Gaya: Lakhs of devotees visited the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya on Thursday to mark Nirjala Ekadashi, one of the most significant observances in the Hindu calendar. Large crowds gathered from early morning at the temple complex and along the banks of the Falgu River to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
The district administration and Gaya Municipal Corporation made special arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, including drinking water facilities, sanitation services and enhanced security deployment.
Long Queues Mark Day-Long Pilgrimage
Temple premises, approach roads and the Falgu riverfront witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day. Devotees queued for hours to perform rituals and seek blessings for prosperity, good health and family well-being.
The flow of pilgrims continued steadily from morning until evening, turning the temple precinct into one of the largest religious gatherings in the region this year.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
According to temple priest Pranesh Lal Gurtha, Nirjala Ekadashi, observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
He said the observance is considered among the most important Ekadashis of the year. Hindu tradition holds that devotees unable to observe all 24 annual Ekadashi fasts may attain equivalent spiritual merit by observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast with devotion.
Worship and Charitable Activities
Devotees offered Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu and participated in traditional rituals and prayers.
Many pilgrims also engaged in charitable activities, including donations, serving Brahmins and distributing drinking water to the needy. Prayers were offered for happiness, prosperity and the fulfilment of personal wishes.
Civic Authorities Step Up Arrangements
Gaya Mayor Ganesh Paswan said extensive preparations had been made to manage the large congregation.
Drinking water tankers were deployed at several locations, while bathing facilities, toilets and other public amenities were arranged near the Falgu River and key congregation points.
Free Service Camps Assist Pilgrims
Several social and charitable organisations established free service camps across the mela area.
The camps provided food, drinking water and other essential assistance to devotees. Additional water distribution points were set up in view of the summer heat and the large number of visitors.
Security Tightened Across Temple Area
Police personnel, municipal workers and administrative officials remained stationed throughout the temple and fairgrounds to monitor crowd movement and maintain order.
Authorities said continuous surveillance was carried out to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of devotees.
Pilgrim Rush Expected to Continue
Mayor Ganesh Paswan said this year’s turnout appeared significantly higher than in previous years and praised the coordinated efforts of government departments involved in managing the event.
The administration has appealed to devotees to follow designated routes and cooperate with officials to ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage experience.
