Lucknow: Ahead of Shrawan month beginning on Jul 30, temples across Lucknow completed preparations to welcome thousands of devotees to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The four Shrawan Mondays are on Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24. Temples’ committees plan rituals, aartis, bhandaras, fairs, bhajan-kirtan programmes and enhanced security for devotees.At Mahakal Temple in Rajendra Nagar, the theme this year is world peace. Posters and banners carrying messages of harmony will be displayed. Bhasma Aarti will be at 4am on Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24 and Maha Aarti and bhandara on Aug 24.A palki yatra accompanied by ‘dhol’ and ‘nagada’ (drums) players will be taken out on Aug 21 passing CMS Rajendra Nagar, Biryani Chauraha, Pandeyganj, Rakabganj, Yahiyaganj and Shastri Nagar before returning to the temple. Rudrabhishek rituals will also be performed.A fair, daily Rudrabhishek and Sundarkand recitation have been planned at New Aliganj Temple. Offerings will include honey, milk, curd, ghee and rose water. “Bhandaras will also be organised for public,” said temple secretary Rajesh Pandey.Mankameshwar Temple set up coolers and fans, lights and flowers. Fasting devotees will be served ‘phalahar prasad’, said Mahant Devyagiri. At Koneshwar Temple, Chowk, 35 priests will perform Shivarchan daily, followed by Maha Aarti and a thandai bhandara. Facilities include ramp for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees and LED screen.Buddheshwar Temple will organise a month-long fair and offer 56 bhog on Shravan Mondays. Devotees will receive laddoo, kheer and dry fruits as prasad, said media coordinator Arvind Singh.
