Ranchi: The first Somvari of Shravan transformed Ranchi into a city of pilgrims on Monday, with Pahari Mandir witnessing a surge of devotees from as early as 3 am. Carrying milk, bel patra, flowers and holy water, worshippers queued up before dawn to offer jalabhishek to Lord Shiva.Devotees observed fasts and patiently waited for hours to offer prayers at Shiva temples across the city. Similar scenes unfolded at Sureshwar Dham in Chutia, Marsili Pahad in Namkum, Jagannathpur temple and several other Shiva temples across Ranchi, where continuous streams of devotees kept temple premises packed from the early hours.Temple priests performed special rituals, including Rudrabhishek, jalabhishek and chanting of Vedic hymns, while volunteers assisted in managing the crowds. Many devotees were seen pouring milk, water and panchamrit over the Shivling before offering bel patra, considered especially auspicious during Shravan.“The first Monday of Shravan holds immense spiritual significance. Devotees begin arriving before sunrise because it is believed that offering jalabhishek and bel patra to Lord Shiva on this day brings peace, prosperity and fulfilment of wishes. We conducted special rituals from the early morning to facilitate the large number of worshippers,” said Amit Pathak, a priest at Pahari Mandir.Outside temples, the festive spirit spilled onto the streets. Vendors selling flowers, fruits, incense sticks and earthen pots did brisk business, while makeshift stalls outside temples serving sharbat and drinking water catered to devotees observing day-long fasts. Families, young professionals and elderly worshippers alike joined the celebrations, many dressed in traditional attire and carrying decorated puja baskets.“It is our family’s tradition to visit Sureshwar Dham on the first Somwari every year. We have been fasting since morning and offering milk and bel patra to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings,” said devotee Neha Kumari.
