The first Monday of Sawan drew a massive rush of devotees to Varanasi's Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with over 2.25 lakh pilgrims offering prayers by 7 am, according to temple authorities.

The temple doors were opened for devotees after the "mangala aarti" in the early hours, following which worshippers queued up to perform "jalabhishek" (ritual offering of water) and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.