On the first Monday of the Nepali month of Shrawan, thousands of devotees gathered at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu from the early morning hours to worship Lord Shiva.
Hindus believe that Mondays during Shrawan are sacred and are especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that offering prayers and pure water to Shiva on this day can fulfill one’s wishes. That’s why temples, especially the famous Pashupatinath Temple, are packed with worshippers.
Many devotees observe a fast and follow traditional customs like wearing green bangles, applying mehndi (henna), and dressing in green as a sign of devotion. The ritual of pouring holy water over the Shiva linga is believed to please the deity and bring blessings of happiness and long-lasting prosperity.
With the start of Shrawan, the sun begins its southern journey (Dakshinayan). This transition holds special importance in the Hindu calendar, just like the sun’s northward movement (Uttarayan) that begins on Magh 1.
