Devotees in their thousands visited Lord Shiva temples across the country on the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, offering prayers and performing jalabhishek to seek divine blessings.
Devotees observe Sawan Somwar with immense devotion, believing it brings peace, prosperity, mental strength and marital bliss.
The holy month of Sawan began on July 30 and will continue until August 28, attracting millions of pilgrims to Lord Shiva temples and sacred sites across India.
Thousands of devotees gathered in Varanasi, took a holy dip in the River Ganga and then headed to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers.
Temple authorities decorated the shrine with elaborate flowers, while worshippers attended the Mangala Aarti before performing jalabhishek.
Despite the long queues, devotees appreciated the smooth arrangements and efficient crowd management, allowing them to complete their darshan comfortably.
Temple authorities, including senior officials of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, welcomed Kanwariyas and devotees by showering flower petals, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In Uttarakhand, thousands of devotees gathered at the revered Daksha Mahadev Temple in Haridwar's Kankhal area to offer prayers amid Vedic chants.
Temple priests said the Daksha Mahadev Temple holds special significance during Sawan, as Lord Shiva is believed to reside at his in-laws' home throughout the holy month.
Devotees believe prayers offered here fulfil wishes and bring blessings.
Large crowds also gathered at the Baba Baidyanath Temple, where devotees praised the smooth arrangements despite the heavy rush.
Across major pilgrimage centres, worshippers appreciated the administration's crowd management, reflecting the deep faith and enduring significance of Sawan.