Devotees throng Lord Shiva temples on 'Shravan Somvar'

Nashik, Aug 27 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees thronged various temples of Lord Shiva in the district here today on the occasion of third 'Shravan Somvar'.

Prominent among these were Trimbakeshwar, Someshwar, and Kapaleshwar temples. More than five lakh devotees visited the Trimbakeshwar temple alone. In the month of holy 'Shravan' the third Monday has special importance for Hindus.

Many pilgrims had arrived in the holy city of Trimbakeshwar yesterday itself. After taking a bath in Teertharaj Kashavarta and offering prayers to Lord Trimbakeshwar, they went forward for the 'Brahmagiri Pradakshina'.

The whole atmosphere at Trimbakeshwar was filled with the chanting of mantras and slogans in praise of the God such as 'Bum Bum Bhole', 'Har Har Mahadev', 'Jay Jay Shivshankar' and 'Jay Bholenath'.

Considering the huge crowd of devotees, the district administration had made suitable arrangements for smooth functioning of the pilgrimage. Huge security arrangements were made on the occasion. Four deputy superintendent of police, 74 other officers, 750 police employees and 250 homeguards were deployed to monitor the security situation.

Trimbakeshwar rural hospital provided medical services. 21 medical officers, 13 nurses, 9 health employees and four health assistants were deployed for medical aid. Mobile squads were present to provide services at various places such as the temple, Kushwarta Chowk, Pradakshina route, Main Stand, Thambala Partistan, Saygaon Phata, Jawar Phata areas.

The Mahrashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) provided more than 350 buses while private vehicles were not allowed to go beyond Khambala. The Trimbakeshwar temple administration had placed close circuit cameras in the temple premises to monitor the crowd to avoid any untoward situation.

Devotees also crowded at Someshwar, Kapaleshwar temples in the city and the 'Ramkunda teerth' to take a dip in the holy waters.

UNI