First Monday of Sawan: Devotees Flock to Temples at Dawn, Chant “Har Har Mahadev” Echoes Across the Nation

New Delhi : The holy month of Shravan began with immense devotion as the first Monday (Sawan Somvar) was observed across the country today. From the early hours, large crowds of Lord Shiva’s devotees thronged temples, especially in the capital Delhi and other major cities. Temples echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole.”

After taking an early morning bath, devotees observed fasts and offered sacred items like water, belpatra (bael leaves), milk, and holy ash (bhasma) to Lord Shiva. Prominent temples in Delhi — including Kalkaji, Jhandewalan, the Gauri Shankar temple in Chandni Chowk, and Shiv Dham in Najafgarh — witnessed thousands of worshippers offering prayers.

Speaking to the media, Pandit Rameshwarnath, priest at Jhandewalan Temple, said: “The first Monday of Sawan is highly auspicious. It is considered a powerful day to please Lord Shiva. Observing a fast, performing Jalabhishek, and chanting Rudra mantras can help fulfill one’s wishes.”

Kanwariyas — devotees who fetch holy water from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Gangotri — were also seen offering Ganga jal at temples in and around Delhi. Security arrangements and traffic control were efficiently managed by local authorities to accommodate the influx.

Temples were beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and sacred ash. Community meals (bhandaras) and water stalls were also arranged. Special worship rituals like Rudrabhishek and Mahamrityunjaya Jap were organized throughout the day at major and small temples alike.

According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan is considered especially dear to Lord Shiva. Fasting and worship on every Monday of this month are believed to bring blessings and fulfill the heartfelt desires of devotees.

Conclusion:
The spiritual fervor and deep-rooted faith of Shiva devotees were evident across the nation today. The first Sawan Somvar once again reaffirmed the timeless connection between Lord Shiva and his countless followers.