Varanasi | The first Monday of Shravan drew a massive rush of devotees to Varanasi's Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with over 2.25 lakh pilgrims offering prayers by 7 am, according to temple authorities.

The temple doors were opened for devotees after the "mangala aarti" in the early hours, following which worshippers queued up to perform "jalabhishek" (ritual offering of water) and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Kanwariyas (Lord Shiva devotees) and others were welcomed with a shower of flowers at the temple complex on the occasion.

The welcome ceremony was held in the presence of senior officials, including the Varanasi Divisional Commissioner, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Chief Executive Officer Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, deputy collector, naib tehsildar and other officials.

Mishra said an estimated eight lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple during the day.

"The flow of devotees has remained uninterrupted since the temple opened after the mangala aarti, and darshan will continue till late in the night," he said.

Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for crowd management and the smooth movement of devotees during the first Monday of Shravan, when Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh witness heavy footfall.