Festivals

Devotees Flock in Large Numbers to Shiva Temples Across India on Third Monday of Sawan

Published

3 days ago

July 28, 2025

Introduction

On the auspicious third Monday of the Sawan month, temples dedicated to Lord Shiva witnessed a massive inflow of devotees, who arrived with faith-filled hearts and offerings in hand. From metros to small villages, the spiritual energy was palpable, reaffirming the deep-rooted significance of this day in Hindu tradition.

Significance of Sawan and the Third Monday

Sawan, or Shravan Maas, is the fifth month in the Hindu lunar calendar and is entirely dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Each Monday of this holy month—called Sawan Somwar—is considered highly auspicious.

The third Monday holds special reverence because:

It marks the spiritual midpoint of Sawan
Many believe that prayers on this day are instantly heard by Mahadev
It’s said to fulfill wishes related to health, relationships, and prosperity

Devotee Observances and Fasting Rituals

Devotees wake up before dawn, bathe, wear clean (often saffron or white) clothing, and observe a strict fast (vrat). Many offer:

Water mixed with milk, honey, and curd
Bael leaves, which are considered Lord Shiva’s favorite
Bhasma (sacred ash) and sandalwood paste
White flowers, dhatura, and bhang

Chanting of mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra echoes throughout the day in homes and temples.

Major Celebrations Across Prominent Shiva Temples

Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi

The ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi were packed as thousands offered Ganga Jal to Baba Vishwanath. The temple corridors overflowed with flower vendors, bhajan mandalis, and long queues of devotees.

Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain

A majestic Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM marked the beginning of the day. Pilgrims from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan flocked to witness this ancient, mystical ritual.

Somnath – Gujarat

With the Arabian Sea in the backdrop, devotees offered coconuts and performed abhishekam in the serene Somnath temple complex. Security personnel ensured peaceful darshan for all.

Baidyanath Dham – Jharkhand

Kanwariyas, who walked for days carrying holy Ganga water, arrived chanting “Bol Bam.” The entire Deoghar town transformed into a spiritual fairground, buzzing with bhajans and devotional enthusiasm.

Lingaraj Temple – Bhubaneswar

In Odisha, the Lingaraj temple saw grand processions with temple musicians and elephant-led parades. Special lighting and flower decorations adorned the temple.

Kanwar Yatra: A Journey of Faith

The Kanwar Yatra, a defining part of Sawan, saw record numbers this year. Barefoot devotees carried Kanwars (decorated water carriers) across hundreds of kilometers to pour water on Shiva lingams in temples of their choice. For many, this journey is a personal vow, undertaken in gratitude or penance.

Security, Sanitation & Crowd Management Measures

State governments deployed:

Thousands of police and disaster response personnel
Medical booths and mobile clinics
Separate lanes for elderly and women
Drones and CCTV for crowd monitoring
Massive water distribution and prasad counters

Cultural and Economic Impact

Sawan Somwar is more than just a religious event. It:

Boosts local economies—flower sellers, sweet shops, and transport operators see increased sales
Inspires community bonding through shared spiritual activities
Revives folk music and local temple arts

Devotee Voices: Why They Return Every Year

“I’ve been coming to Kashi for the last 7 years every Sawan. I feel peace I can’t describe,” said Rajesh Tripathi, a Kanwariya from Allahabad.

“My business took off after last year’s fast. This is my way of saying thanks to Bholenath,” shared Pratibha, a boutique owner from Patna.

Conclusion

The third Monday of Sawan showcased India’s spiritual heartbeat. With chanting, colors, and community spirit, this holy day once again reaffirmed the enduring love for Lord Shiva across the country.

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Festivals

Do You Know the Difference Between Mrityunjaya and Mahamrityunjaya Mantras? Learn Today

Published

1 day ago

July 30, 2025

Avni Trivedi

Why the confusion between Mrityunjaya and Mahamrityunjaya?

Since childhood, we’ve been told the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra helps overcome fear of death, illness, and grants longevity. But when someone says “Mrityunjaya Mantra,” it raises the question — Is it the same or something else?

The term “Mrityunjaya” means “the conqueror of death,” an epithet of Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, “Mahamrityunjaya” is the great or supreme version of the Mrityunjaya Mantra, sourced directly from the Vedas.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Vedic origin and meaning

Mantra: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”

Meaning:

We worship the three-eyed One (Shiva), fragrant and nourishing. May He liberate us from the bondage of death, like a cucumber is separated from its stem — but not from immortality.

Source:

Yajurveda (7.59)
Rigveda (Mandala 1, Sukta 59)

It is deeply meditative and part of powerful Vedic rituals, especially performed during health crises, accidents, or spiritual purification.

Mrityunjaya Mantra: Is it a different mantra?

The word Mrityunjaya is commonly used as a short reference to the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. However, in tantric traditions or some guru lineages, it may refer to shorter, customized, or beej (seed-syllable) mantras.

For example: Om Hroum Joom Sah Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Om Tryambakam…” (Tantric extension)

These are often part of specialized rituals or sadhanas and not part of the mainstream Vedic tradition.

Benefits of Both Mantras

Aspect	Mahamrityunjaya Mantra	Mrityunjaya (Tantric or Short)
Source	Vedic (Rigveda & Yajurveda)	Guru-given or Tantric texts
Usage	Healing, protection, peace	Tantric awakening, fast results, spiritual protection
Chanting Format	108x with Rudraksha mala, homa, Abhishekam	Sadhana-specific, often with beej syllables
Energy Level	Calming, purifying	Activating, Shakti-oriented

When to Use Which Mantra?

