Amid chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Om Namah Shivaya,' early morning aarti was performed across various temples of India. (Pics/PTI)
Devotees across the nation gathered in large numbers to mark the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan one of the most sacred periods dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar.
Uttar Pradesh, along with other parts of the country, experienced large numbers of Kanwariyas flocking to Shiva temples from the early hours of Monday.
Lord Shiva devotees carry holy water of the Ganga River as they walk towards Varanasi to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Massive crowds of Kanwariyas and pilgrims began gathering from Sunday night to seek darshan of Baba Vishwanath. Special security arrangements, including deployment of Varanasi Police and Black Commandos, were in place to manage the huge influx of devotees.
During this holy month, devotees undertake fasts, offer prayers, chant Shiva mantras, sing devotional bhajans, and perform Rudrabhishek—the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam.
Shravan, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar, is considered to be the most auspicious month of the year. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who, according to Hindu religious beliefs, is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of this universe.
ADVERTISEMENT
