Times News NetworkKanpur: Hindu devotees observed the fourth and last Somvar of Shrawan with religious fervour and devotion as thousands of devotees thronged major Shiv temples across the city.Devotees began assembling at the temples around midnight and offered prayers amid chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam Bam Bhole’. Long queues were witnessed at prominent temples, including Anandeshwar, Jageshwar, Sidheshwar, Nandeshwar and Bankhandeshwar.At Anandeshwar Temple, large number of devotees gathered during the midnight hours. The temple management opened the sanctum around 2 am after performing Mangala Aarti, following which devotees offered prayers and performed rituals.A majority of devotees reached the temples early in the morning. Many first took a holy dip in the Ganga before carrying Gangajal to perform Jalabhishek at Anandeshwar, Jageshwar and Sidheshwar temples.Rajendra Bajpai, a devotee, said he performed Ganga ‘Jalabhishek’ at Anandeshwar Temple on all four Mondays of Shawan this year. Ashutosh Ansh, a representative of the Anandeshwar Temple management committee, said a ‘bhandara’ (grand feast) would be organised at the temple on August 30. In compliance with the directive of Hari Giri Maharaj, every devotee would get an opportunity to perform religious rituals and offer prayers before the deity, he said.After the devotees complete their rituals, Shayan Aarti will be performed at the temple in the night. Meanwhile, Kanwariyas carrying Ganga water from Haridwar also reached Anandeshwar Temple and performed Jalabhishek as per religious traditions. All major Shiv temples in the district witnessed a heavy rush of devotees throughout the day.
