Varanasi, July 20: The revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has made special arrangements for devotees and kanwariyas for the first Monday of 'Shravan' this year, falling on July 22.
Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, CEO of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, stated that a significant number of devotees are expected this year, and all preparations have been made accordingly.
"The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is fully prepared for the convenience of devotees during the month of Sawan. There will be tight security arrangements. It is estimated that about 1.5 crore devotees will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple this year. The number of devotees may increase significantly as there are five Mondays in the month of Shravan this year," said Mishra.
Huge crowds of devotees visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple every year, as it is considered the most prominent Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Mishra further mentioned that in view of the large number of devotees, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has ensured all necessary preparations, prioritising the security and convenience of the devotees.
"The administration has implemented three-tier security arrangements. All four gates of Kashi Vishwanath Temple will remain open to ensure that devotees do not face any issues. This year, special care is being taken to ensure that people have a seamless darshan experience," said Mishra.
Notably, Mahadev (Lord Shiva) will appear in different forms on all Mondays of the Shravan month in Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
With five auspicious Mondays in the Shravan month, Baba Vishwanath will be adorned in different forms each Monday.
Shivamay Kashi will appear in different colours and forms on all Mondays of the Shravan month, along with his family, Mata Parvati, Kartikeya, and Ganesh.
Speaking about the ongoing preparations, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, CEO of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, said that this year, Baba will be decorated in various forms on all five Mondays of Sawan. Devotees will witness the following forms of Shri Kashi Vishwanath:
On the first Monday of Shravan, July 22, a moving idol of Baba Vishwanath will be decorated.
On Monday, July 29, Baba Vishwanath will be adorned in the form of Gauri Shankar.
On the third Monday, August 5, Baba Vishwanath will astonish devotees with his Ardhanarishwar form.
On the fourth Monday, August 12, Baba Vishwanath will be adorned with Rudraksha.
On the last Monday of Shravan, August 19, which coincides with Shravan Purnima, Baba Vishwanath will be decorated in the form of Shankar Parvati Ganesh.
Shravan is Lord Mahadev's favourite month. This year, Shravan will begin on Monday, July 22, and end on Monday, August 19, lasting for 29 days.
