Amid chants of `Har Har Mahadev` and `Om Namah Shivaya,` early morning aarti was performed at Ghaziabad`s Dudheshwar Mahadev Temple as devotees gathered in large numbers to mark the second Monday of the holy month of Sawan, one of the most sacred periods dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar.

Speaking to ANI, Mahant Girisha Nand Maharaj of Dudheswar Nath Math Mandir said, "On the second Monday of the Shravan month, we send greetings to all devotees and Kanwadis. It is a very auspicious day, and every devotee should worship Lord Shiva for the welfare of all. Those unable to visit temples may simply chant `Om Namah Shivaya` at home and still receive blessings."

He added that devotees coming with devotion and discipline offer bael leaves, dhatura, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Panchamrit as part of their rituals to Lord Shiva. "The muhurt (timing) today is especially auspicious as it coincides with the divine energy following Shivaratri. We extend our wishes to all," he said.