New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Devotees across India thronged temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on Tuesday to mark the sacred occasion of Sawan Shivratri, offering prayers, performing Jalabhishek and seeking the blessings of the deity amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole”.
The auspicious occasion witnessed elaborate religious ceremonies at major Shiva temples across the country, with devotees observing fasts and offering milk, water, belpatra, flowers and other traditional items to Shivlings as part of their prayers. Many devotees also participated in special pujas and sought darshan of Lord Shiva.
A large number of Kanwariyas also brought their Kanwar Yatra to an end on Sawan Shivratri, offering sacred Ganga water that they had carried during their pilgrimage to Shiva temples. For devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage, the offering of Ganga water is considered an important part of their religious observance.
Sawan Shivratri holds a special place in the Hindu religious calendar. While the entire month of Sawan is regarded as sacred and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, Sawan Shivratri is considered one of the most significant occasions for devotees to perform Abhishek and offer prayers. It is widely regarded as the second most important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva after Maha Shivratri.
Across the country, temples witnessed large crowds from the early hours of the morning. Special arrangements were made at several prominent shrines to facilitate darshan and ensure the smooth movement of devotees.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, thousands of devotees gathered at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to participate in Mangala Aarti and perform Jalabhishek. Devotees waited in long queues to enter the temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
The administration made elaborate security arrangements around the temple and other important locations in the city. Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel were deployed, while drones were used for surveillance and monitoring of the crowds.
A devotee expressed happiness over being able to visit the temple on the sacred occasion, saying the arrangements had been satisfactory and devotees were able to participate in the celebrations comfortably.
Another devotee said he was happy to offer Jalabhishek and seek the blessings of “Bholenath”, adding that the administration had made arrangements to ensure devotees did not face difficulties.
In Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh, the ancient Veerbhadra Mahadev Temple also witnessed a large gathering. Devotees performed Jalabhishek with water, milk and Panchamrit and offered fruits and bel leaves to Lord Shiva.
The temple premises reverberated with devotional chants as devotees continued their prayers and waited for darshan. One devotee said he had taken a holy dip in the Ganga before visiting the temple and praised the arrangements made for devotees.
Police personnel and temple officials were deployed at the shrine to regulate crowds, facilitate orderly darshan and maintain security throughout the celebrations.
In Haridwar, the historic Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple attracted another large gathering of devotees. Pilgrims offered sacred Ganga water, milk and bel leaves to Lord Shiva and performed traditional rituals.
A devotee said the temple was traditionally associated with Lord Shiva’s in-laws and that visiting the shrine during Maha Shivratri and Sawan Shivratri had become an annual tradition for many devotees.
Another devotee urged people to use the holy month of Sawan to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings, saying he too would perform Jalabhishek at the temple.
In the national capital, the Jhandewalan Devi Temple also witnessed a significant turnout. Kanwariyas carrying sacred Ganga water from Haridwar reached the temple and performed Jalabhishek as part of the Sawan Shivratri celebrations.
Devotees who arrived early in the morning said they were pleased with the atmosphere and arrangements at the temple.
Meanwhile, Ghaziabad’s historic Dudheshwar Nath Math Mahadev Temple witnessed a massive influx of devotees. Long queues formed as worshippers waited for darshan and an opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
The temple premises echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” as devotees participated in the celebrations and sought divine blessings.
From Varanasi and Haridwar to Rishikesh, Delhi and Ghaziabad, the celebrations reflected the deep religious significance of Sawan Shivratri, with devotees observing traditional rituals, undertaking pilgrimages and offering prayers in an atmosphere of faith and devotion.
