Nageshwarnath Temple (Ayodhya), July 20 A large number of devotees congregated at the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya to celebrate the ongoing monsoon festival.

Besides the onset of the monsoon festival, the second Monday of the festival is considered sacred among the devotees of Lord Shiva.evotees queued up at temple since the break of dawn to pray to Lord Shiva and offer holy water and other offerings like flowers, sweets and incense.

"I am feeling very nice after offering prayers here. The security arrangements are also good," said Rajesh Tiwari, a devotee.

Chanting "Har Har Mahadev", devotees offered holy water to the Shivling (phallic representation of Lord Shiva).

"Lakhs of devotees have offered holy water in the temple since morning at the Shivling in the temple. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva to get their wishes fulfilled," said Janardan, priest, Nageshwarnath Temple.

It is believed that Lord Shiva drank poison on this day in order to save the world. Lord Shiva forms part of the trinity of gods in the Hindu mythology.

It is also believed that the phallic representation of Shiva or Shivling have been installed by Lav-Kush (twin sons of Lord Ram) during Ramayana period.

This annual religious festival takes place during the auspicious 'Shravan' month (monsoon season) of Hindu calendar. During the festival, the pilgrims, called 'Kanwarias' in local parlance, carry holy water from Ganga River and offer it to Lord Shiva. (ANI)