Kathmandu, July 20 -- Thousands of Hindu devotees from Nepal and India are thronging the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, observing the first Monday of the holy month of Shrawan, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Serpentine lines stretched to all corners of the temple, where devotees holding baskets of offerings waited for their turn to enter the temple for worship.

The fourth month, Shrawan, as per the Nepali calendar, is considered sacred by Hindu devotees. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and during this time, females keep a fast, adorning themselves with green, yellow, and red bangles and beads.

"Today, on the first Monday of Shrawan, we have come to worship Bholenath, Lord Shiva. Seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parbati for...