Devotees throng Trimbakeshwar for 'pheri'

Nashik, Aug 18 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees thronged the pilgrimage town of Trimbakeshwar for ''pheri'', a holy walk around Brahmagiri mountain, the origin of river Godavari, on the occasion of third Monday of the month of Shravan today.

Devotees across Maharashtra started arriving in Trimbakeshwar last evening to participate in both the ''pheris'' -- one of 20 km distance and the other of 40 km, a tradition being followed for several decades.

Following the dry spell, large number of devotees took holy dip in the Kushavarta teertha and seeked blessings of lord Trimbakeshwar during the journey.

The district administration has made elaborate security arrangements on the occasion. CCTV cameras and Watch towers have been installed inside the temple and its premises. Vehicles on the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar route are being checked thoroughly. Also police, Home Guard and Village Defence Party (VDP) members are keeping a strict vigil to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has arranged extra buses for the devotees.

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