The Natheshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the Mutthiganj area of Prayagraj, witnesses a unique spectacle on Sawan Mondays. From as early as four in the morning, long queues of devotees form. Some bring Ganga water, while others await their turn with milk, bel leaves, and datura. But the most distinctive feature is that every devotee brings a lock, which they attach to the temple wall or railing along with their prayers.
Why Devotees Attach Locks
This temple is also known as the 'Temple of Locks.' Every devotee who comes here arrives with a desire, which they symbolically bind with a lock and entrust to Lord Shiva. It is believed that attaching a lock conveys one's wishes to the deity, ensuring fulfillment. When devotees revisit the temple, they either unlock the same lock or attach another one to express their gratitude to the Lord.
Every Lock Conceals a Story
The temple premises are adorned with hundreds of hanging locks. Some come seeking marriage, others for the blessing of children, and still others for employment or mental peace. Each lock encapsulates a prayer, a hope, and a devotion. This tradition is not just limited to attaching locks; it represents the faith that devotees place in Lord Shiva.
Temple Premises Resonate with Chants of 'Bholenath'
On Sawan Monday mornings, the temple echoes with the voices of Shiva devotees. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bol Bam.' Devotees offer Ganga water, milk, cannabis, datura, and bel leaves to the Shiva Lingam. Women, youth, the elderly – people from all walks of life – come to the court of Bholenath with their heartfelt desires.
Temple Committee Arranges Facilities for Devotees
Considering the crowds that throng the temple on Sawan Mondays, the Natheshwar Mahadev Temple Committee has made extensive arrangements. Shade, refreshments, and resting facilities are provided around the temple. Additionally, the police administration and volunteers help maintain order during darshan and puja. Strict vigilance is maintained to prevent any chaos.
A Wonderful Confluence of Faith and Tradition
This tradition at the Natheshwar Mahadev Temple is not new. Devotees have been coming here to attach locks for many years. The temple's fame is not limited to Prayagraj alone; devotees come from neighboring districts and even far-flung states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
Temple Walls and Railings are Adorned with Locks
The temple walls and railings are covered with small and large, colorful locks. Some appear new, while others are covered in dust – indicating that someone came with a wish years ago, and their lock still hangs there. This sight fills the hearts of devotees with faith as soon as they enter the temple.
This Temple has Become a Special Pilgrimage Site for Shiva Devotees
Devotees visiting Prayagraj now come to this temple for darshan after taking a dip in the Sangam. Gradually, this temple has become a special pilgrimage site during Sawan, where every prayer locked in a lock is preserved at the feet of Bholenath.
Hopes and Beliefs are Associated with the Locks
Every lock is associated with a hope. It is not just a religious custom, but a symbol of the emotions of the devotees. When a devotee offers water to the Shivling and attaches a lock, they surrender the difficulties, sorrows, and desires of their life to Lord Shiva.
Every Lock at the Natheshwar Mahadev Temple Tells a Story
Every person who comes to this temple brings a story – of unfinished studies, of a broken relationship, of losing direction in life. And when they open the lock, it is as if Lord Shiva himself gives them the message that their wish has been fulfilled.
Every Sawan Monday, the Temple Displays a Vast Form of Devotion
The number of devotees who come here on Sawan Mondays is in the thousands. Everyone comes with the same purpose – to convey their heart's desires to Bholenath. And these locks hanging in the temple premises bear witness to the fact that not only prayers are offered here, but faith also flourishes.
