LUCKNOW, July 30, 2013: The 'Har HarMahadev' chant and sounds of bell resonated across the city as thousands of devotees thronged temples to seek blessings of Lord Shiva on the first Monday of the auspicious Shravan month.

Temples were decked up with colourful lights and flowers. The devotees waited in long queues since early morning to offer prayers to the deity and sung bhajans. Inside the temples, the fragrance of agarbattis, sandalwood and flowers gave a pious feel. While the serene air that accomplishes religious festivities instilled a positive feeling among the devotees.

In the temples, devotees poured milk, curd, honey, ghee and bael (bilwa) leaves on Shivlings and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the family. People also offered prasad (sweets) to the deity along with flowers which were later distributed among devotees. "Lord Shiva is the one who removes all hindrances in the way of his devotee's life. During the month of Shravan, we visit temple every Monday," said Shubhra Shukla.

On the holy occasion, devotees also observe fast on every Monday falling in Shravan month. "It is believed unmarried girls who observe fast on all Mondays of the month get good husbands. Married women keep it for peace and prosperity of the family. Besides, fasting purifies our soul and provides inner strength," said Alka Singh another visitor to the temple.

Of all the temples in the city, the Mankameshwar temple is said to be the most revered. Mahant at Mankameshwar temple Divya Giri said, "Large number of devotees queued outside the temple since the wee-hours and the crowd swelled throughout the day. Devotees also performed 'Rudrabhishek' and shringar rituals."

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 30, 2013.