Devotees Celebrate Sawan Shivratri at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar
On August 2, devotees gathered at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, to celebrate Sawan Shivratri. The temple was filled with people waiting in a queue to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Significance of Sawan Shivratri
Chief Priest Vishweshwar Puri explained the importance of the festival, stating, “Today is the Shivratri of Sawan Krishna Paksha. The 12-day Kanwar fair has ended on this day.”
He added, “On this occasion, Shiva devotees performed ‘jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple in Kankhal, which is Shiva’s in-laws’ house. Lord Shiva was married to Sati on the day of Mahashivratri in the month of Phagun. In the next life, Sati was married to Shiva in the form of Parvati. As a symbol of the same, devotees of Shiva perform ‘jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva and offer Ganga water to him. In ‘Rudra Abhishek,’ Shiva devotees anoint the Lord with milk, curd, honey, belpatra, flowers etc.”
Security and Arrangements
Speaking on the security arrangements, the Chief Priest said, “The security system is strong. The temple also has a disciplined arrangement. And all the people are doing jalabhishek to Lord Shiva in a queue in a disciplined manner.”
About Sawan Shivratri
Sawan Shivratri is a major Hindu festival with deep religious and spiritual meaning. This festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month and marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra procession witnesses Kanwariyas collecting water from a river and carrying it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the Lord Shiva shrines. The Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage that started on July 22 and will come to an end on August 2 on Shivratri.
Doubts Revealed
Devotees -: Devotees are people who are very dedicated to a particular religion or god. In this case, they are people who love and worship Lord Shiva.
Sawan Shivratri -: Sawan Shivratri is a special Hindu festival that happens during the month of Sawan (July-August). It celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Daksheswar Mahadev Temple -: Daksheswar Mahadev Temple is a famous temple in Haridwar, a city in Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Haridwar -: Haridwar is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a very holy place for Hindus and many people go there to pray and take a dip in the Ganges River.
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and many holy places.
Chief Priest Vishweshwar Puri -: Chief Priest Vishweshwar Puri is the main religious leader at the Daksheswar Mahadev Temple. He helps people understand the importance of the festival and leads the rituals.
Kanwar fair -: The Kanwar fair is a 12-day event where devotees carry water from the Ganges River to offer to Lord Shiva. It happens during the month of Sawan.
Jalabhishek -: Jalabhishek is a special ritual where devotees pour water over a statue or symbol of Lord Shiva to show their respect and love.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the main gods in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer and is very powerful.
Goddess Parvati -: Goddess Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva. She is the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion.