Uttar Pradesh/ Uttarakhand /Madhya Pradesh , July 26, 2013: Devout Hindus across India welcome the holy month of ‘Shrava’, which is considered sacred by the devotees as they worship Hindu god Shiva at various temples. The monsoon month marks the advent of prosperity and fertility, and the auspicious 'Sawan' is celebrated in diverse ways across the region. The first day of the 'Shravan' month fell on Tuesday with devotees in different parts of India gearing up to celebrate the auspicious month.Scores of devotees started pouring into the city of Deogarh in northern Uttar Pradesh state where the renowned Baidyanath temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva is situated.The Shravan month has special relevance for Hindu god Shiva and devotees hold special prayers dedicated to him. Devotees in Haridwar city of northern Uttarakhand state gathered in large numbers on the banks of the river Ganges to take a holy dip on the occasion.The first day of the holy month also saw special prayers being held at the temple of Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain city in central Madhya Pradesh state. The priests at the temple offered the special 'Bhasma Aarti' in the temple while sprinkling ashes over the Shivalinga, the symbol of Shiva, and chanting incantations.Scores of people turned up on this day at the temple to offer prayers to Shiva and have their wishes fulfilled. According to Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan or Sawan is considered auspicious. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the month sees a large number of devotees take holy baths and offer prayers.

Source: ANI News, DT. July 26, 2013.