Kanpur witnessed a large turnout of devotees at major Shiva temples on the final Monday of Sawan. At the Baba Anandeshwar Temple in Parmat, around one lakh devotees are reported to have had darshan, with long queues forming from the morning for darshan and Jalabhishek.
Devotees began arriving at the Baba Anandeshwar Temple before morning to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple premises remained crowded throughout the day, with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” heard continuously.
Devotees from Kanpur as well as surrounding districts visited the temple. Many devotees took a bath in the Ganga before reaching the temple and performed Jalabhishek of Baba Anandeshwar. The number of devotees was higher than on normal days because of the special prayers and rituals held on the final Monday of Sawan.
By morning, long queues had formed around the temple. Police and administrative teams were deployed to manage the crowd and maintain the darshan arrangements. Devotees were directed through designated routes, while efforts were made to organise the crowd in different sections.
Security arrangements were also strengthened around the temple and nearby roads. Police controlled vehicle movement to prevent traffic disruption caused by the large number of devotees.
Water and other essential facilities were arranged for people waiting in queues. Arrangements were also made with elderly people and women in mind. The crowd inside the temple premises was continuously moved forward to prevent prolonged pressure at a single location.
Devotees also gathered at other major Shiva temples in Kanpur, including Siddhnath Temple and Wankhandeshwar Temple. Devotees began arriving at these temples from the morning, and barricades and queue arrangements were put in place at several locations.
Special decorations were also made at temples for the final Monday of Sawan. Religious activities, including the decoration and worship of Lord Shiva, continued from the morning. Devotees offered Belpatra, flowers, milk and water during the prayers.
Many devotees took a dip in the Ganga before proceeding to the Shiva temples. They then carried पूजा सामग्री to the temples and performed worship. Devotee movement continued from the morning until later in the day.
The tradition of taking a Ganga bath before visiting Baba Anandeshwar Temple was particularly visible on the final Monday of Sawan. The temple is located on the banks of the Ganga and is among Kanpur’s prominent religious sites.
The large crowds increased traffic pressure on some major roads in the city. Vehicles were regulated around the temples, while priority was given to the movement of devotees. Police and administrative teams maintained surveillance around the temple premises and surrounding routes.
Necessary arrangements were kept in place to deal with any emergency situation during the religious gathering. Devotees were also asked to maintain order, remain patient while standing in queues and follow the instructions of the police and administration.
Shops selling flowers, prasad, Belpatra and पूजा सामग्री opened from the morning around the temples. The large number of devotees also increased activity for local shopkeepers.
Several devotees visited the temples with their families. Some prayed to Lord Shiva for family happiness, peace and prosperity, while others performed पूजा-अर्चना after their wishes were fulfilled. Young devotees also participated in Jalabhishek.
Devotees said they were happy to have darshan of Baba Anandeshwar despite the long queues and large crowds. Several devotees said they prayed with their families for happiness, peace and good health.
The final Monday of Sawan falls on August 24 this year. Sawan Monday is considered dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees observe fasts, perform पूजा and offer Jalabhishek on the day. Being the final Monday of Sawan, large numbers of devotees visited temples across Kanpur.
Baba Anandeshwar Temple has previously witnessed large numbers of devotees during Sawan Mondays. Its popularity and location on the banks of the Ganga contribute to the increase in devotees visiting the temple during Sawan.
The final Monday of Sawan saw large crowds at Shiva temples across Kanpur, with around one lakh devotees reported to have visited Baba Anandeshwar Temple in Parmat. Police and administrative teams managed security, darshan and traffic arrangements as devotees gathered for prayers and Jalabhishek.
