The Pashupati Area Development Trust has announced that all preparations for the month of Shrawan at the Pashupatinath Temple complex are complete. Given that Shrawan is considered the month of Lord Shiva, a large influx of devotees is expected at the temple.
Rewati Raman Adhikari, the spokesperson for the Trust, informed that this year, additional events such as Koti Hom and the recitation of Shivapuran have been scheduled. These events are expected to draw even larger crowds compared to previous years, necessitating enhanced security meetings and other preparations. The bustle around Pashupati has already begun as of today.
The Trust has planned meticulously for the four Mondays, four Saturdays, Nag Panchami, and Guru Purnima during the month of Shrawan, anticipating heavy footfall on these days. According to Adhikari, all four gates of the main Pashupatinath Temple will open at 3 AM starting from the first day of Shrawan. This initiative, which began on the first day of Ashadh, aims to facilitate easier access for the devotees.
Unlike other festivals like Haritalika (Teej), Bala Chaturdashi, Maha Shivaratri, New Year on Baishakh 1, Akshaya Tritiya, and Janai Purnima, which see crowds for one or two days, the entire month of Shrawan witnesses a continuous stream of devotees.
To manage the expected crowds efficiently, the Trust will deploy volunteers. Additionally, provisions have been made for fire engines and ambulances to ensure safety during the Shravan fair.
A significant tradition during Shrawan is the Bol Bam pilgrimage, where devotees fetch pure water from the Bagmati River at Sundarijal and offer it at the Pashupatinath Temple. This event not only attracts Nepali devotees but also sees participation from Indian tourists, adding to the overall crowd.
The Pashupati Area Development Trust has taken extensive measures to ensure that the influx of devotees during Shrawan is well-managed, safe, and spiritually fulfilling. With the additional religious events and the early opening of temple gates, the Trust aims to accommodate the large number of worshippers expected throughout the month.
