Devotees flock to temples in Gujarat and Maharashtra on the last Monday of Sawan

New Delhi [India], September 2 (ANI): On the last Monday of the Sawan month, devotees flocked to the temples to offer prayers to Lord Shiva in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

Arti was performed at Jai Gangeshwar Mahadev temple in Surat as devotees gathered with water ointments and ‘prasad’ to worship Lord Shiva.

In Rajkot, similar visuals could be seen as Arti was performed at Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple.

Similarly, devotees thronged the Babulnath Temple in Mumbai and offered ‘Bel leaves’, Milk, Water to lord Shiva and wished for their well-being.

There is a fifteen-day difference in the Sawan month of Gujarat, Maharashtra and other southern regions because of a different lunar calendar that is followed there. The Sawan in the southern region of India began from August 5

In North Indian states Sawan began on July 22 and ended on August 19. Sawan, usually falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The whole month is considered as auspicious as devotees keep various fasts to please Lord Shiva.

‘Sawan’ is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered as one of the holiest months. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects.

Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period.

The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during Sawan month.