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In the city of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh state, there are many ancient and historical temples deeply connected to the faith of pilgrims. One such place is the Bhuteshwar Mahadeva temple. According to legends, this temple dates back to the Maratha period, and it houses a unique octagonal Shiva Lingam. Pilgrims believe that if a person continuously performs Jalabhishek of Bhuteshwar Baba for 40 days and prays with a sincere heart, their wish will be granted.

Due to this belief, not only residents of Saharanpur but also pilgrims from the states of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Delhi flock to the temple. A huge number of devotees gather at the temple during Sawan and Shivaratri.

There are several beliefs associated with the Bhuteshwar Mahadeva temple that pilgrims still link to miracles and faith. According to Ashutosh Agrawal, a member of the temple committee, information obtained from elders and historians confirms that the temple has a Maratha period and historically served as a place of seclusion for sadhu-saints. According to the belief, in ancient times, Lord Shiva was spontaneously adorned at night, and the sound of the temple bells could be heard. Representatives of the temple committee note that today sometimes pilgrims feel something similar happening, which they interpret as the presence of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims from different parts of the world come here to visit during Sawan. During the Shivaratri festival, Kavaris bringing water from Ganga in Haridwar also consider it auspicious to perform Jalabhishek at the Bhuteshwar Mahadeva temple. According to the temple committee, it is expected that over 50 thousand Kavaris will be present this year. Long queues of pilgrims are observed in the temple premises during Sawan. It is believed that Bhuteshwar Baba hears the calls of every sincere visitor. It is thanks to this faith that the ancient Shiva shrine in Saharanpur remains an important spiritual and religious center for pilgrims.

Representatives of the temple committee state that pilgrims arrive from afar every year during Sawan to perform the Jalabhishek ritual on the Shiva Lingam. A large gathering of devotees is also expected on the day of Sawan Shivaratri. According to the temple priest, Bollanath occasionally gives signs of his presence, which people nearby feel. This year, the Sawan Shivaratri festival will be celebrated on August 11.

On Monday late at night, a group of Shiva devotees passed through the predominantly Muslim areas of Sambal under strict security. The pilgrims, returning from Haridwar with water from the Ganges, passed through the western part of the Jama Mosque, which was the site of an incident on November 24, 2024, chanting 'Har Har Mahadeva' and 'Bam Bam Bole.'

Due to the tense situation, this religious procession was ensured safe passage thanks to a large number of police forces. During this religious event, held the day before Shivaratri, followers performed maharatis in various squares.

During the journey at major city intersections, such as Chandausi, near Kotwali, and in other squares, grand maharatis were conducted in honor of the god Shiva and the goddess Ganga. As the pilgrims approached the western section of the Jama Mosque and the disputed area, they rejoiced happily.

The day before Shivaratri, the ancient temples of the city lit up with colorful lights. The Kavad pilgrims' procession, which passed under heavy guard, immersed the entire atmosphere of Sambal city in the color of devotion to Shiva until late at night.

At the Shripataleshwara Mahadev temple, the pilgrims performed jalabhishek. It should be noted that over 2000 pilgrims arrived in Sambal, having walked from Haridwar on the second Monday of the month of Sawan. This group of devoted pilgrims passed through the disputed religious site under strict guard. The pilgrims performed arti at Kotwali Gantagar and performed jalabhishek at the Shripataleshwara Mahadev temple in honor of Shivaratri.

Due to Savan Shivaratri, there is a huge gathering of devotees in temples dedicated to Shiva across the country. At the Daksheshwar Mahadeva temple in Haridwar, long queues of pilgrims have also formed to perform Jhalabhishek (ablution) in honor of Lord Shiva, chanting 'Bam-bam Bole' and 'Har-har Mahadeva.'

According to the police, a record influx of people was noted during the Kavad pilgrimage in Haridwar. By Monday evening, about 44.3 million pilgrims had left Haridwar with Ganges water, heading home. Only on Monday, about 63.6 million pilgrims arrived in Haridwar.

Given the large number of visitors, the administration ensured reliable security measures. A large number of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed on the Kavad routes, and female police officers were also involved. Additionally, medical care, food, and rest areas were organized.

Although there is a large number of pilgrims in all temples, the atmosphere at the Daksheshwar Mahadeva temple, considered the native home of Shiva, is special. Long queues formed at this temple from the morning, and everyone shows enthusiasm to be the first to perform Jhalabhishek and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims arrive in Haridwar from different parts of the country as part of the Kavad pilgrimage, which lasts about 15 days. They return to their cities and villages with Ganges water. Restrictions and changes in traffic have been introduced in several places to facilitate their movement.

Sishupal Singh Negi, an urban council employee, reported that a large number of pilgrims are arriving at the temples due to Shivaratri. A sufficient number of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure safety. He emphasized that the pilgrims are performing Jhalabhishek peacefully and heading to their destinations. Paramilitary forces, constables, and female constables have been engaged to protect the pilgrims.

The Kavad pilgrimage started across the country on July 30 and concludes on the day of Savan Shivaratri, which is why there is an especially large gathering of devotees in the temples today.