Bhubaneswar: Thousands of Kaudias (Bol Bom devotees) made a beeline at Shiva temples across the state for Jala Lagi (to pour holy water on Shivalings) on the first Monday of the sacred month of Shravan (July-August) in the Hindu calendar.
Thousands of Bol Bom devotees, both women and men, were seen standing in a long queue at the centuries old Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to pour holy water on Lord Shiva and offer their special prayers.
In the month of Shravan, kaudias wearing saffron clothes collect holy water from rivers, make Shivalingas on the river bed and worship them before embarking on a long walk to a Shiva temple of their choice. They carry the water in two containers made of clay or brass or copper attached to a bamboo stick decorated with accessories believed to be loved by the Lord. They time their walk to ensure they reach the Shiva temple of their choice early on Monday morning and then pour the water on the Shivalingas.
It is believed that the special prayers and offerings paid to the Lord during the holy month of Shravan are answered by the Lord.
The Bol Bom devotees will continue everyday especially on Mondays during the month till Rakhi Purnima or Gamha Purnima. Besides, they observe the month without shaving and take only complete vegetarian food without onion and garlic.
Kalinga AI