Jamshedpur, Aug. 16 : The Har Har Mahadev chant and sounds of bell resonated across the city as thousands of devotees thronged temples to seek blessings of Lord Shiva on the last Monday of the auspicious Shravan month.
Temples were decked up with colourful lights and flowers. The devotees waited in long queues since early morning to offer prayers to the deity and sung bhajans.
Inside the temples, the fragrance of agarbattis, sandalwood and flowers gave a pious feel. While the serene air that accomplishes religious festivities instilled a positive feeling among the devotees.
Latter in the evening famous singer Malini Awasthi performed at Sakchi gurudwara ground and enthralled the devotees.
Har Har Mahadev Seva Sangh, a philanthropic organisation, hosted a cultural soiree, featuring Malini and her 12-member troupe. On the occasion, BJP leaders Arjun Munda, PN Singh, Amarpreet Singh Kale were present.
People from all walks of life, including senior political party leaders, representatives of various corporate houses and social activists, were among the audience.
Har Har Mahadev Seva Sangh had been organising function on the last Monday of Shravan. Bhojpuri singer Bharat Sharma had performed at the grounds while noted bhajan singer Lakhbir Singh Lakkha had mesmerized the audience with his melodious voice in 2009. Popular Bhojpuri singers Manoj Tiwary, Kalpana Patwari and Devi had also staged performances here in the past.
One of the highlights of the function was Sangh Ratna Seva Award, which was instituted a few years back for professional excellence and distinguished service. This year, well-known mountaineer Social worker Beily Bodhanwala and journalist Radheyshyam Agrawal received the award.
In the temples, devotees poured milk, curd, honey, ghee and bael (bilwa) leaves on Shivlings and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the family. People also offered prasad (sweets) to the deity along with flowers which were later distributed among devotees. “Lord Shiva is the one who removes all hindrances in the way of his devotee’s life. During the month of Shravan, we visit temple every Monday,” said Shubhra Shukla.
On the holy occasion, devotees also observe fast on every Monday falling in Shravan month. “It is believed unmarried girls who observe fast on all Mondays of the month get good husbands. Married women keep it for peace and prosperity of the family. Besides, fasting purifies our soul and provides inner strength,” said Alka Singh another visitor to the temple.
Of all the temples in the city, the shiv temple at Sakchi is said to be the most revered. Mahant at temple said, “Large number of devotees queued outside the temple since the wee-hours and the crowd swelled throughout the day. Devotees also performed ‘Rudrabhishek’ and shringar rituals.”
