Times News Network
Kanpur: Thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga and offered prayers to Lord Shiv on the first Somvar (Monday) of Shrawan. Long queues of devotees were witnessed throughout the day at prominent Shiv temples across the city, including the famous Anandeshwar Temple in Parmat. Devotees waited patiently for their turn to have darshan and offer prayers.Devotees offered Bilva leaves, which are considered sacred to Lord Shiv, along with ‘bael’, white flowers, and special offerings such as ‘Akanda’ and ‘Dhatura’. They recited “Om Namah Shivay” and various hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.According to sources of Anandeshwar temple around 4 lakhs devotees visited temple till evening. The temple gates opened around 2 am as announced after ‘Mangala Aarti’. As soon as temples gate were opened for devotees entire premises echoed with ‘Har Har Mahadev’. BJP MP Devendra Singh Bhole was seen in the line of devotees and he offered his prayers on his turn. .The police administration was in alert mode. Drones and CCTV camera was used by the police to keep an eye on crowd. Similar scenes were witnessed at Siddhanath Temple and Jageshwar Temple as both are situated on the bank of river Ganga . Zonal DCP and ADCP were there to supervise the security arrangements. At Van Khandeshwar temple devotees too reached there since early morning and lines of devotees too were witnessed there. Other Shiv temples in city saw similar rush.
