Delhi-NCR, The sacred month of Sawan began with unwavering devotion as millions of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Delhi-NCR and northern India on the first Monday (Somwar) of Shravan Maas. From early morning, chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, “Bol Bam”, and “Jai Bholenath” reverberated through the air, marking a spiritually charged beginning to this holiest of months for Shaivites.
Temples Witness Unprecedented Footfall
In Gurugram, temples across the cyber city witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees offering ‘Jalabhishek’ — a sacred ritual involving the pouring of holy water and offerings on the Shiva Lingam. Long queues formed outside temples like Prem Mandir, Gufa Wale Shiva Mandir, Sri Krishna Mandir in Sector-4, Ram Mandir, and Olekkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Devotees performed the ritual with traditional offerings including milk, honey, Bilva leaves, fruits, flowers, and Ganga jal.
Priest Naresh Shastri of Shri Krishna Mandir in Sector-4 explained, “Throughout the month of Sawan, Rudrabhishek and special pujas will be performed all day long. This is a time of deep spiritual significance and devotion to Lord Shiva.”
Noida and Ghaziabad Embrace the Spirit of Sawan
In Noida, devotees gathered at Sector-20 Hanuman Mandir, offering water to Lord Shankar amid a meditative and festive atmosphere. Similar scenes were witnessed at Mohan Nagar Mandir in Ghaziabad, where thousands took part in traditional rituals.
Massive Turnout in Hapur’s Ancient Shiva Shrines
In Hapur, religious fervor peaked at some of the region’s most revered Shiva temples, including Nakka Kuan Mandir in Garhmukteshwar, Kalyaneshwar Mahadev, Sri Siddh Peeth Mahadev in Sabli, Shyam-Eshwar Mahadev in Bachlauta, Bhooteshwar Mandir in Simbhaoli, and the ancient Dehpa Shiv Mandir. The temples were filled with devotional hymns and the sounds of conch shells, as priests performed elaborate Shivling abhishek rituals using milk, yogurt, clarified butter (ghee), honey, flowers, sweets, and incense.
Brijmandal Jalabhishek Yatra Begins Amid Tight Security
In a major highlight of the day, the Brijmandal Jalabhishek Yatra — a significant spiritual procession — commenced from Sector-10A Krishna Mandir in Gurugram. The yatra, led by sadhus and saints, headed towards the revered Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Mewat under heavy security deployment.