Bhubaneswar: Today marks the first Monday of Shravan, a sacred month that resonates deeply with devotees of Lord Shiva. Mondays during the sacred month hold a special significance, radiating an aura of spirituality and divine connection.
The first Monday of the Shravan month holds a special place in the hearts of Lord Shiva’s devotees. As the sacred month of Shravan begins, Shiva temples come alive with the fervent chants of Om Namah Shivaya and the gentle pouring of water on the revered Shivling. Devotees flock to Shiva temples in droves, eager for a glimpse of the deity and to offer sacred water. Many undertake long journeys barefoot to appease Lord Shiva. But what makes this day so significant? Ommcom News explores the significance behind this revered tradition.
As per ancient Hindu scriptures, this period is believed to be when Lord Vishnu enters a profound meditative slumber, known as Yoga Nidra, entrusting Lord Shiva with the responsibility of overseeing the universe. Offering fervent prayers to Mahadev throughout the month is believed to bring divine grace.
According to Drik Panchang, these Mondays are considered exceptionally auspicious for fasting and devotion. All Mondays or Somabar which fall during the Shravan month are considered highly auspicious for fasting and known as Shravan Somabar Brats. Many devotees observe sixteen Mondays or Solah Somabar fasting beginning from today.
Even a glimpse of Lord Shiva during the sacred month can go a long way in pleasing Lord Shiva. Worshipping Him on Mondays during this month is considered particularly potent, and many devotees seize this opportunity to observe fasts and deeply immerse themselves in Shiva worship. By doing so, they seek to connect with the divine and bask in the blessings of the mighty Mahadev.
Thousands Flock Dhabaleswar, Akhandalamani Temples
Today, thousands of devotees thronged the revered Baba Dhabaleswar temple at Athagarh in Cuttack district to mark the first Sravan Sombar to offer prayers and water to the deity.
The temple, a prominent Shaivite shrine, witnessed a massive influx of devotees from across Odisha, who braved the scorching heat to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, offering water to Lord Dhabaleswar, the presiding deity of the temple, is believed to fulfil one’s desires. To facilitate the devotees, the temple administration and district administration made elaborate arrangements, including the deployment of police personnel and barricades from the concrete bridge to the temple premises.
The temple doors were opened at 4 am, and the priests performed the mangala alati and other rituals after bathing the deity with 108 pots of sacred water. Devotees then offered water to the deity, chanting prayers and hymns.
The administration ensured a smooth darshan experience for the devotees, with adequate arrangements in place to prevent any inconvenience. The devotees, including many Kanwariyas, walked barefoot for kilometres to reach the temple and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.
Besides, thousands of devotees have gathered at the Akhandalamani temple and Mahavinayak temple in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts, respectively, to offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva on the first Monday of the month.
