Evening Devotion in Varanasi: CM Yogi's Spiritual Sojourn
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In the evening, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Kashi. He commenced his spiritual journey by offering prayers at the revered Kalabhairava temple, followed by performing the sacred Jalabhishek ritual at the renowned Baba Vishwanath temple. In addition to offering clothes and fruits, he also presented an envelope as a donation. By 8 PM, 269,000 devotees had performed the Jalabhishek ceremony.
Prior to this, the atmosphere outside the Vishwanath temple was charged with the rhythmic beats of traditional drum players, who captivated everyone with their performance. Among the drummers, a devotee adorned with a garland of skulls and holding a trident in hand led the procession. In a remarkable display of communal harmony, members of the Muslim community showered flowers on the devotees, enhancing the festive spirit.
Varanasi Commissioner Mohit Agarwal greeted the Kanwariyas by showering flowers on them, marking a grand welcome. The ghats of Kashi were teeming with people taking a holy dip, reflecting the spiritual fervor of the city. The resonant chants of "Har-Har Mahadev" and "Bam-Bam Bhole" echoed not just in Kashi but across various Shiva temples throughout the state.
In Kanpur, a line stretching over a kilometer was seen outside the Parmat temple. Devotees, after taking a holy dip in the Ganga, were flocking for darshan. Similarly, in Lucknow, the Manakamanaeshwar temple witnessed devotees lining up as early as 2 AM. By 3 AM, the queue had extended to an impressive 2 kilometers.
- Chief Minister's Visit: CM Yogi Adityanath performed significant rituals at Kalabhairava and Baba Vishwanath temples, reflecting the importance of these sites in Hinduism.
- Cultural Harmony: The event showcased communal harmony with Muslim community members participating in the festivities by showering flowers on the devotees.
- Mass Participation: The staggering number of 269,000 devotees performing Jalabhishek by 8 PM highlights the immense spiritual draw of the occasion.
- Festive Atmosphere: The beats of traditional drums and the sight of devotees in elaborate attire added to the vibrant festive atmosphere.
- State-wide Celebrations: The devotion was not confined to Varanasi alone but was evident across various parts of the state, with significant gatherings and long queues in Kanpur and Lucknow.
This narrative encapsulates the profound spirituality, cultural unity, and widespread devotion observed during the sacred celebrations in Kashi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. The communal harmony and massive participation underscore the spiritual and cultural richness of the region, making it a noteworthy event for devotees and observers alike.
