Patna, June 29 (IANS) The dome of the historic and revered Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Horalpatti village in the Hayaghat block of Darbhanga district sustained significant damage after being struck by lightning.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and around 25 devotees present in the temple complex escaped unharmed.
According to local residents, lightning struck the temple spire at around 11 p.m. on June 28 amid intense rainfall and thunder.
The impact damaged a portion of the temple’s dome and affected the Trishul installed atop the spire.
At the time of the incident, devotees had gathered within the temple premises for the distribution of prasad following evening prayers.
The sudden lightning strike, accompanied by a loud thunderclap, created panic among those present.
Temple priest Shiv Shankar Giri stated that the doors of the shrine had already been closed after the completion of the nightly Bhog Aarti and worship rituals.
Devotees were standing outside to receive prasad offered to Lord Ganesha when heavy rain began.
He said the lightning strike was extremely powerful and caused severe damage to the upper portion of the temple, including the dome and the sacred trident installed on the spire.
Despite the intensity of the strike, all devotees present in the complex remained safe.
The Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple is considered one of the prominent centres of faith in the Mithilanchal region.
The shrine attracts devotees from several districts of Bihar and also receives visitors from neighbouring Nepal, especially during the holy month of Sawan and on other religious occasions.
The priest noted that the temple had been struck by lightning once before, many years ago, although he was not present during that incident.
Following the incident, local residents and devotees have urged the district administration and the Disaster Management Department to take immediate steps for the repair and restoration of the damaged structure.
They emphasised that the temple holds immense historical, cultural and religious significance and requires prompt conservation efforts.
Devotees have also called for preventive measures, including improved lightning protection systems, to safeguard the shrine from similar incidents in the future.
(IANS)
