As the holy month of Sawan begins, devotees have started thronging the Siddhanath Mahadev Temple, the presiding deity of Khargone city, for a series of special religious observances planned through the month. The temple management kicked off daily Mahaaarti, an elaborate shringar of the deity and distribution of Mahaprasadi from Guru Purnima itself. Nearly 400 years old, the temple is counted among the district's most important Shiva shrines and holds a distinct religious identity of its own.
Doors To Open At 4 AM Every Sawan Monday
Through Sawan, the temple will hold an evening Mahaaarti, special pujan and an elaborate shringar of Lord Shiva every day. On every Monday of the month, a special abhishek, Rudrabhishek and Dugdhabhishek will be conducted. According to Dharmendra Bhavsar, the temple committee's media in-charge, and the temple's priest, the doors will open at 4 AM on every Sawan Monday so devotees can begin darshan and puja from early morning itself. Throughout the day, devotees will perform abhishek of Lord Siddhanath with milk, curd, honey and water, bowing before him to pray for peace, happiness and prosperity for their families. Large numbers of devotees are expected to arrive from morning till late evening for jalabhishek, offering belpatra and other rituals. The twelve Jyotirlingas installed within the temple premises also hold special significance, drawing a large number of visitors on their own.
Mahaaarti At 9 PM Since Guru Purnima, To Continue Till Padwa
At the ancient temple, a Mahaaarti has been held every night at 9 PM since Guru Purnima, and it will continue without a break until Padwa. Mahaprasadi is distributed to devotees after each Mahaaarti. As in previous years, the gathering has been large this time too. With Sawan underway, the temple premises have been freshly painted and decorated with attractive lighting, adding to the festive atmosphere.
58th Shivdola To Be Taken Out On August 30
Once the month's religious events conclude, the temple will take out its 58th Shivdola on August 30, the day of Bhadrapad Shukla Dwitiya, also known as Bhado ki Dooj. Thousands of devotees from Khargone city and the surrounding areas are expected to join this grand religious procession.
Built In 1651, Linked To A Serpent's Samadhi
The Siddhanath Mahadev Temple is counted among the oldest in Khargone. It is believed to have been built in 1651 by the Malliwal family. Notably, the Shivling installed here sits atop the samadhi of a serpent, and the temple takes its identity from that very serpent. The religious beliefs and the miracles associated with the temple set it apart from other Shiva shrines in the region, which is why devotees travel from far and wide during Shravan for darshan and puja. Many believe that the deity is physically present here.
