Devotees Crowd Shiva Temples Across Nepal on Third Monday of Shrawan

 

Kathmandu/Bara, August 3 — Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Nepal from early Monday morning to offer prayers on the third Monday of the holy month of Shrawan, one of the most auspicious periods for the worship of Lord Shiva.

Heavy crowds were seen at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where all four entrance gates were opened to facilitate the large number of worshippers. The Pashupati Area Development Trust said special arrangements, including separate queues for Bol Bam pilgrims and other devotees, were made to ensure smooth temple visits.

Apart from Pashupatinath, long lines of devotees were also reported at major Shiva temples in the Kathmandu Valley, including Gokarneshwar, Nageshwar, Doleshwar, and Makhan Mahadev in Basantapur.

In Bara district, the religious atmosphere was equally vibrant. Large numbers of devotees gathered at the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kalaiya, the Barewa Shiva Temple, and several other Shiva shrines across the district to perform special prayers and rituals. Worshippers offered holy water, milk, bel leaves, flowers, and other sacred offerings to Lord Shiva.

Local authorities, security personnel, and temple management committees made special arrangements to manage the increasing number of visitors and ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage.

The Mondays of the month of Shrawan hold special religious significance for Hindus. Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, believing that sincere worship during this holy month brings peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of wishes.