Haridwar, August 11: The sacred city of Haridwar is witnessing an overwhelming surge of devotion on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri during the month of Sawan. Long queues of devotees have formed at the ancient Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kankhal since morning. Shiva devotees are offering Ganga water, milk, and bel leaves to perform the sacred water abhishek for Lord Bholenath.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhada Parishad, stated that Shivratri occurs every month on the night of Krishna Paksha’s Trayodashi and the day of Chaturdashi. However, the Shivratri in the month of Phalgun is celebrated as Mahashivratri. He emphasized the special significance of the Sawan Shivratri in North India due to the tradition of Kanwar. Devotees who are unable to worship Lord Shiva throughout Sawan can earn special merit by offering Ganga water and a bel leaf on Mahashivratri. He noted that Kankhal, the ancestral home of Lord Shiva and the capital of King Daksha, is a divine and extraordinary place.
The enthusiasm among the arriving devotees at Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is palpable. Female devotee Jyoti Sharma remarked that this is the in-laws’ home of Lord Shiva, making the act of offering water here particularly significant. She expressed that Lord Bholenath is so simple and compassionate that He is pleased with just a water offering. Since morning, devotees have been chanting “Har Har Mahadev” while performing the abhishek, praying for their families’ prosperity, peace, and fulfillment of wishes.
At the ancient Virbhadra Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, the influx of devotees began early in the morning. Shiva devotees lined up to perform water abhishek with various offerings, including milk, Panchamrit, and sugarcane juice, alongside fruits, flowers, and bel leaves. The temple resonated with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev.”
Devotee Krishna Bailwal shared that the large turnout at Virbhadra Mahadev Temple is due to its historical significance as a Siddh Peeth. He visited the temple with his family to offer water to Lord Shiva, praying for their prosperity and peace.
Another devotee, Basanti Sharma, noted that during the sacred month of Sawan, pilgrims travel from distant areas to seek blessings from Lord Bholenath. This ancient temple is revered as the place where Lord Virbhadra manifested, and the surrounding area is known by his name. She expressed that visiting this holy site during Sawan is a great blessing.
Devotee Mamta Nayaal emphasized the temple’s ancient significance, stating that those who visit Virbhadra Mahadev are blessed with the fulfillment of their wishes. She visited with her family to perform the water abhishek and prayed for their desires to be granted.
Mahant Rajgiri Maharaj, the temple manager, highlighted the historical and mythological importance of Virbhadra Mahadev Temple. He mentioned that the Rudra form of Lord Shiva resides here, attracting numerous visitors from across the country and beyond. Devotees bring Ganga water from Haridwar to offer to Lord Shiva, presenting their wishes before Him. The Akhada Parishad, led by Mahant Dr. Ravindra Puri, organizes community meals for the devotees.
He shared a saying from revered Mahant Ravindra Puri: “One pot of water solves all problems.” He explained that Lord Mahadev does not require elaborate offerings; a simple pot of water is sufficient. Those who offer a pot of water during Sawan find solutions to their problems.
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