In Pics: Holy month of Saawan begins; devotees throng temples

Lucknow, July 25: Today, July 25 is the first Monday of the holy month of Saawan. The month of Saawan is considered extremely auspicious and spiritual by the devotees of the Lord Shiva.

To seek divine blessings of the Lord Shiva and to pay for the fulfilment of their wishes, devotees throng to temples in large numbers and offer him milk, fruits and flowers.

Let's have a glance on how devotees welcomed the first Monday of Saawan in following pics:

In Madhya Pradesh

'Bhasma Aarti' performed at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain on the first Monday of the holy month of 'Saawan'.

In Madhya Pradesh

'Bhasma Aarti' performed at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain on the first Monday of the holy month of 'Saawan'.

In Varanasi

'Jalabhishek Yatra' on the first Monday of the holy month of 'Saawan'.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

Thousands of Hindu devotees thronged temples of Lord Shiva across India to commemorate the first Monday of the month-long auspicious Saawan or monsoon festival.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

The whole Saawan month is considered as highly auspicious, since every day of the month holds a special significance.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

It is believed that results are auspicious for all devotees who worship Lord Shiva during the holy month of Saawan.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

People thronged in Varanasi to seek blessings at various temples.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

The fasts began from the first Monday of the Saawan month. According to the tradition, it is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during the Saawan keeps the people blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

Many devotees observe fasts on all the Mondays of Saawan month.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

In Hinduism, the month of Saawan is not just associated with the rains. There is a lot of significance attached to Shravan as it is a holy and auspicious month in the Hindu calendar.

Significance of the holy month Saawan

The 'Samudra Manthan' happened during this month. While churning the great ocean gave amazing gifts like Goddess Lakshmi and a pot of 'Amrit' or elixir, but it also fumed the terrible poison called 'Halahal'. Lord Shiva came forward and swallowed this poison to stop it from infecting the Universe.

Pics: 1st Monday of Saawan

Monday is the special day for Lord Shiva. That is why, every Monday that comes in the month of Shravan is extremely auspicious. On the Shravan Somvars, women fast and do puja of Lord Shiva. It is supposed to be a sure shot way to get a good husband!

Monday fasting

Devotees can fast on Mondays and seek blessings of the Lord Shiva. Offer milk, sugar and rice on the Shiva linga every morning.

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