Devotees have thronged a Shiva temple in Surat in Gujarat with live crabs as offerings because it is believed such an act would fulfil wishes and also relieve pain, especially from ear ailments.The offerings were made on saturday, which as per the Hindu calendar is an auspicious date of 'paush' month coming just after Makar Sankranti, also called 'Uttarayan' here, a temple functionary explained.

Though it seems unusual, there is a temple in Gujarat where devotees offer live crabs on the Shivalingam. It is believed here that if someone offers crab in the said temple, then his ear-related problems gets cured.

This tradition, believed to cure ear ailments, has been followed for generations, attracting thousands of devotees every year.