Devotees flock to temples on last Monday of Shravan, celebrate 'Raksha Bandhan'
Aug 19, 2024
New Delhi [India] August 19 : A large number of devotees visited Achleshwar Mahadev temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva on the fifth and last Monday of the sacred month of Shravan (or Sawan). 
They worshipped Lord Shiva by offering bel leaves, milk, and garlands, and participated in special puja and abhishek organized on the occasion.
Today is also the festival of Raksha Bandhan, and devotees prayed to the Lord for the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. Many offered Rakhi to the Lord Shiva, praying for continued happiness and prosperity.
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain also saw a large number of devotees.
As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple is of great religious significance and attracts worshippers from across the country, especially during Shravan, when it becomes a focal point of religious activity. 
In Jharkhand's Deoghar, devotees visited Baba Baidyanath Dham to pray to Lord Shiva on the last Monday of Shravan. Baba Baidyanath Dham, another Jyotirlinga, is regarded as one of the most sacred places of Lord Shiva. Devotees from various regions travelled to this holy temple to offer their prayers.
In Gujarat, long queues of worshippers were seen at the historic Somnath Temple in Bilimora. This temple, over 1,600 years old, is famous for housing a 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) Shivling, making it an important religious site, particularly during Shravan.
Devotees could be seen coming from distant places and participating in the rituals and fairs on Monday, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, devotees offered prayers at the Nageshwarnath temple on the last Monday of Shravan. 
Today marks the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan (or Sawan), a time when it is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva receive abundant blessings.
Shravan, usually falling between July and August, is a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
According to Hindu mythology, Shravan is the month when Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects.
During this period, devotees fast and offer prayers, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The rains of Shravan are seen as a symbol of Lord Shiva's compassion and benevolence.
