How is Jal-Jhulni and Ganpati Visarjan Celebrated at Akshardham Temple?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi is a deeply significant festival in Northern India.
- The celebrations at Akshardham Temple combine age-old traditions with vibrant cultural expressions.
- The immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol reflects the conclusion of a festive period.
- The event underscores community unity and eco-friendly practices.
- Spiritual discourses during the event deepen the devotee's connection with the divine.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) The magnificent Akshardham Temple in Delhi burst forth with vibrant displays of faith and celebration on Wednesday as it hosted the revered Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi festivities alongside the Ganpati Visarjan ceremony. These dual events attracted numerous sadhus, religious leaders, and a significant assembly of devotees who participated in rituals characterized by extravagance and spiritual intensity.
Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, a festival celebrated extensively across Northern India, holds a unique significance at Akshardham Temple, where it is celebrated annually with traditional magnificence. In the divine presence of Dharmavatal Swami, devotees engaged in rituals that beautifully intertwined ancient customs with lively cultural expressions.
To commemorate the occasion, a large artificial lake was established in the temple auditorium. The sacred idols of Lord Akshar-Purushottam were placed on a palanquin and carried in a ceremonial procession before being gently taken for a symbolic water ride. The atmosphere resonated with devotion as the faithful performed multiple 'aartis' and presented a variety of delectable offerings to the Lord.
The program commenced early in the morning at 8:00 A.M. with a grand procession. During his spiritual discourse, Munivatsal Swami articulated the essence of Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, highlighting its importance as a moment of profound connection between the devotee and the divine.
Enhancing the devotional atmosphere, the temple choir resonated throughout the hall with soulful kirtans and bhajans, fostering an uplifting spiritual experience.
The celebrations also coincided with the immersion of Lord Ganesha’s idol, which had been installed during Ganesh Chaturthi. This ritual was conducted with utmost reverence, marking the culmination of festivities dedicated to the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom and new beginnings.
Ganesh Chaturthi, beyond its religious significance, also underscores cultural values — uniting communities, inspiring artistry through idol-making, and promoting awareness about eco-friendly practices. At Akshardham, the immersion seamlessly blended these traditions with spiritual rituals, reinforcing the festival’s message of unity, devotion, and renewal.