Kashi Vishwanath Temple Prepares for Sawan, Expects 1.5 Crore Devotees

Varanasi — With the holy month of Sawan beginning on July 11, preparations at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple are in full swing. The temple administration anticipates a record turnout this year, with an estimated 1.5 crore devotees expected to visit Varanasi to seek blessings from Baba Vishwanath.

Last year, over one crore devotees performed Jalabhishek, the traditional ritual of offering water to Lord Shiva. This year, the numbers are expected to rise significantly, prompting both the temple and district administration to step up arrangements to handle the massive influx of pilgrims.

To ensure the safety and comfort of devotees, zig-zag barricades have been installed for better crowd management. Carpets have been laid across the temple complex to prevent devotees from walking barefoot on the heated ground. Additional facilities, including ORS solutions, first-aid stations, drinking water kiosks, and mobile toilets, have been set up across the temple premises and surrounding areas.

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas in Hinduism and holds immense spiritual significance. Each year, thousands of devotees from across India and abroad flock to Varanasi during Sawan to offer prayers and perform rituals for Lord Shiva. The city resonates with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" as the spiritual atmosphere takes over the ghats and narrow lanes.

Speaking to IANS, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said, “We have fully implemented our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for crowd control during Sawan. Continuous barricading has been arranged, and German hangers have been installed to protect devotees from sun and rain. Health desks have been set up at five strategic points to provide immediate medical assistance.”

Mishra added, “We’re distributing biscuits, flour, chocolate toffees, ORS, glucose, jaggery, and water to help devotees stay energised. Our health centre will operate round-the-clock. Additionally, special gold cards have been issued to children, senior citizens, differently-abled, and physically challenged individuals to ensure their darshan is safe and hassle-free.”

To enhance accessibility, temple rituals are being broadcast live through a dedicated web link shared with the Smart City project. Devotees can watch the proceedings on LED screens installed across Varanasi or tune in online from the comfort of their homes.

Flower showers—a cherished tradition at the temple—will continue this year, adding a spiritual and festive charm to the celebrations.

Issuing a note of caution, Mishra urged devotees to prioritise health and safety over setting attendance records.

“Devotees must not treat the number of visitors as a competition. We urge those who are unwell to avoid crowded days and instead participate virtually through our live broadcasts or visit on less busy days,” he concluded.

With inputs from IANS