Queues from Midnight: Pilgrims Offer Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on First Monday of Sawan
On the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, a spiritual wave swept across Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ and offer prayers.
The sacred city of Varanasi echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as the Mangala Aarti and elaborate floral decorations marked the first Monday of Sawan.
Devotees began queuing outside the temple late on Sunday night, with many waiting seven to eight hours for the temple doors to open. As the gates opened, the entire city resonated with spiritual fervour, and chants filled the morning air.
Speaking about the arrangements, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal said, “We are fully prepared. All senior officers are present on-site. Complete barricading has been done. Devotees are having darshan in a well-managed and systematic manner.”
To ensure safety and smooth management, a massive security deployment was in place. The police commissionerate had stationed six Quick Response Teams (QRTs), three drone units, mounted police, and tourist police at key locations, including Godowlia Chowk, the Ganga Ghats, and the temple premises.
As part of the warm welcome, officials greeted pilgrims with a shower of flower petals, creating a deeply moving and sacred atmosphere.
A devotee expressed their joy, saying, “The arrangements are excellent, and we had a wonderful darshan by the grace of Mahadev.”
DCP (Crime) Sarvan T. stated, “Today is the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Keeping this in mind, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.”
(DD News)
