(All photos: Nimesh Jang Rai)

Devotees, especially women, of different ages thronged to Pashupatinath among other Shiva temples across the country from early morning, the last Monday of Shrawan, the fourth month of Nepali calendar.

Shrawan Sombar is considered auspicious for Hindu women to offer prayer to Lord Shiva for good fortune, prosperity and long life for their loved ones.

Somvar is considered the best day for worshipping lord Shiva. It is believed that women looking for a good husband, fast on Monday in the lord’s name.

One of the Hindu myths associated with this month focuses on the idea of marriage. It is believed that unmarried women who wear henna (mehendi) or green bangles and worship Shiva can have an ideal husband.

With the beginning of the fourth month of Nepali calendar, the curtain has been raised off a series of Hindu festivals that are to follow this year. According to Hindu belief this month is also known as the month of festivals and is considered auspicious as it marks the beginning of Hindu festivals including Teej, Dashain and Tihar.