Bhubaneswar/Dhenkanal: Shravan month, also known as Sawan, is considered a sacred month in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls between July and August. During this month, many devotees observe various religious practices and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
‘Kanwariyas’ or ‘Kaudias’ are the devotees of Lord Shiva who participate in a religious pilgrimage known as Kanwar Yatra during the month of Shravan. These devotees, undertake a journey to sacred rivers to fetch holy water. They carry water-filled pots, known as kanwars, on their shoulders, often supported by a pole balanced on their shoulders.
This year is special and holds religious significance for Hindus, especially Shiva devotees. This is because the holy Shravan month will be observed for 59 days, from July 4 to August 31. The month of Shravan will have an extra month called the ‘Joda Maasa’.
According to astrologers, the coincidence is taking place after 19 years. This year, the holy month of Shravan will have eight Mondays, both in July and August.
As the Shravan month began on Tuesday (July 4) this year, the auspicious first Monday (Shravana Somvar) falls on July 10. Kanwariyas in large numbers thronged famous Shiva shrines across Odisha to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva today.
The atmosphere across the Shiv temples filled with religious fervour as devotees made beeline since the wee hours to offer milk, water and ‘bel’ leaves to the Lord on the auspicious occasion.
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant religious event for devotees of Lord Shiva, and it is believed that offering this holy water to the Shiva Lingam in their local temples or other significant Shiva temples brings blessings and fulfillment of wishes.
During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees often travel on foot, covering long distances to reach their desired destination.
They typically observe strict rituals and disciplines during their journey, such as abstaining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other indulgences. Many devotees wear saffron-colored clothes and chant religious hymns and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva as they make their way to the pilgrimage site.
It’s important to note that the specific practices and traditions of Kanwar Yatra may vary in different regions of India. Local customs, rituals, and rules may differ, but the core purpose of the pilgrimage remains the same: to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during the auspicious month of Shravan.
The saffron-clad kanwariyas, who collected water from different rivers and walked miles by holding the Bahungis (slings each with two water-full pots hanging on both sides) with the chanting of ‘Bol Bom, Hare Hare Bom’, reached Shive temples and poured the holy water on Shiva Lingas.
As per the belief, wishes get fulfilled by offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shravan Somvars. Devotees also observed fast to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
In Odisha, there are several Shiva shrines that are considered significant for devotees during the month of Shravan. Here are a few prominent Shiva temples in Odisha:
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar: The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the most important and ancient Shiva temples in Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Lingaraj, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, and Shravan is considered an auspicious month to offer prayers here.
Kapilash Temple, Dhenkanal: The Kapilash Temple, situated atop the Kapilash Hill in Dhenkanal district, is another significant Shiva shrine in Odisha. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the state and is dedicated to Lord Chandrasekhar, a form of Lord Shiva. Devotees often undertake a pilgrimage to this temple during Shravan to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Akhandalamani Temple, Aradi: Located in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, the Akhandalamani Temple is dedicated to Lord Akhandalamani, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have a self-manifested Shivalinga and is considered highly sacred by devotees. Many devotees visit this temple during the month of Shravan to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Gupteswar Temple, Koraput: The Gupteswar Temple is situated in the Koraput district of Odisha. It is located inside a cave and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds religious significance, and during the month of Shravan, devotees visit this temple to worship Lord Shiva and perform rituals.
These are just a few examples of Shiva shrines in Odisha. The state is home to numerous other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees can seek blessings and offer their prayers during the auspicious month of Shravan.
