Sawan 2025: Where does Shiva go during the holy month? The mysterious pilgrimage to kanakhal revealed

The month of Sawan is considered to be the most favourite month of Lord Shiva. During this time, lakhs of devotees try to get the blessings of Bholenath by fasting and worshipping. But do you know where Lord Shiva resides during Sawan? And what is the special significance of Kankhal area of ​​Haridwar during this time?

New Delhi: According to religious texts and beliefs, Lord Shiva resides in Kankhal (Haridwar, Uttarakhand) during the month of Sawan. It is said in the scriptures that during the month of Sawan, he resides in his in-laws' house, Kankhal (where Sati's maternal home was). This is the same holy place where Daksha Prajapati performed a yagya and Sati sacrificed her life by jumping into the yagya. It was at this place that Lord Shiva later created Veerbhadra and destroyed Daksha's yagya.

Religious and historical importance of Kankhal

Kankhal is located at a short distance from Haridwar, and this place is considered one of the Panch Tirthas. The Daksheshwar Mahadev temple located here is especially famous. This temple is built at the same place where the yagya of King Daksha was performed. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resides here in person during the month of Sawan, so worshipping here gives special virtuous results.

Relation of Shiva Purana and Sawan

According to Shiva Purana, Sawan is very dear to Lord Shiva because in this month Mother Parvati did rigorous penance and got Shiva as her husband. This month Shiva devotees perform Rudrabhishek, Jalabhishek, fasting, and Mahamrityunjay Jaap. There is a huge gathering of devotees in Kankhal during this time.

What is the importance of Kankhal Yatra in Sawan?

• People wishing for family happiness and peace especially go to Kankhal for darshan.
• Unmarried girls observe fast and worship here to get their desired life partner.
• This journey destroys sins and paves the way for attaining salvation.

How to observe the Sawan Monday fast?

According to Pandit Arvind Mishra, Sawan Monday fast has special significance in the month of Shravan. Although this fast can be observed on Monday of any month, its virtue and effect increase manifold in the month of Sawan. This fast is especially observed by women, because by observing it they get the happiness of husband and son.

The method of observing the fast is very simple, but it should be observed with full devotion and faith. It is not necessary to eat fruits or any special diet in this fast, but it is important that you eat only once a day. Usually this fast is observed till the third quarter of the day; that is, the person observing the fast remains without food the whole day and eats only once after worshiping in the evening.

When does Sawan start?

According to the Drik Panchang, the Sawan month is starting on July 11 (Friday) in 2025. On this day, the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha will start at 02:06 am and will last till 2:08 am on July 12. According to Udayatithi, Sawan month will be considered to start from July 11, 2025.