Kanwariyas, Devotees Throng Shiva Temples Across Odisha On First Monday Of Shravan

Bhubaneswar: Thousands of ‘Kanwariyas’ and devotees thronged famous Shiva shrines across Odisha today to pay obeisance to the Lord on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan.

The Kanwariyas or Kaudias or Bol Bom devotees waited in long queues to offer holy water to Lord Shiva at temples across the state on the occasion. Shravan month, also known as Sawan, is considered a sacred month in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls between July and August when many devotees observe various religious practices and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Shiva shrines across the state were filled with devotion and enthusiasm as devotees made beeline since the wee hours to offer milk, water and ‘bel’ leaves on the occasion.

The Kanwariyas, dressed in saffron-coloured clothes, had collected water from different rivers and walked miles holding  Bahungis – slings each with two water-full pots hanging on both sides – amid chanting of ‘Bol Bom’. They reached Shive temples to pour the holy water on Shiva Lingas.

It is believed that wishes get fulfilled by offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shravan Mondays. Devotees also observed fast to seek blessings of the Lord.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at major Shiva shrines including the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Lokanath Temple in Puri and Akhandalamani Temple in Bhadrak in view of the huge gathering of the devotees.

The Twin City Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security and other arrangements for Kanwariyas in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

In view of the expected congregations, police and fire services teams have kept powerboats, lifejackets, rope lines and portable light towers in place and will be on their toes round the clock. Police also issued advisories for Bol Bom devotees not to venture into the deep water of the rivers.

This year is special and holds religious significance as the holy Shravan month is being observed for 59 days, from July 4 to August 31. The month of Shravan will have an extra month called the ‘Joda Maasa’.

According to astrologers, the coincidence is taking place after 19 years. This year, the holy month of Shravan will have eight Mondays, both in July and August.