Bhubaneswar, Jul 21: Thousands of devotees and Kanwariyas visited famous Shiva temples in Odisha today to offer prayers to Lord Shiva on the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan. The atmosphere in the temples was filled with devotion and excitement, with people arriving early in the morning to offer milk, water, and 'bel' leaves to the deity.
Kanwariyas, dressed in saffron, had walked long distances carrying water from various rivers, chanting "Bol Bom, Hare Hare Bom" as they made their way to the temples. Once there, they poured the holy water on Shiva Lingas as part of the ritual.
It is believed that offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Shravan Somvars can help fulfill one's wishes. Many devotees also observed fasting to receive blessings from the god.
During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees often travel on foot for long distances to reach their pilgrimage sites. They follow strict religious practices, including refraining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other indulgences. Most Kanwariyas wear saffron-colored clothes and chant hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout their journey.
Though practices may vary across regions, the main goal of the Kanwar Yatra is to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during the sacred month of Shravan.
