Patna: Hundreds of devotees carrying holy Ganga water thronged Shiva temples across Patna on the first Somwari of Shrawan month, with chants of “Om Namah Shivay”, “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bol Bam” reverberating through temple premises from the early hours of Monday.Devotees performed Jalabhishek by offering Ganga water, milk, curd, honey and bel leaves to the Shivling, praying for good health, prosperity and the well-being of their families.A huge gathering was witnessed at the ancient Baba Biteshwarnath Mahadham in Bihta, where devotees began queuing up from around 2.30am to offer prayers. The temple remained crowded throughout the day as worshippers arrived from Patna and neighbouring districts.Prominent Shiva temples across the city, including Khajpura Shiv Mandir, Gaurishankar Baikunthnath Temple and Panch Shiv Mandir, also witnessed heavy footfall. Many devotees walked barefoot carrying decorated kanwars filled with Ganga water collected from nearby ghats, while others visited temples with their families to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.Temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to manage the rush. Volunteers and police personnel were deployed to regulate queues and ensure smooth movement of devotees. Barricades were erected at major temples, while drinking water and medical facilities were made available for pilgrims. Security was also tightened to prevent overcrowding and maintain law and order.Minu Sinha, a resident of Rajendra Nagar, said she observed a day-long fast for her husband’s long life and performed Shodashopachara worship of Lord Shiva. She said chanting Shiva mantras and performing aarti in the evening is considered especially auspicious during Shrawan.Another devotee, Kumari Kanchan, observed a fast and offered prayers in the hope of finding a suitable life partner. “This is an auspicious month. Prayers and fasting help purify the body and mind,” she said.“We have been waiting since early morning because offering Jalabhishek on the first Somwari of Shrawan is considered highly auspicious. We pray that Lord Shiva blesses our family with good health and happiness,” said Anita Devi of Danapur.
