First Sawan Somwar 2026: Shiva Temples Overflow with Devotees from Kashi to Somnath

New Delhi: During the first Monday of the month of Sawan, devotion to Shiva is felt throughout the country. Whether it is the Somnath Temple, the first Jyotirlinga located among the waves of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, or the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the city of Kashi, the giver of salvation, a spirit of faith exists everywhere. Devotees have been coming to the temples since early morning.

Did administration change aarti timing at Mahakaleshwar Temple?

On the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, a large crowd of devotees visited the world-famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Thousands of devotees started standing in the queue for Baba Mahakal’s darshan since Sunday night. Bhasma Aarti timing was also kept at a different time to suit the occasion and the Aarti started at 2.30 am. The temple administration had made excellent arrangements which meant despite the large number of devotees at the temple, many got their darshan of Baba Mahakal in 40 minutes.  

When did the Sawan start?

On the occasion of the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, devotees are worshiping Lord Shiva by offering him water-flowers and are praying for their blessings.

Devotees are heading towards the Mangala Aarti of Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi Vishwanath Temple while a huge gathering took place at the Loknath Temple in Puri, Odisha to pray Lord Loknath.

A flood of faith was seen at the temple of Gauri Shankar in Chandni Chowk. Since morning, long queues of devotees had been waiting in order to offer their prayers and seek Lord Shiva's blessings. The "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole" were heard all over the temple area.

Why is Sawan important?

According to the Sanatan tradition the month of Sawan, especially the first Monday of this month is considered to be very sacred. According to the scriptures, Sawan is a very dear month to Lord Shiva and it is believed that during this month Goddess Parvati did severe penance to get Lord Shiva for her husband.

What about Baba Baidyanath Dham?

On the first Monday of the Sawan holy month, lakhs of people are reaching Baba Baidyanath Dham located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. SP, Deoghar Praveen Pushkar said: "On the occasion of the first Monday of the SawanHoly Month, the necessary arrangements have been made. The gathering of two to three lakh people is expected here. We have been serving since last night and all our teams including QRT (Quick Reaction Team) are serving in their designated positions".