Devotees Worship Lord Shiva at Ancient Kheda Shiva Temple in Sector 28, Chandigarh; Priest Highlights Auspicious Blessings of Shiva and Vishnu
Chandigarh | July 21:
A rare and spiritually significant conjunction occurred on July 21 as the second Monday of the sacred month of Sawan coincided with Kamika Ekadashi. Both days are individually considered highly auspicious—Mondays in Shravan are dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu. This rare overlap is believed to bring devotees the blessings of both deities, as stated by Pandit Acharya Ishwar Chandra Shastri of the ancient Shiva Kheda Temple in Sector 28, Chandigarh.
Since early morning, devotees gathered in large numbers at the temple to offer prayers to their revered deity, Lord Shiva. They performed rituals by offering flowers, fruits, and water to the Shiva Linga, praying for their desires to be fulfilled. Special devotional offerings like sabudana kheer and malpua were also distributed as prasad among the attendees.
Pandit Ishwar Chandra Shastri emphasized the spiritual significance of this rare alignment, noting that the combined worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu is exceptionally auspicious and is described in religious scriptures as highly meritorious. “Such a conjunction happens once in several years,” he said, “making this day ideal for fasting, prayer, and attaining divine blessings.”
Temple head priest Pandit Subhash Sharma reiterated that every Monday of the Shravan month is special for Shiva devotees, while Ekadashi is sacred to followers of Vishnu. “When both these days fall together, it offers a rare chance for devotees to seek the combined blessings of both deities,” he said. “Joint worship of Shiva and Vishnu can destroy all sins and bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into one’s life.”
