The sacred month of Sawan commenced with spiritual fervour on Friday as hundreds of devotees gathered at the renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to offer prayers and witness the auspicious Rudrabhishek ritual.
Marking the first day of the holy month, priests at the temple performed the Rudrabhishek—a ceremonial bathing of Lord Shiva’s Shivling—with milk, curd, honey, and other sacred offerings amid the chanting of Vedic mantras. Devotees stood in long queues from early morning, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
This year, Sawan—the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar—begins on July 11 and will continue until August 9. The month holds deep religious significance, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Mondays during this period, known as Sawan Somwar, are considered particularly auspicious, with devotees observing fasts and performing special prayers.
Tuesdays, or Manglawar, are also dedicated to Goddess Parvati during this time, further enriching the spiritual observances.
According to Hindu mythology, Sawan is believed to be the time when Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic churning), thereby saving the universe. As a mark of devotion and gratitude, worshippers observe fasts, avoid grains, and subsist on fruits, milk, and permitted foods during this month.
In addition to Ujjain, scenes of devotion were visible across the country. In Delhi, devotees gathered at the Shree Gaurishankar temple in Chandni Chowk. Similar rituals and offerings were also witnessed at the Sabli Mahadev Mandir in Hapur and Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple in Prayagraj.
Throughout Sawan, temples nationwide echo with the chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” as devotees participate in bhajans, rituals, and offerings to honor Lord Shiva and seek his divine blessings.