Karnal, August 1: A spirit of religious devotion pervades the district during the holy month of Sawan. The ancient Umeshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the city's Old Grain Market, has been decorated in a grand and captivating manner. Devotees from Karnal and surrounding areas are arriving in large numbers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water). Deshraj Gupta, the temple's chief caretaker, stated that the Umeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the city's ancient and most revered centers of faith. Crowds of devotees are thronging the temple daily throughout the month of Sawan. In addition to special prayers and rituals, necessary arrangements have been made for the convenience of the devotees. He noted that during Sawan, *Kanwariyas* (pilgrims) bring holy water from the Ganges—collected from pilgrimage sites like Haridwar—to perform *Jalabhishek* on Lord Bholenath at Shiva temples in their respective localities. The *Kanwar Yatra* is taking place from July 30 to August 11. The ritual offering of water to Lord Shiva will be performed on August 11, the day of Maha Shivratri. The Umeshwar Temple is specially decorated for the occasions of Sawan and Maha Shivratri, making the religious atmosphere of the entire complex truly enchanting.
Chief caretaker Deshraj Gupta announced that the *Shiv Mahapuran* recitation would be organized at the temple from August 13 to August 19 to mark the occasion of Maha Shivratri. He explained that listening to the *Shiv Mahapuran* grants individuals spiritual merit, liberation from sins, and ultimately, *Moksha* (salvation). It fosters devotion to Lord Shiva and alleviates all sorrows and hardships in life. He appealed to devotees to visit the temple, listen to the *Shiv Mahapuran*, and seek the blessings of Lord Bholenath.