UP: 1000-year-old Lucknow's Mankameshwar temple hosts first iftar

The Mankameshwar Temple, one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva, has spread a message of communal harmony, by hosting iftar for as many as 500 Muslims on Sunday in Lucknow. Noted clerics from both Shia and Sunni sects attended the event at the same time.

Talking to ANI, Mahant Divya Giri of the temple said Ramazan is a pious month and "we should celebrate every festival with great zeal."

"By helping the ones on fast, people will earn 'punya'. Everybody should also take part in it irrespective of their caste," she said.

"This is very good deed to break someone's Roza. The way this vent has been organised is commendable. This initiative will strengthen the bond between Hindu and Muslims," said Imam Abdul Mannan.

The Mankameshwar Temple, which is situated on the banks of Gomti River near Daliganj Bridge, became the first temple ever to have hosted an iftar in Lucknow. Devotees also offered namaz at the 'aarti sthal'.

The Mankameshwar Temple is said to be almost 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from its ancient significance, the temple is popular among locals for having the first woman mahant or chief priest, Arunima Singh, who was later christened as Mahant Devyagiri.