Odia Culture / First Monday Of Shravan Draws Massive Crowds To Shiva Shrines Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: Thousands of devotees thronged prominent Shiva temples across Odisha on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, offering holy water to Lord Shiva amid elaborate security arrangements and traditional rituals.

From Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj Temple to Dhabaleswar in Kataka, Mahavinayak in Jajpur and Panchalingeswar in Balasore, long queues of Kanwariyas and devotees marked the beginning of one of the most auspicious periods in the Hindu calendar.

Lingaraj Temple Witnesses Heavy Rush Of Devotees
A large number of devotees gathered at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar from the early hours of Monday to perform Jalabhishek of Lord Lingaraj.


Kanwariyas carrying holy water collected from various rivers walked barefoot to the shrine, believing that offering water to Lord Shiva during Shravan fulfils their wishes. Many devotees had been observing religious vows for weeks in preparation for the pilgrimage.

The police made elaborate security arrangements to ensure orderly darshan, with separate queues and barricades for Kanwariyas and general devotees.

Tight Security At Dhabaleswar Shrine
Extensive security arrangements were put in place at the famous Dhabaleswar Temple in Kataka in anticipation of the heavy influx of devotees.

Police deployed three platoons of force, along with an Additional Superintendent of Police, four Deputy Superintendents of Police, five inspectors and nearly 50 officers to manage the crowds.

Authorities prohibited devotees from crossing the river through the ghat as a safety precaution.

Kanwariyas Walk 70 Kilometres To Panchalingeswar
In a remarkable display of devotion, a group of 25 Kanwariyas carried idols of Lord Shiva and Nandi while undertaking a 70-kilometre foot march from Baripada to the Panchalingeswar shrine in Nilgiri.


The group, which began its journey on Saturday, reached the temple early Monday and performed Jalabhishek. Members of the Kanwariya organisation said they have been undertaking the pilgrimage for the past six years with Lord Shiva's blessings.

Thousands Offer Holy Water At Ladu Baba Temple
The Ladu Baba shrine (Baba Ladukeswar Mahadev) in Nayagada district also witnessed a sea of devotees on the first Monday of Shravan.


Kanwariyas collected holy water from the Mahanadi near Kantilo before walking to the temple. The shrine opened at 3 am, and Jalabhishek commenced after the customary rituals and Mangala Alati.

Women devotees were given the first opportunity to offer holy water, followed by children and male devotees. Thousands participated in the rituals as Sarankul police maintained security and crowd management.

Mahavinayak Temple Sees Steady Influx Of Pilgrims
The Mahavinayak Temple at Chandikhol in Jajpur district remained packed with Bol Bam devotees from the early hours of Monday.


Kanwariyas performed Jalabhishek at the renowned Shaivite shrine, making it one of the busiest pilgrimage destinations in the district during the first Shravan Monday.

Also Read: Servitor Dispute Disrupts Lingaraj Temple Rituals on First Shravan Monday

Buddheswar Temple Celebrates With Traditional Rituals
The Buddheswar Temple at Bhuban in Dhenkanal district witnessed a festive atmosphere as thousands of devotees, including women and children, offered holy water to Lord Shiva.

Many devotees collected water from the nearby Brahmani River before proceeding to the temple. Traditional rituals began early in the morning, while the temple management committee made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of worship and maintain orderly movement of devotees.