On the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple witnessed a large influx of devotees, with an approximately 3-kilometre-long queue formed for darshan and jalabhishek of Baba Vishwanath. Crowds extended from the temple surroundings to the designated queue routes, while drone footage showed the length of the waiting line.
The number of devotees increased steadily from early morning due to the first Monday of Sawan. Devotees from different parts of the country arrived in Varanasi for darshan of Baba Vishwanath. A large number of Kanwariyas also reached the temple carrying Gangajal and performed jalabhishek.
With the heavy turnout, the darshan and jalabhishek process was expedited. Devotees were given approximately one second to offer water on the Shivling before being moved forward so that those waiting behind could also have an opportunity for darshan.
The temple administration and district administration implemented special arrangements in view of the crowd. Devotees were guided through barricaded queue systems, while police personnel and security staff were deployed at multiple locations. The administration said efforts were focused on ensuring safe darshan despite the heavy footfall.
Special arrangements were also made for Kanwariyas. Shiva devotees carrying Gangajal proceeded towards the temple while chanting "Bol Bam" and "Har Har Mahadev." Large numbers of Kanwariyas wearing saffron attire were present in the area.
During the event, the Commissioner welcomed Kanwariyas by showering flowers on them. The flower shower was carried out in the presence of administrative officials, after which Kanwariyas continued towards the temple chanting slogans.
Drone-recorded videos showed large crowds of devotees moving towards Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with queues stretching for several kilometres as people waited for their turn. The administration continued monitoring the situation in view of the crowd.
Special worship rituals were also conducted at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Sawan Monday. Baba Vishwanath received a special adornment, while chants of mantras and temple bells resonated from early morning. Devotees offered bel leaves, milk, Gangajal and flowers.
Heavy crowds were also reported at other Shiva temples across Varanasi. Queues formed outside temples from the morning, with several devotees arriving during the night to wait for darshan.
The administration introduced traffic arrangements in view of the crowd. Vehicular movement around the temple area was regulated, and separate pedestrian routes were created at several locations using barricades.
As the number of devotees increased, visitors were not permitted to remain near the sanctum for extended periods. Very limited time was provided for jalabhishek to enable a larger number of devotees to complete darshan.
With the number of Kanwariyas increasing, the temple administration introduced additional monitoring measures. Security personnel were deployed along Kanwar Yatra routes, while drinking water and other facilities were arranged for devotees.
Considering the religious significance of Sawan Monday, security arrangements across Varanasi were strengthened. Police and administrative officials continued inspections at key locations, while regular public announcements were made to prevent disorder in crowded areas.
The administration appealed to devotees to remain patient and proceed only through designated queues. It requested public cooperation in crowd management so that all devotees could have darshan safely.
An approximately 3-kilometre-long queue continued at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the jalabhishek process remained expedited due to the heavy crowd. Devotees continued waiting for their turn while chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bol Bam."
