Mahendra Prajapati, a resident of Purana Shukra Bazar, offers water to lord Shiva every Monday in the pious month of Sawan. He takes water in Dank Kanwar from Sultanganj and offers it to lord Shiva at Deoghar. The practice has been continuing since the year 2000. The 32-year-old Mahendra is the younger son of Kesho Prajapati.
The first time he offered water for three Somwaris was in the year 1997. He became inspired and started the process since 2000 without taking a break. He has completed his 52 Somwaris till now.
"I start by bus from lohardaga to Gaya on every Saturday and by train proceed to Sultanganj on the same day. Fetching water from Sultanganj on Sunday I offer it to lord Shiva within 24 hours on Monday. On Tuesday I come back. This process has been going on without a break," told Mahendra Prajapati. "I don't have any personal wish for which I have been doing this, I do it only by my self inspiration for my firm faith," he added.
He also takes many new devotees with him by encouraging and giving support. Any new person going first time wants to meet him to get the information regarding the journey. The local people encourage him by garlanding and receiving with open arms.