Prayagraj: Thousands of devotees thronged prominent temples including Nagvasuki, Takshakeshwar, Someshwar Mahadev, Mankameshwar temple, and Padila Mahadeo temple in the city to offer prayers on Nag Panchami on Monday, and the third somvar of the ongoing Shrawan month.The ancient Nagvasuki temple in Daraganj witnessed a huge footfall on the auspicious occasion. Devotees started forming long queues from early morning hours to offer milk and prayers to Lord Vasuki.Cops remained watchful throughout the day and used drones to keep a strict vigil on streets leading to prominent temples. The rush of devotees was witnessed till late afternoon hours. Senior cops too reviewed security arrangements.Noted religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour said, “Naag Panchmi holds a great relligious and spiritual significance. People worship snakes on this day and offer them food and milk seeking their blessings. Nag Panchami is celebrated on Panchami tithi of shukla paksha in Shrawan.”Devotees offered milk, honey, sandalwood paste and bilva patra on ‘Shivalingas’. Similar rush was witnessed at other temples of Shivkuti and Attarsuiya.Gour said “It is believed that the worship of lord Shiv during Shrawan month is 108 times more powerful. Devotees observe fast and perform Rudrabhishek and jalabhishek.”Fairs were also organised in old city areas. Children enjoyed rides (swings), sweets and bought balloons and toys during the fair.Meanwhile, heavy security arrangements were made at all prominent temples with police conducting patrolling to regulate the flow of devotees. Cops also barricaded streets leading to temples and parking arrangements were made to avoid any inconvenience.
