Mumbai, August 24: On the auspicious occasion of the last Monday of Sawan, the entire Vasai-Virar region was immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. From early morning, a massive influx of devotees flocked to both small and large Shiva temples throughout the city. Long queues formed as worshippers awaited their turn for darshan and water offerings, filling the atmosphere with chants of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam-Bam Bhole.’
At the renowned Shri Tungareswar Mahadev Temple and Shri Kashi Vishveshwar Mahadev Temple, a sea of devotees gathered to pay their respects on this significant day. Many Shiva devotees began arriving at the temples from the night before. In addition to local worshippers, individuals from distant areas traveled to Tungareswar for darshan and rituals.
To manage the large crowds, the police administration implemented strict security measures from the entrance at Tungareswar Gate to the temple premises. Officers worked tirelessly to control the crowd, maintain entry and exit protocols, and ensure the safety of all attendees. Surveillance was heightened at key locations to prevent any disorder.
Devotees performed rituals for Lord Bholenath with great reverence. Many offered milk, bel leaves, flowers, and other worship materials at the Shiva Lingam, praying for family prosperity, happiness, and the fulfillment of their wishes. A significant number of worshippers also observed fasts while engaging in prayers to Lord Shiva.
Throughout the morning, various temples echoed with mantras, abhisheks, aartis, bhajans, and kirtans. Men, women, youth, and the elderly all participated in large numbers, showcasing the special enthusiasm among Shiva devotees on this last Monday of Sawan.
At the ancient Shri Kashi Vishveshwar Mahadev Temple in Gokhiware, Vasai East, special religious events were organized for this occasion. The temple’s priest, Sachin Gurav, shared that the temple’s tradition has been upheld since ancient times, with a notable increase in devotees during the month of Sawan.
Priest Sachin Gurav explained that the temple opens at 4 AM for devotees. At 5 AM, the abhishek and Rudrabhishek of Lord Mahadev take place, followed by aarti at 6 AM, allowing devotees to receive darshan. He mentioned that the ancient Shiva Lingam, believed to be around 500 years old, is worshipped with Panchamrit abhishek, along with Lingashtakshara and Bilvashtakshara rituals. After this, the deity is adorned, and arrangements are made for devotees to have darshan.
Sachin Gurav noted that the Kashi Vishveshwar Mahadev Temple attracts a large number of devotees not only from the local area but also from Borivali, Andheri, and surrounding regions. The atmosphere during Sawan is particularly vibrant, with devotees bringing flowers, offerings, and other worship materials, contributing to the temple’s upkeep and cleanliness.
He also mentioned that the temple complex houses shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Datt, Hanuman, and Radha-Krishna. Evening prayers, bhajans, and kirtans are held regularly. On the last Monday of Sawan, a special Shiva aarti is conducted in the afternoon, followed by the adornment of Lord Shiva with a crown and the distribution of prasad to devotees.
Priest Sachin Gurav highlighted that many Kanwar yatras arrive at the Papdi and Tungareswar temples during Sawan. The enthusiasm among devotees during this month is truly remarkable. He emphasized that Sawan is a significant time for the worship of Lord Shiva, with devotees dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to temple service.
Reflecting on his family’s tradition, Sachin Gurav mentioned that they have served Lord Shiva for generations, and he has been involved in worship at this temple since childhood. He identifies himself as a priest of the Lingayat tradition.
On this sacred occasion of the last Monday of Sawan, the overwhelming presence of devotees in the temples of Vasai-Virar painted a profound picture of the city’s religious faith and devotion. Amidst the resounding chants of ‘Har-Har Mahadev,’ the ringing of temple bells, and the melodies of bhajans and kirtans, worshippers sought blessings from Lord Shiva.
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