The first Monday of the holy month of Sawan witnessed an overwhelming display of devotion across Odisha as thousands of Kanwariyas thronged prominent Shiva temples to perform the sacred Jalabhishek ritual. From the early hours of Monday, devotees carrying holy water collected from rivers and other water bodies queued up at major Shaivite shrines, chanting the resonant slogan “Bol Bam” as they offered prayers to Lord Shiva.
The first Monday of Sawan is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that offering holy water to the deity with sincerity during this sacred month brings divine blessings in the form of good health, prosperity, peace, happiness and spiritual well-being.
Following a long-standing tradition, Kanwariyas travelled barefoot over considerable distances carrying decorated pitchers filled with holy water. The water was balanced on either side of a bamboo pole, known as a Kanwar, which devotees carried on their shoulders before reaching Shiva temples to perform the Jalabhishek ritual.
Religious belief holds that Lord Shiva is among the most compassionate and easily pleased deities in Hinduism. Devotees observe fasts, chant sacred hymns and perform Jalabhishek throughout the month of Sawan, seeking the deity’s blessings for strength, success and spiritual growth.
Major Shiva temples across Odisha witnessed heavy footfall from the early morning hours. At the Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack, hundreds of devotees gathered to offer holy water and seek blessings. Similar scenes unfolded at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, where long queues of worshippers were seen patiently waiting to perform rituals and offer prayers to the presiding deity.
Several other Shiva shrines across the state also reported a significant increase in pilgrim turnout, with temple premises echoing with devotional chants and religious hymns throughout the day.
To ensure the smooth conduct of rituals and manage the surge in devotees, Odisha Police put in place elaborate security arrangements at the Lingaraj Temple and other prominent Shiva temples. Police personnel were deployed at key locations to regulate crowd movement, maintain law and order, and facilitate hassle-free darshan for pilgrims.
Special attention was also given to the safety of Kanwariyas collecting water from the Mahanadi River, where water levels remain elevated following recent rainfall and the release of water from upstream reservoirs.
Authorities intensified precautionary measures along riverbanks to prevent accidents during water collection. Personnel from the Commissionerate Police, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were stationed at vulnerable locations to monitor the situation and respond swiftly to any emergency.
Officials urged devotees to adhere to safety guidelines while collecting holy water and cooperate with security personnel to ensure that the religious observances continue peacefully throughout the month of Sawan.
The holy month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts lakhs of devotees every year across Odisha and other parts of the country. Mondays during the month, known as Shravan Somwar, hold special religious significance, with devotees observing fasts and participating in special prayers to seek the blessings of the deity.
