Today, the final Monday of Shrawan sees a surge of devotees at Shiva temples throughout Nepal, including the Pashupatinath Temple. The early morning rush has been observed at various Shiva shrines as worshippers gather to end their month-long observance.
Shrawan Mondays are considered particularly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees who have maintained a vow throughout the month are concluding their rituals today. This practice is rooted in the belief that observing fasts and performing rituals on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to one’s family.
In the Kathmandu Valley, devotees are flocking to prominent Shiva temples such as Pashupatinath, Gokarneshwor, Santaneshwor, Doleswor, Kirateshwor, and Bhaleswor. The influx extends to other regions, including Sanga in Kavrepalanchok, Devghat in Tanahun, and Galeswor in Myagdi.
Devghat, a renowned religious site in Tanahun, is expecting around 50,000 pilgrims today. According to Sadan Baral, Executive Director of the Devghat Area Development Committee, this marks an increase from the 35,000 who attended the third Monday and 25,000 each on the first and second Mondays of Shrawan. The festival, known as the Bolbam Fair, attracts thousands of devotees from both Nepal and abroad each year. To ensure the safety of the visitors, security measures have been heightened around the area.
In Saptari, local Shiva temples have witnessed large crowds since early morning. Notably, devotees concluding their month-long observances are among those visiting. According to resident Ramnath Yadav, the belief is that observing the Shrawan Monday fast brings familial prosperity, knowledge, and peace, as stated in Vedic scriptures.
In Saptari, crowds are seen at several temples, including Harinandeshwor in Rajbiraj Municipality, Mahadev in Akuri of Mahadeva Rural Municipality, and Shanishiv Dham on the northern Chure hills from Birendra Bazar.
At the Siddheshwor Temple in Chutrawal, Arghakhanchi, special Vedic rituals have been conducted from early morning. Priest Pandit Suman Prasad Pokhrel reported a significant turnout of devotees from various places participating in Rudri and special Shiva worship.
Siddheshwor Temple, renowned for its historical, religious, and tourist significance, features a crystal Shiva lingam and continues to perform daily Vedic rituals. Narayan Prasad Khanal, a temple custodian, noted that the final observances today are an integral part of its ongoing religious practices.
In Magdi’s Benibazar, the Galeswor Temple has hosted over 100,000 visitors throughout Shrawan. The temple area has seen notable attendance from devotees not only from Magdi but also from surrounding regions including Parbat, Baglung, Kaski, Tanahun, Gorkha, Chitwan, Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Kathmandu.
Madhav Prasad Regmi, Chairman of the Galeswor Temple Area Development Fund, mentioned that security personnel and volunteers have been deployed to manage crowds and ensure a smooth worship experience. Additionally, Indian religious tourists traveling to Muktinath have also visited Galeswor.
Last year, the temple collected Rs. 5,84,510 in donations. As of the third Monday this year, donations have reached Rs. 10,74,747. The Galeswor Temple, situated on a vast rock overlooking the Kali Gandaki River, is considered a gateway to the sacred site of Muktinath, a shared pilgrimage spot for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
