Cuttack, Aug. 17 (UDN): The holy atmosphere of Sawan Monday gripped Cuttack as a large number of devotees and Kanwariyas gathered at the famous Baba Dhabaleswar Temple in Athagarh on the third Monday of the sacred month.

 Representational Image

Carrying water-filled pots on their shoulders, Kanwariyas arrived at the shrine to offer Jalabhishek to the Shravani Linga and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Special Rituals Performed

The temple was adorned in the Badasinghar Besha for the occasion. According to temple authorities, the sanctum was opened at around 2 am, following which the morning rituals were performed.

The rituals included a ceremonial bath of the deity with 108 pitchers of fragrant water, followed by Mangala Alati.

Devotees began arriving in large numbers from the early hours, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere around the shrine.

Elaborate Security Arrangements

In view of the heavy rush, the district administration and temple authorities made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth movement and orderly darshan.

Adequate police personnel were deployed around the temple, while barricades were installed to regulate the movement of devotees and prevent overcrowding.

Kanwariyas placed their Bahungis near the concrete bridge before proceeding towards the temple to offer holy water to Baba Dhabaleswar.

Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and said their faith and devotion brought them to the shrine despite the large gathering.

With Sawan Monday holding special religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, the Dhabaleswar shrine witnessed a vibrant mix of devotion, rituals and religious fervour throughout the day.