Hazaribagh, Nov. 25: The ancient Bhagwan Narsingh Sthan at Khapariyawan village around 6km from Hazaribagh district headquarters was today teeming with devotees, who came to pray before the incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Kartik Purnima.

On this occasion every year, a Narsingh Mela or sugarcane mela is organised on the temple premises. This year, more than 1 lakh people from various districts of the day thronged the famous mela.

While farmers dealing in sugarcanes made brisk business, local villagers sold marigold that is offered during prayers. Eateries, a circus and an amusement zone for children were the added attractions.

"I have been coming here with my family for a long time. Every year, we have our first taste of sugarcane at the mela," said Manoj Prajapati, a visitor from Chatra.

Priest Upendra Mishra said the tradition was to pray at the temple with marigold and return with sugarcanes.

"The temple was opened to devotees at 4am after puja was performed. A large number of people came for darshan," he added.

A villager, Jamuna Mahto, said the temple had given a unique identity to the area. "People hailing from Chatra to Koderma to Ranchi know about our village because of this temple. India has very few Narsingh temples. We are proud to boast one," he claimed.

But many devotees complained about the condition of the roads, saying funds were needed to revamp infrastructure. "One of the existing roads connects the village with Hazaribagh town and another with NH-33. To popularise the place, these should be renovated for easier access from NH-33. Besides, information boards are also needed at regular intervals to guide visitors," said a villager.