45 years and counting, uninterrupted ‘Om Namah Shivay’ recitation begins in Mandi temple to mark holy Shravan month
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ADC Rohit Rathore initiates event by lighting ‘eternal flame’
The Newz Radar
MANDI: Chhoti Kashi, as Mandi is often referred to due to its spiritual significance, has once again come alive with the reverberating chants of “Om Namah Shivay” as the sacred month of Shravan begins.
The ancient Ekadash Rudra Temple, situated on the banks of the Beas river, has commenced its decades-old tradition of uninterrupted recitation. This year marks the 45th annual uninterrupted recitation, inaugurated by Mandi ADC Rohit Rathore, who lit the eternal flame to signify the beginning of this sacred event.
The recitation continues day and night for an entire month. Devotees of Lord Shiva arrive at the temple at their designated times, each sitting on the sacred seat for an hour, chanting Om Namah Shivaya. This continuous recitation is a testament to the unwavering devotion of the followers of Lord Shiva, who come from near and far to participate in this spiritual endeavour.
Swami Sat Sundaram, the temple priest, shared insights into the significance of this event, noting that it not only fosters a deep spiritual connection among the devotees but also upholds a vital tradition that has been an integral part of Mandi’s cultural heritage. He mentioned that the temple hosts ‘bhandara’ daily for the devotees, further enhancing the communal spirit of the event.
Local resident Ramesh Kumar, who has been participating in the recitation from 4 am to 5 am for the past 16 years, shared his experience. “I wake up at 3 am to prepare and ensure that I am ready to offer my prayers,” he said. Similarly, Sita Malhotra, who has been visiting the temple for 20 years and participating in the uninterrupted recitation for the past 15 years, emphasised the spiritual fulfillment she derives from this practice.
Mandi is home to approximately 80 small and large temples, most of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town’s religious heritage is deeply intertwined with its numerous Lord Shiva temples, making it a prominent pilgrimage site for devotees. The Ekadash Rudra Temple, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of the worshippers due to its historical and spiritual importance.
As the month of Shravan progresses, the praises of Lord Shiva can be heard echoing from various temples across the town. At Baba Bhootnath Temple, the Dharm Sangh of Shri Bhootnath Temple Mandi has organised a ‘havan’ and Rudrabhishek ritual aimed at promoting global welfare and public peace. These rituals, deeply rooted in tradition, highlight the town’s commitment to preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Several social and religious organisations organise different programmes during the months of Shravan in Lord Shiva temples of the town.
One such organisation, Dharma Sangh Mandi, celebrated its 67th foundation day with a Rudrabhishek ceremony on the first day of Shravan month on Tuesday at the ancient Baba Bhootnath Temple complex. The event saw participation from representatives of numerous social and religious organisations from Mandi city. Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Virender Bhatt attended the ceremony from start to finish, while Additional District Magistrate Dr Madan Lal and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mandi Sadar Chander Prakash also participated in the ‘aarti’ and concluding rituals.
The ceremony commenced with worship at the Baba Bhootnath Temple. As it was the first day of Shravan, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh were venerated. Under the guidance of the main hosts, Bheem Chand Saroch and Uma Saroch, 15 couples participated in the Rudrabhishek ceremony, which was conducted with the chanting of mantras by eminent scholars Pandit Dinesh Sharma and Jaidev Sharma.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of kheer prasad and a traditional Mandiali Dham feast, which was enjoyed by all attendees.
