Thousands Visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu for Shrawan’s Holy Monday
In Kathmandu, Nepal, thousands of devotees gathered at the Pashupatinath Temple to mark the third Monday of the holy month of Shrawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The month of Shrawan, the fourth month in the lunar calendar, is considered especially auspicious if it includes five Mondays, which doesn’t happen every year.
Shrawan also marks the beginning of many festivals that continue for the next seven months until Maghe Sankranti. Devotees fast on Mondays during Shrawan to show their devotion to Lord Shiva, believing that it helps cleanse the soul and revitalize the body. Many devotees go barefoot to Shiva temples, carrying sacred water from springs to make offerings.
Suraj Acharya, a devotee who visited Pashupatinath Temple, shared his experience: “On Monday of Shrawan, we wake up early, walk uphill to Sundarijal to fetch water from the spring, and offer it at the Pashupatinath Temple. We eat only vegetarian foods, take holy baths, wear clean clothes, and sing hymns and prayers of Bholenath all day.”
Bolbam, also known as Kanvars, is a practice undertaken to cleanse the soul and relieve mental pressure. Acharya added, “We worship and follow Lord Pashupatinath. Despite our busy lives, we dedicate at least one day to purify our minds and devote ourselves to God, making it a special day of devotion.”
Fasting during Shrawan is especially popular among women. Unmarried women fast to find a life partner, while married women fast for the prosperity, peace, and well-being of their families. Shrawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the time when Lord Shiva consumed poison during the Samundra Manthan. Goddess Parvati is believed to have fasted and received Lord Shiva as her husband. Devotees fast and pray to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings during this period.
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Pashupatinath Temple -: Pashupatinath Temple is a famous and very old Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, a country that is just north of India. It is known for its rich culture and many temples.
Shrawan -: Shrawan is a special month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling around July and August. It is considered very holy, especially for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the main gods in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer and is often worshipped for his power and wisdom.
Devotees -: Devotees are people who are very dedicated to their religion and gods. They often visit temples, pray, and perform rituals.
Fasting -: Fasting means not eating food for a certain period of time. In this context, people fast on Mondays during Shrawan to show their devotion to Lord Shiva.
Rituals -: Rituals are special actions or ceremonies performed during religious worship. For example, fetching sacred water and offering it at the temple are rituals.
Sacred water -: Sacred water is water that is considered holy and pure. It is often used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Unmarried women -: Unmarried women are women who are not married. In this context, they fast and pray to find a good life partner.
Married women -: Married women are women who have a husband. They fast and pray for the well-being and happiness of their families.
Samundra Manthan -: Samundra Manthan is a famous story in Hindu mythology. It tells about gods and demons churning the ocean to get nectar, and Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out to save the world.