Bhubaneswar, July 22: Devotees and Kanwariyas(Kaudias) in large numbers thronged famous Shiva shrines across Odisha to offer their obeisance to Lord Shiva on the first Monday of Shravan today.

Notably, this year's Sawan month starts and ends on a Monday, a rare occurrence after 72 years.

This year, the holy month of Shravan lasts from July 22 to August 19. While the entire month is auspicious, Mondays hold special significance. This time, both the starting and ending days of Shravan are Mondays, with a total of five in the month.

This auspicious month begins under the constellation 'Shravan', indicating that Lord Shiva's blessings will be especially abundant, and many problems will be alleviated due to the influence of the Moon.

The devotees offered milk, water and 'bel' leaves to the almighty on the auspicious occasion. Kanwariyas also thronged the shrines in large numbers to pour holy water on Shiva Lingas. 

As per the belief, wishes get fulfilled by offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shravan Somvars. 

Every year during this auspicious month, devotees visit Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, Lokanath temple in Puri, Dhabaleswar temple in Athagarh, Kapilash temple in Dhenkanal, Gupteswar temple in Koraput and Balangir's Harishankar temple among others to seek blessings of the Lord.

Adequate police and administrative arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth darshan of devotees at major Shiva shrines across the state. 

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