Patna: This Shrawan, devotees can perform Rudrabhishek not only at Patna’s Mahavir Mandir but also at the Shiv Mandap of Virat Ramayan Mandir in Kaithwaliya, East Champaran. The fee for Rudrabhishek at Virat Ramayan Mandir has been fixed at Rs 1,100, with devotees required to bring their own puja materials. Priests from Patna will conduct the rituals. Shrawan begins on July 30 this year and will have four Mondays, with the first Somwari falling on August 3.Virat Ramayan Mandir has emerged as a major attraction following the installation of the world’s largest 33-foot Sahastra Lingam. A separate Shiv Mandap has been built away from the Sahastra Lingam, with a dedicated Shivling for jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek. The temple currently receives 4,000-5,000 devotees daily, and footfall is expected to rise significantly during Sawan. Special crowd-management arrangements are being made.According to Saiyan Kunal, secretary of Shri Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti, elaborate arrangements have been made at both Mahavir Mandir and Virat Ramayan Mandir to ensure devotees face no inconvenience. At Mahavir Mandir, worship will begin at 5am. Devotees opting for advance booking will not need to bring puja materials, as the temple will provide all essentials.Rudrabhishek at Mahavir Mandir will be performed on four Shivlings. Rituals on three Shivlings will begin at 5am, while those on the Shivling near Lord Mahavir will start at noon. Devotees can offer jalabhishek there between 5am and 10am.The Rudrabhishek fee at Mahavir Mandir has been fixed at Rs 3,100 on Mondays and Rs 2,500 on other days of Shravan. A special three-hour puja on Mondays will cost Rs 7,100. The charges include puja materials, milk, fruits, priest’s dakshina and temple fees.All four Shivling mandaps at Mahavir Mandir will be decorated with flowers, while air-conditioning facilities have been installed to provide comfort to devotees during the rituals. Temple authorities have urged devotees to book in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience during the holy month.
