Jammu: Hundreds of devotees offered prayer at temples of Lord Shiva across the Jammu region on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, performing ‘Jalabhishek’ (ritual bathing of the deity) and seeking blessings.
Long queues of devotees were witnessed at several prominent shrines, including the revered Aap Shambhu temple, Ranbir temple and Ragunath temple in Jammu, and at the cave shrine of Shiv Khori in Reasi district. The Sudh Mahadev temple in Udhampur and the ancient Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, also witnessed significant footfall, with special prayers, ‘Rudrabhishek’, and ‘maha aarti’ performed to marked the occasion.
At the prominent Lord Shiva temples in Jammu, devotees performed ‘Jalabhishek’ from early hours amid fervent chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, with temple authorities making elaborate arrangements to manage the rush.
At the Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi, thousands from across the country assembled to offer prayers, with the cave shrine echoing with devotional chants throughout the day. Priests conducted special rituals, including ‘Rudrabhishek’, ‘Shodashopachar Puja’ (16 ritual offerings) and ‘maha aarti’.
The month-long Shravan Mahotsav commenced at the Shiv Khori shrine with a traditional Kavad Yatra. Reasi Deputy Commissioner Kumar Abhishek inaugurated the celebrations and reviewed arrangements to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.
Arun, a priest at the shrine, said the day began with a special morning ‘aarti’, followed by ‘Rudrabhishek’, ‘Shodashopachar Puja’ and other rituals. The Shiv Khori shrine board have made special arrangements for ‘Kanwariyas’ (Kanwar pilgrims) and other devotees visiting the shrine during the holy month.
The historic Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir marked the beginning of Sawan Mahotsav with a Bhajan recital. The programme opened with Vedic chanting by students of the Panjvaktra Mahadev Ved Pathshala, followed by devotional and classical performances.
