Why Do Devotees Flock to Varanasi and Ayodhya for Akshaya Tritiya Rituals?
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Synopsis
The festival of Akshaya Tritiya witnessed a vibrant outpouring of devotion in Varanasi and Ayodhya, where thousands participated in sacred rituals, seeking blessings and prosperity. Join us as we explore the historical significance and spiritual fervor that enveloped these holy sites during this auspicious day.
Key Takeaways
- Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival celebrated for prosperity.
- Thousands of devotees participated in rituals across Varanasi and Ayodhya.
- The head priest performed sacred ceremonies at Hanumangarhi.
- A historic royal procession of Naga Sadhus occurred for the first time in 300 years.
- Devotees engaged in acts of charity and sought ancestral peace.
New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) The auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya was celebrated with a lively spiritual atmosphere in Varanasi and Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. Thousands of devotees gathered at temples, ghats, and riverbanks to engage in traditional rituals, seeking blessings, prosperity, and ancestral peace.
In Ayodhya, the head priest of Hanumangarhi, Prem Das Ji Maharaj, conducted sacred ceremonies, which included a milk abhishek and a chunri offering to the revered Saryu River. The event attracted numerous Naga Sadhus who participated in a ceremonial dip, setting the tone for a significant day of devotion that drew pilgrims nationwide.
Adding a historical aspect to the celebrations, the 'Gaddi Nasheen' of Hanuman Garhi led a royal procession of 1,000 Naga Sadhus to the Ram Janmabhoomi for the first time in 300 years. Seventy-year-old Mahant Prem Das ventured outside the Hanuman Garhi premises for the first time, except for a hospital visit, to offer his prayers to Lord Ram. The procession featured a special Saryu Puja, an offering of 56 traditional dishes, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Peda Maharaj emphasized, “Today marks a historic moment as Hanuman Ji’s representative will perform a ceremonial bath (Sarnam) accompanied by a royal procession before having the darshan of Ram Lalla.”
The atmosphere in Varanasi was equally divine, with a grand adornment of Lord Vishnu in his Badrinarayan form at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
A newly installed 'Kunwara (shower)' facilitated continuous 'Jalabhishek', symbolizing purity and spiritual focus.
Priest Chetanaryan Upadhyay shared, “For the last 25 years, I have been dedicated to serving Lord Vishwanath. Today, on this auspicious occasion, we perform a special ritual according to ancient traditions. This practice has been upheld since the temple's inception.”
Devotees flocked to Dashashwamedh Ghat to take holy dips in the Ganga and engage in charitable acts, praying for ancestral peace and divine grace.
A devotee at the ghat remarked, “Today is Akshaya Tritiya, a day for a grand bath, known as Maha snan. People believe that performing good deeds and taking a holy bath on this day brings peace to the souls of ancestors and prosperity to our homes.”
In Vrindavan, thousands gathered for the rare annual 'Charan Darshan' of Thakur Banke Bihari Ji. Authorities ensured strict security measures for crowd management during this once-a-year event.
Point of View
I observe that the celebrations of Akshaya Tritiya in Varanasi and Ayodhya reflect the rich tapestry of Indian spiritual heritage. The gathering of thousands showcases the enduring faith of the people, underlining the importance of rituals in fostering community and continuity in cultural practices. Such events not only bolster local economies but also serve as a reminder of the spiritual connections that bind us.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious Hindu festival that is celebrated to mark the beginning of new ventures and is believed to bring everlasting prosperity.
Why is Varanasi significant during Akshaya Tritiya?
Varanasi is a sacred city where devotees gather to perform rituals, take holy dips in the Ganga, and seek blessings for prosperity and ancestral peace.
What rituals are performed in Ayodhya?
In Ayodhya, rituals include milk abhishek, offering to the Saryu River, and royal processions of Naga Sadhus to sacred sites.
How does Akshaya Tritiya impact local communities?
The festival boosts local economies by attracting pilgrims, promoting tourism, and encouraging charitable acts within communities.
What is the historical significance of the celebrations in Ayodhya?
The celebrations in Ayodhya this year marked a historic moment with a royal procession of Naga Sadhus to the Ram Janmabhoomi after 300 years.
