Patna: Devotees across Bihar thronged Shiva temples on Monday, marking the last Somwar of the holy Sawan month with fervent prayers, rituals and chants. From the early hours, long queues were seen at prominent temples such as Khajpura and Biteshwarnath in Patna, and the ancient Umanath temple in Barh.
Despite light showers in the capital, worshippers gathered in large numbers to perform Jalabhishek—the ceremonial offering of water—on Shivalingas. Many took a dip in the Ganga before heading to temples, especially at the Umanath Ghat in Barh, where the air was filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Bholenath”. Devotees of all ages—men, women, children and the elderly—waited patiently, some standing in queues stretching nearly a kilometre.
Religious scholars noted that Monday’s rituals held special significance due to the confluence of Anuradha and Jyeshtha Nakshatras, along with Brahma Yoga, Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, and Ravi Yoga—considered highly auspicious in Hindu belief.
Throughout the day, devotees offered Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, Panchamrit, bel leaves, flowers, and seasonal fruits to Lord Shiva while reciting verses such as Rudrashtak, Lingashtak, and the Mahamrityunjay Mantra. In the evening, many temples planned a grand Shringar Puja for Shiva and Parvati.
Acharya Rakesh Jha emphasised the importance of worshipping Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, as part of the rituals. “Worshipping Nandi and whispering your wishes in his ear is believed to ensure they reach Lord Shiva directly,” he said, adding that rituals should also include Shiva’s divine family and his primary attendants like Ganesh, Kartikeya, Ganga, Kuber, and Veerbhadra.
