Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Devotees Flock to Shiva Temples on Sawan’s Final Monday
Sawan is a holy month when many Hindus pray to Lord Shiva.
On its final Monday, thousands of people visited Shiva temples in many parts of India.
They offered water, flowers and leaves and performed special prayers.
Large crowds gathered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
One report said more than 60,000 people had visited by 5 AM, while another said around one lakh had visited by 7 AM.
Devotees also gathered at temples in Mathura, Ujjain, Bihar, Gujarat and Odisha.
Some people continued their visits despite heavy rain.
Officials used barricades, water stations, medical camps and other arrangements to help manage the crowds.
Thousands of devotees visited Shiva temples across India on the final Monday of Sawan.
Reports placed Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s turnout at over 60,000 devotees by 5 AM and around one lakh by 7 AM.
Devotees performed Jal Abhishek, Rudrabhishek, Mahaabhishek, prayers and other special rituals.
Heavy crowds and long queues were reported in Varanasi, Mathura, Ujjain, Etah, Ahmedabad, Muzaffarpur, Buxar and Puri.
Authorities arranged barricades, shade, drinking water, medical camps, security measures and route inspections to manage pilgrims.
- Who
- Thousands of devotees, including Kanwariya pilgrims, visited Shiva temples across India.
- What
- They marked Sawan’s final Monday with Jal Abhishek, darshan, prayers and special rituals.
- When
- On the fourth and final Monday of the Hindu month of Sawan.
- Where
- At Shiva temples in Varanasi, Mathura, Barabanki, Ujjain, Etah, Ahmedabad, Muzaffarpur, Buxar and Puri.
- Why
- The final Monday of Sawan is considered especially significant by devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Occasion
- The fourth and final Monday of the Hindu month of Sawan
- Main rituals
- Jal Abhishek, Rudrabhishek, Mahaabhishek, Bhasma Aarti, prayers and darshan
- Varanasi turnout
- One report cited more than 60,000 devotees at Kashi Vishwanath Temple by 5 AM; another cited around one lakh by 7 AM
- Crowd arrangements
- Zig-zag barricading, shade, drinking water, medical camps, a lost-and-found centre and security measures were arranged
- Mathura observances
- Phool Bangla, Chappan Bhog and Rudrabhishek were organised at Shiva temples
- Buxar route
- Officials inspected arrangements along the Kanwariya route from Ramrekha Ghat to Baba Brahmeshwar Nath Temple
- Puri ritual
- The Dwara Phita Niti, marking the opening of the temple doors, was performed
