Chhattisgarh witnessed an overwhelming display of devotion on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, with thousands of devotees thronging Shiva temples across the state for jalabhishek, special prayers and religious rituals. From the early hours of Monday, long queues were seen outside major temples as devotees offered water, milk, bel leaves and flowers to Lord Shiva while chanting 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bol Bam'.

One of the biggest attractions was the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Mahadev Ghat in Raipur, where the Shivling was adorned in the form of Lord Ganesha during special rituals that began around 2 am.

Special Rituals at Hatkeshwar Temple

The temple opened its doors for devotees at 4 am after elaborate worship and decoration. The temple premises were beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, while priests performed special puja and abhishek in accordance with Shravan traditions.

According to temple authorities, devotees believe that whispering their wishes into the ears of Nandi at the ancient temple ensures that Lord Shiva hears and fulfils their prayers. The historic temple is believed to have been built during the Kalachuri dynasty.

Heavy Rush at Bhuteshwar Nath Temple

A large number of devotees and Kanwariyas also gathered at the renowned Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev Temple in Gariaband district.

Pilgrims carrying holy water performed jalabhishek, while community organisations and volunteers set up food distribution camps along the route, serving meals, fruits and drinking water to devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra.

Shiva Temples Across State See Huge Turnout

Major Shiva temples in Bilaspur, Raigarh, Manendragarh, Ambikapur, Dantewada and other districts also witnessed heavy footfall throughout the morning.

In Bilaspur, devotees participated in Rudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya chanting, special worship and traditional adornment rituals. Many also performed worship of Parthiv Shivlings amid Vedic chants.

In Manendragarh, devotees collected holy water from the Hasdeo River before offering it at the famous Siddh Baba Temple and other Shiva shrines.

At Devgarh's Ardhanarishwar Temple and the historic Maheshpur Shiva Temple in Surguja, thousands of devotees from across the region arrived for prayers and offerings.

Devotional Atmosphere Across Chhattisgarh

In Raigarh, chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echoed across major temples, including Mahadev Temple, Gaurishankar Temple and Babadham at Kosmanara.

Meanwhile, the revered Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada also witnessed a large gathering of devotees, while worshippers offered prayers at Budheshwar Mahadev Temple in Raipur after the temple opened at 3:30 am. The morning Maha Aarti attracted a significant number of devotees.

Across the state, the first Monday of Shravan transformed temple towns into centres of faith, with devotees praying for prosperity, good health and family well-being while observing one of the most auspicious days dedicated to Lord Shiva.