Devotees Flock to Pashupatinath and Shivalayas Across the Country on First Monday of Saun

Kathmandu. On the first Monday of Saun this year, Pashupatinath and Shivalayas across the country have seen a crowd of devotees. On the occasion of Saune Monday, all four gates of Pashupati were opened from 3 AM for easy darshan of Pashupatinath.

Because the month of Saun and Monday are considered the month and day of Lord Shiva, it is a religious belief that bathing in the morning and performing puja and darshan at Shivalayas will fulfill one's desires and grant eternal good fortune. A crowd of devotees, especially women, is seen at Pashupatinath Temple and Shivalayas across the country.

The Pashupati area is filled with devotees dressed in red and green attire. It is also a common saying that married women observe Saune Monday fast for the long life of their husbands, and unmarried women fast for a suitable groom.

Women in homes observe fast and perform puja for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all family members. Along with Pashupatinath, devotees are flocking to all the big and small Shiva temples in the capital, including Gokarneshwor, Nageshwor, Doleshwor, and Makhan Mahadev, known as the 'Small Pashupatinath' of Basantapur Durbar area.