On Mahashivratri, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed darshan and worship at Bhavanath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh. He honored the saints, paid obeisance at Akhand Dhuna and Mrigi Kund and experienced the spiritual atmosphere by interacting with the devotees and the saint community in the fair.
Gandhinagar. On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel visited the Swayambhu Bhavanath Mahadev Temple situated at the foothills of Girnar Mountain and offered prayers with devotion. On this occasion, Minister of State for Energy Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya was also present with him and he also had darshan of Lord Bhavnath Mahadev.
Junagadh Mahashivratri Fair: Blessings and respect of sages and saints
On the last day of the five-day fair traditionally organized in Junagadh on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Chief Minister met the saints and sages in the Bhavnath temple complex. He took the blessings of the saints, offered them his body clothes and greeted them respectfully. In this fair famous for the Sant Samagam, the Chief Minister interacted with the saints and experienced the spiritual atmosphere.
Darshan of Bhavanath temple complex: Salutation in Akhand Dhuna and Mrigi Kund
The Chief Minister visited the Akhand Dhuna (Dhuni) situated in the Bhavnath Temple complex. After this, he bowed down to Mrigi Kund with reverence and expressed his faith.
Sant Samagam: Meeting and spiritual dialogue with prominent saints
In the Satsang Hall of the temple complex, the Chief Minister met many saints including Shri Muktanand Bapu, Shri Shernath Bapu, Shri Hariharanand Bapu, Shri Mahesh Giri Bapu, Shri Mahendranand Giri Bapu, Shri Sampurnanandji Bapu, Shri Rajendradas Bapu, Shri Bhardwaj Giri Bapu, Shri Buddha Giri Bapu and Shri Somnath Ji Bapu. He honored the saints by wearing them with Angavastra and garland and received their blessings. During this period many officers and officials of the district were also present.
Welcome and respect by the administration: memento gift
On this occasion, District Collector Mr. Anil Kumar Ranavasia and Member Secretary of Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Board Mr. Ramesh Merja welcomed the Chief Minister by giving him a memento. Minister of State for Energy Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya was also honored by the administration by giving him a memento.
Mahashivratri fair information and communication with devotees
Provincial and Fair Officer Shri Charan Singh Gohil informed the Chief Minister about the arrangements and traditions of the Mahashivratri fair. The Chief Minister interacted comfortably with the devotees present in the temple premises and also greeted them.
Importance of the tradition of royal rides and akharas
In the Mahashivratri fair, the Ravedi (royal ride) of sages and saints of various Akharas and Digambara Sadhus has special significance. This tradition is considered to be the main religious identity of the fair.
Presence of public representatives and officials
During the welcome of the Chief Minister, Mayor Shri Dharmeshbhai Posiya, District Panchayat President Shri Hareshbhai Thummar, MP Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama, MLA Shri Sanjaybhai Koradia, Shri Devabhai Malam, Shri Bhagwanjibhai Kargatiya and many public representatives were present. Apart from this, Deputy Mayor Mr. Akashbhai Katara, Standing Committee President Ms. Pallaviben Thakar, District BJP President Mr. Chandubhai Makwana, City BJP President Mr. Gauravbhai Ruparelia and other social and administrative officials were also present.