The city-based old and famous Shiva temples witnessed heavy rush on the last Monday of the ongoing holy Shravan month.
On the occasion, thousands of devotees thronged the temples to offer milk, Bel patra etc to the idols of lord Shiva. The day was celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and gaiety. Maximum rush was witnessed at Budhapara pond situated Budheshwar temple and Mahadev Ghat situated Shiva temple.
Budheshwar Temple, which is believed to be the oldest Shiva temple of the city, was specially decorated to mark the occasion. A 12 ft high ‘Shivling’ of ice was the centre of attraction at the temple.
The temple management had placed even live snakes in a box for ‘darshan’ while different size of ‘Shivlings’ were made out of sugar, butter, flower, ash, bhang etc.
The priest performed ‘Aarti’ of lord Shiva from a stand made of 1008 ‘deepak’ (lamps). It is believed that no devotee, who offers his/her prayers here, returns empty handed as lord Shiva fulfils their wishes.
Similarly, well known Mahadev temple situated at Mahadev Ghat on Kharun River attracted thousands of devotees throughout the day.
‘Kawadiya’ from far flung areas of the State thronged the temple to offer their prayers. The ‘Kawadiyas’ brought water from different reservoirs and offered at the ‘Shivling’.
The devotees coming to Mahadev Ghat seemed a bit disappointed after learning that the police, as a precautionary measure, had imposed a ban on taking bath after four people drowned in Kharun River in separate incidents reported here during the recent past.
On the occasion, known and ancient Shiva temples in neighbouring areas of the district also witnessed huge arrival of devotees.
Devotees from different parts of the State thronged at the world biggest ‘Shivling’ ‘Bhuteshwar Mahadev Bhakurra’.
The place is known as ‘Bhuteshwarnath dham’ and is situated in surrounding of dense forest of Maroda village in Gariaband district, about 100 km away from Raipur.
Size of this natural ‘Shivling’, which resembles ‘Ardhanarishwar’ image of lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is increasing with passage of time.
On the last Monday of Hindu month of Shravan, a huge number of ‘Kawad’ pilgrims arrived here and offered water, they had brought from ‘Prayag Rajim’, to please lord Shiva.
It’s believed that the devotees can get rid of all of their worries by offering just a jug of water to ‘Shivling’ here.
A similar atmosphere was witnessed in Kawardha situated Bhoramdev Temple, which is about 155 km away from the city.
Groups of ‘Kawadiya’ were seen reciting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and carrying water from nearby reservoirs to offer to the ‘Shivling’ situated here. The place is identified as of Archaeological importance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Other ancient temples including Rajim situated Kuleshwar Temple of 14-15th century, Gandheswarnath Temple in Mahasamund and Kankeshwar Mahadev Temple, built in 11th century, in Korba district also witnessed huge rush of devotees.