Situation	Recommended Mantra
For healing or recovery from illness	Mahamrityunjaya mantra (108x daily)
To remove fear of untimely death	Mahamrityunjaya mantra with havan
For tantric initiation or sadhana	Beej-based Mrityunjaya from guru
For mental peace and spiritual growth	Mahamrityunjaya with Rudra Sukta

Festivals

Friendship Day Activities and Games for Kids in School | July 30 Special

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2025

Avni Trivedi

Celebrate Friendship Day at School: Fun Games and Activities for Kids

Friendship Day on July 30 is a wonderful opportunity for schools to foster kindness, camaraderie, and teamwork among students. Here’s a fresh list of easy, engaging, and inclusive ideas to make the day memorable in classrooms and schoolyards.

Friendship Bingo: Match and Mingle

Organize a Friendship Bingo sheet with prompts like “Find someone who shared their lunch,” “Has the same favourite colour,” or “Helped another student today.” Kids move around, check boxes, and collect signatures. Great icebreaker and communication booster!

Compliment Chain: Circle of Kind Words

Have students sit in a circle.
One by one, each child gives a genuine compliment to the person next to them.
Use printed “Friendship tags” or paper bracelets for compliments to wear or trade.
Promote verbal and written appreciation—simple confidence builder!

Buddy Treasure Hunt

Pair up students as friendship buddies.
Hide small cards or friendship quotes across the classroom or playground.
Pairs hunt together, reading and discussing each message like “You’re a great listener” or “Thanks for making me smile.”
Encourages cooperation, companionship, and joy in discovery.

Friendship Pictionary or Charades

Divide classes into small teams. Use friendship-themed prompts like “Helping a friend,” “Lending a hand,” “Laughing together.” Kids act them out or draw, while teammates guess. Enhances creativity and nonverbal fun.

Friendship Shields or Flags

Provide paper, colours, stickers, craft supplies.
Each child designs a flag or shield representing their friend or friendship group.
Showcase them in a Friendship Wall display afterwards.

“Who’s That Friend?” Quiz

Write short descriptions (anonymous) of how each child helps their friends—without revealing names.
Read aloud and let classmates guess the kind friend described.
Builds positive peer recognition.

Friendship Storytime & Collaborative Story

Read a short Friendship Day-themed story (e.g. “The Rainbow Fish,” “Be Kind”).
Follow up with a group-written story, each child adding one sentence about caring and friendship.
Ideal for developing empathy and narrative skills.

Friendship Bracelet or Bookmark Exchange

Kids make simple bracelets or bookmarks, decorate with friendship sayings.
Swap them anonymously or with buddies.
Promotes creativity and personal connection.

Festivals

Nag Panchami 2025: Date & Puja Timing

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2025

Avni Trivedi

Nag Panchami isn’t just about offering milk to snake idols. It’s a rare blend of mythology, ecology, and devotion—reminding us to respect life forms that often evoke fear. As Nag Panchami 2025 arrives on Tuesday, July 29, it offers another opportunity to step into the spiritual and symbolic layers of India’s serpent tradition.

When is Nag Panchami 2025?

Date: Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Panchami Tithi Begins: 11:24 PM, 28 July
Panchami Tithi Ends: 12:46 AM, 30 July
Puja Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 8:23 AM, 29 July (Duration: 2 hr 43 min)

In Gujarat, due to calendar variations, Nag Panchami will be observed on 13 August 2025.

Why Do We Worship Snakes?

At first glance, snake worship may seem primitive—but it’s deeply symbolic:

Snakes represent the dual nature of creation: death and rebirth. They shed skin, symbolizing transformation.
In Hinduism, Nagas are guardians of wealth and fertility, and protectors of nature.
Serpents are intricately connected to Lord Shiva (Vasuki), Lord Vishnu (Sheshnag), and Manasa Devi.

In mythology, the Sarpa Yajna initiated by King Janamejaya was stopped by Sage Astika on this day—marking the beginning of Nag Panchami as a festival of peace and reconciliation with serpents.

Rituals and How It’s Observed Today

Pre-Puja Preparation:

Bathe early before sunrise.
Clean the home and puja area.
Draw snake symbols on walls or floor using turmeric, kumkum, or cow dung paste.

Offerings Include:

Milk (preferably symbolic rather than offered to live snakes)
White lotus, rice grains, sandalwood
Sweets like laddoos and jaggery
Durva grass and Nagkalika flowers

Key Practices:

Avoid digging, ploughing, or cutting trees—signifying respect for the underground world.
Fast partially or fully (milk and fruits).
Recite mantras such as “Om Namah Nagabhyo” or “Sarpa Raksha Stotra”.

Regional Flavors of Nag Panchami

Maharashtra & Karnataka:

Snake idols are placed in shrines, and women pray for their brothers’ long life. Folk songs like Nagoba Bhagat are sung.

Tamil Nadu & Kerala:

Naga abhisheka is done in temples like Mannarasala, with turmeric milk and sesame offerings.

Bihar & Bengal:

Women make clay serpents, worship them near anthills or ponds, and seek protection for their families.

Nepal:

In Kathmandu Valley, Nag Panchami kicks off festivals like Gai Jatra. Snake motifs are hung over doorways for protection.

Symbolism Beyond the Ritual

In modern times, Nag Panchami speaks to more than tradition. It is:

A call for ecological awareness—protecting snakes from deforestation and urban harm.
A reminder of coexistence, with creatures we often fear.
A meditative symbol, especially in yoga, where kundalini energy is envisioned as a coiled serpent at the spine’s base.