A SURGE OF FAITH AT BABA DINESHWARNATH DHAM

A SURGE OF FAITH AT BABA DINESHWARNATH DHAM

4-AUG-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------On the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, a massive crowd of devotees flocked to the Shiva temples in Koilwar. The atmosphere across all temples, including Baba Dineshwarnath Dham, was filled with devotion as chants of "Har-Har Mahadev" echoed everywhere.

Sawan 2026: On the first Monday of the month of Sawan, the entire Koilwar block appeared immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. Long queues of devotees formed at major Shiva temples from the early morning hours. The temple premises and surrounding areas resonated with chants of "Har-Har Mahadev," "Bol Bam," and "Om Namah Shivay." Devotees performed *Jalabhishek* (ritual bathing with water) of Lord Bholenath and prayed for happiness, prosperity, the well-being of their families, and the fulfillment of their wishes.

Devotees began arriving at the renowned Baba Dineshwarnath Dham—situated on the banks of the Son River in Koilwar—at the crack of dawn, and the influx continued until late evening. A large number of devotees—men, women, youth, and the elderly—performed *Jalabhishek* of Lord Shiva using holy Ganga water. The temple committee and local administration had made necessary arrangements for the convenience of the devotees.

Apart from Sri Sangameshwarnath Dham in Bindgawa, Budhwa Shiv Mandir, Dakshineshwar Mahadev Mandir, and Uttreshwar Shiv Mandir, huge crowds also gathered at Shiva temples in various villages, including Jamalpur, Rajapur, Kayamnagar, Chandi, Birampur, Kulhariya, and Dhandiha. Devotees performed rituals with great reverence, offering Ganga water, *Belpatra* (wood apple leaves), *Dhatura*, *Aak* flowers, milk, curd, honey, and other floral offerings upon the *Shivling*.

In honor of the first Monday, all temples were decorated with flowers, colorful festoons, and attractive lighting. Throughout the day, the temple premises hosted *Bhajan-Kirtan* (devotional singing), recitations of the *Shiv Chalisa*, and *Rudrabhishek* ceremonies, keeping the entire atmosphere steeped in devotion to Lord Shiva. Devotees stated that the month of *Sawan* is extremely dear to Lord Shiva, and the first Monday (*Somwari*) holds special religious significance. It is believed that worship performed with devotion on this day leads Lord Bholenath to fulfill all the wishes of his devotees. Meanwhile, the local administration made adequate security and traffic arrangements around major Shiva temples, ensuring that devotees faced no inconvenience.