SATV, Kathmandu, July 22: According to the lunar calendar of the month of Shrawan in the year 2081, today marks the first Monday, which is considered auspicious for worshipers, especially women observing fasts, to visit Pashupatinath for darshan of Lord Shiva, starting from early morning.
Hindu Female Devotees regard every Monday of Shrawan special. It is believed that their unwavering faith in Lord Shiva who is one of the Trinity according to hindu Scriptures, can fulfill their wishes if they fast with real and pure dedication this whole month. The Pashupati Development Trust also meticulously prepares and organizes grand arrangements within the Pashupati area, focusing on this special occasion.
Married hindu women wish for the long life of their husbands fasting every Monday of the month of Shrawan, which is regarded to be special day of fasting. It is believed that fasting on this auspicious day, unmarried women can find a good husband and married women can ensure the longevity of their husbands and according to Hindu belief, they may also be able to bring back their husbands from the gate of Yamaraj (the god of death).
On this special day, women observe fasting and make every effort to please Lord Shiva by offering Bel leaves, rudraksha beads and flowers along with Aksheta and flowers. They wake up early in the morning, take a bath and dress in clean and new clothes adorned with red, yellow and green colors. They decorate their hands with Mehendi, wear bangles and pray to God with devotion all day long.
From the 1st to the 32nd of the month of Shrawan, Pashupatinath, considered the principal abode of Lord Shiva, hosts a special event featuring 108 religious rituals. Devotees who engage deeply in religious practices throughout the month demonstrate reverence. Also, various significant religious programs are organized in different parts of the Pashupati area, making it a month filled with extensive religious ceremonies.
Some other glimpses of the event are: