As the month of Sawan arrives, a distinct spirit of devotion takes hold of the people. An atmosphere filled with faith and reverence is visible in Uttarakhand as well. According to astrology, among the monthly Shivratris that occur across the twenty-four fortnights of the year, the Shivratri of the Shravan month (Sawan) holds the greatest significance; it is the one most beloved by Lord Shiva. But what is the reason for this?

In fact, according to religious scriptures, Lord Shiva resides at his in-laws' home during the month of Sawan. The Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple—located in Kankhal, an ancient city in Haridwar—marks the birthplace of Mata Sati and the abode of Lord Shiva's in-laws. Scriptures state that performing *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) with a vessel of Ganga water at this site in Haridwar on Sawan Shivratri yields miraculous benefits and grants one's heart's desires.

Shedding light on the significance of Sawan Shivratri, scholar Pandit Shridhar Shastri explains that the month of Sawan is a truly special time. During this period, one can attain Lord Shiva's special grace through even simple acts of devotion. Haridwar is home to numerous *Siddha Peethas* (places of spiritual power) and ancient sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, all of which are described in religious texts. These include the Neeleshwar Mahadev, Vilvakeshwar Mahadev, Gauri Shankar Mahadev, Tilbhandeshwar, and Daridra Bhanjan Mahadev temples—sites associated with Lord Shiva's in-laws—where performing *Abhishek* with Ganga water is considered highly significant. It is believed that during the month of Sawan, Lord Shiva governs the entire universe from this very abode of his in-laws.

Pandit Shridhar Shastri notes that, according to mythology, Sawan Shivratri is particularly dear to Lord Shiva because, on this day, he consumed the deadly *Kalkoot* poison—which had emerged from the *Samudra Manthan* (Churning of the Ocean)—for the welfare of the entire universe. He consumed the *Kalkoot* poison at the site of the Neeleshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar and subsequently rested on the Manikoot Mountain. After Bholenath consumed this potent poison, the mountain and the ceaselessly flowing Ganga turned blue; to this day, they remain renowned as *Neel Parvat* (Blue Mountain) and *Neel Ganga* (Blue Ganga). He further explains that after consuming this poison, Lord Shiva's body temperature rose drastically; to cool it down, the gods poured the holy waters of the Ganges over Him. Since then, offering Ganges water to Lord Shiva on the *Trayodashi* (thirteenth day) of the *Shravan Krishna Paksha* has held great significance. It is believed that when water is offered to cool the heat of the poison consumed by Lord Shiva for the welfare of humanity, He becomes immensely pleased and fulfills the devotees' wishes, while also granting relief from life's problems, planetary afflictions, and all manner of fears.

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