Madhepura: Singheshwar Sthan, a renowned religious centre housing an ancient Shiv shrine in Madhepura district, is set to host a govt-sponsored monthlong fair on the occasion of Mahashivaratri commencing from Sunday.Situated on the banks of the recessed Parwane river, a tributary of the Kosi, and about 7km north of Madhepura railway station under East Central Railway, the shrine draws devotees from across the region and neighbouring Nepal who offer “Jal” over the Shiv Linga on this occasion. The fair is believed to have been organised since ancient times, traditionally beginning on the onset of Falgun Shukla Paksh as per the Hindu calendar.
The Shiv Linga is regarded as the exposed peak of a submerged mountain, which, locals say, has never been disturbed by the devastating Kosi floods despite their proximity. The shrine is also linked to the pre-Ramayan era. It is believed that the childless legendary king Dashrath was blessed here by Sringi Rishi with sons, including Lord Ram. The place is said to have derived its name from Sringi Rishi.To manage the anticipated rush, the district administration has installed CCTV cameras at key points around the shrine and fairground. A temporary fair police station with officers and police personnel has been set up at the centre of the grounds with 24-hour deployment. Devotees can stay in inns, dharamshalas and a govt guest house.The administration, along with the Sringi Rishi foundation, has issued a traffic route chart to avoid inconvenience. A help counter has been established, and the shrine has been illuminated with colourful LED lights. Steel grills have been placed between Shiv Ganga and the shrine to regulate queues.Vendors have been allotted spaces for shops, theatres, cinema halls and swings. Departments such as agriculture and fishery will set up stalls to promote modern farming. Only pedestrians will be allowed inside the fairground, with a separate parking area arranged on payment of a nominal token fee.DM Abhishek Ranjan, accompanied by SP Sandeep Singh, inspected the preparations. Rajkumar, executive officer of Singheshwar Nagar Panchayat, said, “The fair ground was already cleaned, sanitized and electrified. Work is on for the potable water and toilets. The devotees will enjoy better facility this time on this occasion.”
