Each year several headlines run mentioning about queues of devotees thronging temples or organizing Kawad yatra. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the authorities have cancelled large religious gatherings in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus.
Observing the social distancing norms amid the Coronavirus pandemic, devotees in cities had to stay outside the temples this time in order to avoid large gatherings inside the premises. Various measures such as sanitization and checking temperature of devotees was carried out to contain the spread of deadly COVID-19 virus.
Though devotees may not be able to visit Varanasi's famous Kashi Vishwanath temple this time, the authorities have made facilities for people to get the holy 'prasad' delivered at their dootsteps during the Sawan period.
According to the reports quoting Krishna Kumar Yadav (director in Department of Posts at Lucknow), the department of posts and authorities at Kashi Vishwanath temple have mutually agreed to deliver the prasad via speed post to homes during the holy month of Sawan.
How To Get Sawan Prasad Home Delivered Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
In order to get the prasad home delivered, the person has to send an electronic money order (EMO) of Rs 251 from any post office to senior superintendent of Posts Offices, Varanasi east division.
The prasad from Kashi Vishwanath temple will be delivered by speed post at your home within a period of three days. It is to be noted that the facility will be available in districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh only.
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The delivered parcel will include the following items: One photograph of Kashi Vishwanath temple's Jyotirlinga; Maha Mritunjaya Maha Yantrama; One copy of Shiva Chalisa, Rudraksh rosary, dry fruits, ash and a packet of sweets.
Significance Of Sawan Month
The holy month of Sawan, also known as 'Shravan' or 'Avani' began on July 6 and will continue till August 3. Going by the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva had chosen Goddess Parvati as his wife in this month of Sawan. This is why the month is dedicated to both Shiva and Parvati. It is a belief that Lord Shiva is easily pleased during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.
Be it Amarnath caves in Jammu and Kashmir, Mahakal Temple in Ujjain or Baithdyanath Dham in Deoghar of Bihar, devotees observe a fast, light lamps, take holy dips and worship Lord Shiva in Shiva temples, also known as 'Jyotirlingas' across the country.