Manali, July 31, 2013: Shiva Temples across Kullu district are witnessing huge crowds of devotees, who believe that "jalabhishek" (water anointment) in the month of Shravan pleases the "god of destruction." Devotees are offering milk, "gangajal" (holy water from Ganges), fruits,ghee, "bilva" and cannabis leaves.

Worshippers are thronging Bijli Mahadev, Neelkanth Mahadev, Brajeshwar Mahadev, Anjani Mahadev and other Shiva temples in Banjar, Nirmand, Anni and Manikaran areas of Kullu. Shravan is considered the most auspicious month of the year and Shiva Linga puja (worship) during this month is preferred by the Brahmins.

"Thousands of devotees are reaching here every day, undertaking a three-hour uphill trek for a 'darshan' of the Shivla Lingam. The number doubles on Sunday and Monday," priest at Bijli Mahadev temple, Shiv Ram Sharma, said.

He said devotees offer butter to the Lingam here. The temple is famous for a frequently observed event when a tall wooden staff outside the temple attracts lightening and the Shiva Lingam inside shatters into pieces. The priest of the temple rejoins the lingam using butter, which works as adhesive.

Offering cannabis leaves is also considered auspicious these days as according to legend, Shiva is believed to have drunk "ghota" (blend) of charas (extract of cannabis). Dharam Chand Sharma, priest of Neel Kanth Mahadev temple, said that mostly girls come for " Jalabhishek" to pray for a good life partner.