On this auspicious Tuesday, coinciding with the Shivratri of the holy month of Sawan, the spiritual city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand appears completely immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. Long queues of devotees have formed since early morning at the ancient Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kankhal. Devotees are performing Jalabhishek (ritual bathing of the deity with water) for Lord Bholenath by offering Ganga water, milk, and Belpatra (wood apple leaves).
Statement by Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri
Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhada Parishad, stated that while the festival of Shivratri occurs every month on the night of Trayodashi (13th day) and the day of Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon), the Shivratri falling in the month of Phalgun is known as Mahashivratri. He noted that the Shivratri of Sawan holds special significance in North India due to the Kanwar tradition. He explained that devotees unable to worship Lord Shiva throughout the entire month of Sawan can attain immense spiritual merit by performing Abhishek with Ganga water and offering a Belpatra on this day. He described Kankhal—the site of the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, which was the capital of King Daksha and the in-laws’ home of Lord Shiva—as a divine and extraordinary place.
Lord Shiva’s In-laws’ Abode
A palpable sense of enthusiasm regarding Shivratri is evident among the devotees visiting the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple. Jyoti Sharma, a female devotee, remarked that this is the abode of Lord Shiva’s in-laws, and offering water here is considered particularly significant. She added that Lord Bholenath is so simple and compassionate that He is pleased by the mere offering of water. Since early morning, amidst chants of “Har-Har Mahadev,” devotees have been performing Jalabhishek and praying for the happiness, prosperity, and peace of their families, as well as the fulfillment of their cherished wishes.
Devotees Flock to Virbhadra Mahadev Temple Since Early Morning
Meanwhile, a steady stream of devotees began arriving at the ancient Virbhadra Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh from the early hours of the morning. Standing in long queues, devotees performed Abhishek for Lord Shiva using water, milk, Panchamrit, and sugarcane juice, while offering fruits, flowers, Belpatra, and Dhatura. The temple premises echoed with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev.”
Virbhadra Mahadev: An Ancient Siddh Peeth Temple
Devotee Krishna Bailwal remarked that a large number of people visit the Virbhadra Mahadev temple today—as it is an ancient Siddh Peeth (a spiritually significant site where wishes are believed to be fulfilled)—because deep faith and reverence are associated with it. “I came here today with my family to offer water to the deity. After offering water to Lord Shiva, I prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and peace of my family.”
Lord Virbhadra Manifested Here; Hence the Name ‘Virbhadra’
Devotee Basanti Sharma stated that during the holy month of Sawan, devotees from far-flung areas come here to seek the blessings of Lord Bholenath. “This is a very ancient temple. Lord Virbhadra manifested here; the place was named Virbhadra after Him, and the surrounding area is also known by the same name. We reside on this very land of Virbhadra, so we hold this temple in high regard. The privilege of seeing and worshipping Lord Bholenath during this sacred month of Sawan is earned through great merit.”
This Temple Holds Great Significance
Devotee Mamta Nayal said that Virbhadra Mahadev is an ancient temple of Lord Bholenath and holds immense significance; the Lord fulfills the wishes of all the devotees who visit here. “We came with our family to perform Jalabhishek (ritual offering of water) and prayed to Lord Bholenath to fulfill all our wishes.”
Statement by Temple Manager Mahant Rajgiri Maharaj
Mahant Rajgiri Maharaj, the manager of the Virbhadra temple, stated that the temple holds both mythological and historical importance. “Lord Shiva resides here in His fierce Rudra form—Virbhadra—and a large number of people, including locals and visitors from across the country and the world, come here. They bring Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) from Haridwar to offer to Lord Shiva and place their wishes before Him. A Bhandara (community feast) is organized on behalf of Sri Mahant Dr. Ravindra Puri of the Niranjani Akhara Parishad.”
A Vessel of Water and a Solution to All Problems
He mentioned the saying of the revered Mahant Ravindra Puri: “A vessel of water and a solution to all problems.” He said that Mahadev is a deity who does not require elaborate adornments, fruits, or flowers; a single vessel of water is enough for Him. Whoever offers a vessel of water to Mahadev during the month of Sawan finds a solution to all their problems.
