New Delhi: On the last Monday of Shravan in Ayodhya (UP), a massive crowd of devout followers, brimming with devotion, gathered to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ at the Nageshwar Nath temple and to take holy baths in the Saryu River.
Devotees participated in the ritual bath in the Saryu River on the ‘Shravan Purnima’ occasion before proceeding to the Siddh Peeth Nageshwar Nath temple for the ‘Jalabhishek’.
Elaborate security arrangements were in place for the devotees. Entry to the Nageshwar Nath temple was regulated based on the capacity of its inner chamber.
To facilitate the devotees, an alternative route has been provided from the banks of the Saryu River to the Nageshwar Nath temple. The administration has ensured that devotees can easily take their holy baths in the Saryu before proceeding for darshan at the temple.
One devotee explained the significance of the Jalabhishek ritual: “When Lord Shiva consumed the poison (Vish) during ‘Samudra Manthan,’ Indra Dev made it rain for a month. At midnight, countless devotees arrived to perform holy baths. It is believed that the heat generated in Lord Shiva’s throat after consuming the Vish was relieved by the Jalabhishek ritual, which the devotees are following until today.
Another devotee, Ankur Dubey, praised the police for their management, particularly for ensuring the safety of devotees by monitoring the river’s depth to prevent drowning. “I come to perform Jalabhishek at the Nageshwar Nath temple every Monday of Shravan, wishing for the progress and prosperity of my state,” he added.
Simultaneously, ‘darshan’ continued at Hanumangarhi and Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. With this Purnima bath and the final Monday of Shravan, the month-long ‘Shravan Jhula Mela’ in Ayodhya will conclude. This Monday also coincides with the celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
–IANS
