New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Thousands of devotees gathered at prominent Shiva temples across the country on Monday, the final Monday of the holy month of Sawan, to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and perform Jal Abhishek, Rudrabhishek and special prayers.
From Varanasi and Ujjain to Puri, Muzaffarpur and Ahmedabad, major Shiva shrines witnessed large crowds as devotees observed the auspicious occasion with religious fervour. Temple authorities and local administrations made elaborate arrangements to regulate crowds and ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, devotees began arriving at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in the early hours of the morning. Pilgrims from several parts of the country gathered to offer prayers to Baba Vishwanath, with long queues forming outside the temple.
The temple complex was decorated with flowers and rudraksha, creating a vibrant devotional atmosphere. Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said the turnout was particularly high on the final Monday of Sawan. He said more than 60,000 devotees had already taken darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by 5 a.m.
In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, large numbers of devotees assembled at the Mahakaleshwar Temple to participate in special rituals. The occasion also provided pilgrims an opportunity to witness the revered Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal.
“The final Monday of Sawan is particularly significant for me as I had the opportunity to witness the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal early in the morning,” one devotee said.
In Etah, Uttar Pradesh, the historic Kailash Temple witnessed a major gathering as devotees offered water to Lord Shiva and performed prayers. Similarly, devotees in Ahmedabad gathered at a Shiva temple in Sardarnagar, where a special Rudrabhishek ceremony was organised.
Baba Garib Nath Dham in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, also witnessed a large congregation. Devotees arrived in significant numbers to offer water to Lord Shiva and participate in prayers marking the culmination of the holy month.
In Buxar, district authorities closely monitored arrangements along the Kanwariya route from Ramrekha Ghat to Baba Brahmeshwar Nath Temple. District Magistrate Sahila and Superintendent of Police Shubham Arya inspected the route and also offered prayers at the shrine.
A devotee said people from different parts of Buxar had gathered with their wishes and were patiently waiting in long queues to perform Jal Abhishek at Baba Brahmeshwar Nath Temple.
In Puri, Odisha, thousands of Kanwariya devotees visited the Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath Temple on the final Monday of Sawan. The traditional Dwara Phita Niti, marking the opening of the temple doors, was performed amid a deeply devotional atmosphere.
The final Monday of Sawan holds special significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Across the country, temples resonated with chants and devotional songs as pilgrims offered water, flowers and prayers and participated in special rituals.
The celebrations brought together devotees from diverse regions, highlighting the enduring religious traditions associated with Sawan and the widespread devotion to Lord Shiva. With prayers and Jal Abhishek, devotees marked the conclusion of the sacred month with faith, devotion and spiritual fervour.
