Devotees throng holy city for Jalabhisek

Puri, Jul 28 (UNI) An unprecedented number of 'Bolbom' devotees today performed ''Jalabhishek'' of the lord Shiva with holy river water brought in pitchers from far off places.

According to priests of the Loknath temple here, over fifty thousand devotees thronged the temple to worship the lord on the auspicious Monday of Shravana month considered as the day of lord Shiva.

Large groups of Bolbom devotees came through various routes to the city and most of them rested near the lions gate placing the sacred water on the chariots parked on the ''Badadanda''.

Despite heavy rains, the devotees kept on moving towards their destination with the slogan ''Bholabapa par karega, Harhar Mahadev'' filled the air.

The devotees were seen occupying the holy city and many of them took rest under the open sky amid rains. Early in the morning they lined up at the Loknath temple and the ceremony began which continued till late afternoon. The priests on duty had a tough time to handle such a huge crowd of devotees.

Similar was the situation in the near by Shiva temples at Balikapileswar, Beleswar, Shiva temples near Jambeswar and at Indradyumna tank.

The district administration expecting a large number of devotees because of the eclipse on the coming Sunday had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth passage of the devotees among various routes leading to the holy city.

UNI XC DP ADG SB HT2214