Sawan 2021: Haridwar's Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple Sees Decline In Devotees Due To COVID Pandemic

The Daksheshwar Mahadev temple in Kankhal, Haridwar, is seeing a significantly lower number of devotees this year.

Representative Photo

Sawan 2021: The effect of COVID-19 is being seen on the traditional month of 'Sawan'. On the first Monday of the 'Sawan' month, a crowd of devotees is expected to arrive at temples. However, this year has seen a decline in the number of devotees, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long queues of devotees were common at this time of the year at the Daksheshwar Mahadev temple of Kankhal. But this year, the temple manager and the local police have made sure that COVID-19 guidelines are strictly adhered to. This has significantly impacted the number of devotees visiting the temple.

In the temple, 'Jalabhishek' is permitted only if devotees follow social distancing guidelines. No one is being allowed to enter the temple without a mask. As per the guidelines issued by the government, the doors of the temple will open at 7 in the morning and close at 7 in the evening.

It is believed that Lord Shiva resides in his in-laws' house in Kankhal for the whole month of Sawan. From here, he operates the universe and takes care of his followers. Mahant Visveshwar Puri of Daksha Prajapati Temple says that the month of Sawan is the most beloved month of Lord Shiva. Kankhal is the in-laws of Daksha Prajapati Mahadev. Lord Shiva had promised King Daksha that he would reside here for the month of 'Sawan'. That is why Lord Shiva lives within Daksha Prajapati in the month of 'Sawan'. 

Arrival of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is welcomed on the first Monday of 'Sawan', as he begins living in his in-laws' house for a month. It is believed that the Ganges river had originated from Lord Shiva's hair in the month of Sawan. Hence, in this month, Lord Shiva is felicitated with Gangajal, Milk, Curd, Honey, 'Boora', Sugarcane juice and 'datura'.