Shravani Mela 2009 at Deoghar Temple – Shrabani Mela at Baidyanath Dham

The Shravan month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India is of great importance at Baba Baidyanath Dham – the Lord Shiva Temple at Deogharh in Jharkhand. Millions of Lord Shiva devotees from India, Nepal and other countries around the world undertake a pilgrimage from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Temple. The month-long fair is also known as Shrabani Mela. In 2009, Shravani Mela begins on July 7 and ends on August 5.

River Ganga flows northward at Sultanganj and it is the only place where the Ganga flows toward North during its course. Lord Shiva devotees collect Gangajal, holy water from Ganga, at Sultanganj and carry it to the Deoghar Shiva Temple. The Gangajal is used to bathe the Shivling here which is one among the Jyotirlingams – twelve temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Devout Hindus believe that offering Ganga water from Sultanganj to Lord Shiva at Deoghar is highly auspicious and it will help in removing ignorance and help in fulfilling their desires. The pilgrims that carry Ganga water are referred as Kanwarias.

Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and therefore heavy rush is witnessed on this day at the Baba Baidyanath Dham. The Mondays in Sharvan month is highly auspicious and Shiva devotees perform the Shravan Somvar Vrat.