The month of Sawan has begun, and the fervor of Shiv Bhakti (devotion to Lord Shiva) is visible in every corner of India. Long queues of devotees in temples, Jalabhishek (offering of water), Rudrabhishek (a ritual of bathing the Shiva Lingam), and the echoes of Shiva mantras are completely immersing the atmosphere in the spirit of Shiva. However, this scene is not limited to India alone. In Pakistan as well, the chants of "Bom Bom Bhole" and "Om Namah Shivaya" resonate in Shiva temples during the month of Sawan.
Some special Shiva temples in Pakistan open during Sawan
There are many Shiva temples in Pakistan that are considered very important from a historical and religious point of view. Some of these temples remain closed throughout the year and are only opened on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri or Sawan. The presence, devotion, and faith of Shiva devotees in these temples make it clear that devotion knows no boundaries.
The story of Shiva's tears flows in Katasraj Temple
Katasraj Shiva Temple is located in the Chakwal district of Pakistan. It is believed that when Goddess Sati self-immolated, two tears fell from Lord Shiva's eyes, one of which fell in Katasraj and formed a sacred lake. The story of Yudhisthira and Yaksha's dialogue is also narrated on the banks of this lake.
This temple is not only a center of religious faith but is also historically significant. During Sawan, special pujas and abhisheks are performed in this temple, where devotees from the local Hindu community, as well as from India, come to participate.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi
Karachi, the economic capital of Pakistan, also has a very famous Shiva temple – the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple is situated on the seashore and houses idols of Lord Shiva and many other deities.
The atmosphere here becomes completely devotional during the month of Sawan. Hundreds of Shiva devotees from Karachi and surrounding areas visit this temple daily to offer water. Special prayers are held on Mondays, and the temple complex is filled with the chants of "Har Har Mahadev" for hours.
Umarkot Shiva Temple of Sindh: A thousand-year-old faith
The Shiva temple located in the Umarkot area of Sindh province is counted among the most ancient Shiva temples in Pakistan. It is believed that this temple was built in the 10th century, the same time when the Khajuraho temple was being built in India.
This temple is not only religiously significant but also has immense historical and cultural value. Special events are organized here on the occasion of Sawan, and devotees from far and wide come for darshan (viewing the deity).
Mansehra Shiva Temple: A two-thousand-year-old Shivling
The Mansehra Shiva Temple is located in the Chitti Gatti area of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. This temple is special because the Shivling here is said to be around two thousand years old.
Daily prayers are not held here, but special rituals are organized during Mahashivratri and Sawan. Along with the local Hindu community, people from other parts of Pakistan also come to these events.
Shiv Bhakti knows no boundaries in Sawan
The month of Sawan is as special for the Hindu community living in Pakistan as it is in India. Despite the circumstances and borders, devotees reach Shiva temples and offer their devotion.
A special vibrancy is seen in these Shiva temples spread across various areas like Sialkot, Karachi, Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Sawan. Although the maintenance of many temples is done with limited resources, Shiva devotees still reach these temples with full enthusiasm and devotion.
Cultural performances and puja events are held in the temples
On the auspicious occasion of Sawan, along with puja and worship, events like bhajans (devotional songs), kirtan (devotional singing), and religious dramas are also organized in the Shiva temples of Pakistan. Temple committees at many places also organize special feasts and Bhandaras (community kitchen).
