Varanasi, August 10: On the auspicious Monday of Sawan, the entire state was immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva, from Kashi to Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ echoed from the grand Baba Vishwanath temple to small shrines in the neighborhoods. As the temple doors opened, a surge of devotees poured in, continuing until the evening Aarti.
Groups of Kanwariyas, carrying Ganga water on their shoulders, marched forward with cries of “Bol Bam,” filling the atmosphere with a divine spirit. People performed Rudrabhishek and worshipped Shiva at various locations. The enthusiasm in the holy city of Kashi on this sacred Monday was truly remarkable. Devotees began arriving in Kashi from Sunday night to visit Baba Vishwanath. From the roads to the temple premises, everyone was engrossed in the ritual of offering water to Baba. The Kanwariyas took a dip in the Ganges, filled their pots with holy water, and then lined up towards the Vishwanath temple.
The temple complex resonated with the sounds of bells and drums. Under tight security, devotees offered milk, yogurt, honey, bel leaves, and bhang-datura for the water ritual. By evening, the Ganga Aarti lit up the entire ghats with the glow of lamps. Local merchants also displayed their service spirit by setting up water stations and community kitchens for the devotees. In Prayagraj, the Manokameshwar temple and other major Shiva shrines saw a steady stream of visitors from dawn. After bathing at the Sangam, devotees filled their pots with holy water and headed towards nearby Shiva temples.
In the streets, groups of Kanwariyas donned saffron attire, carrying decorated Kanwars and chanting “Jai Bholenath.” The flower and bel leaf stalls outside the temples were bustling with activity. As dusk fell, special adornments and Rudrabhishek ceremonies took place in the temples. From the ancient Nageshwar Nath temple to Kshireswar Nath, Panchmukhi Mahadev, and Jharkhandeshwar Nath, the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ continued late into the evening. A massive crowd gathered from Ram Lalla’s court to Hanuman Garhi. The entire Awadh region resonated with cries of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Bam Bam Bhole.”
After bathing at the Saryu river, devotees offered water to Lord Shiva at the Nageshwar Nath temple. The day was filled with Rudrabhishek, offering of bel leaves, and continuous bhajan-kirtan. The Ram Ki Paidi area was bustling with devotees, showcasing a beautiful blend of faith and devotion towards both Lord Ram and Lord Shiva. On this Monday of Sawan, the excitement of the Kanwar Yatra reached its peak across the state. Kanwariyas, dressed in saffron, were seen walking, cycling, and driving towards their destinations with beautifully adorned Kanwars.
Along the way, various NGOs and locals set up rest camps, refreshment stations, and medical camps for the Kanwariyas. Dancing to devotional DJ tunes, the Kanwariyas filled the atmosphere with joy, chanting “Bol Bam, Bol Bam.” In many places, Kanwariyas were welcomed with showers of flowers.
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Vikiti/DKPI
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