considered one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar and is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva

Prayers for the city: A police personnel seeks Lord Shiva's blessings at the temple

The month is marked by prayers, fasting and visits to Shiva temples, with Mondays, known as Shravan Somwar, holding particular significance for devotees

On the Mondays of the holy month, devotees visit temples to offer prayers and perform rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Common offerings include water, milk, and bilva leaves, which are traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Shiva 

Many devotees observe fasts on Mondays during Shravan and undertake religious practices as an expression of devotion. Shiva temples across India witness increased footfall during the month, with devotees gathering for special prayers and rituals

Special message for Mahadev: Devotees whisper their wishes into Nandi's ear at the temple

A devotee chants mantras at the temple. During the holy month of Shravan, devotees also observe several austerities

Mumbai's Babulnath Mandir is among the temples that see a significant rise in devotee footfall during Shravan. Thousands of worshippers climb the temple steps or use the available lift to offer prayers and make traditional offerings at the shrine

Devotees also took part in a traditional Kanwar Yatra from Banganga to Shree Babulnath Temple, carrying sacred water for offering during the holy month of Shravan

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, particularly during the holy month of Shravan. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, traditionally collect sacred water from rivers or other holy water sources and carry it to Shiva temples

A devotee and his young son carry kanwars with sacred water as they climb the steps of Shree Babulnath Mandir during the traditional Kanwar Yatra 

Amid the high footfall of devotees, Mumbai Police ramped up security measures at the temple