New Delhi, 30 September (IANS) The sacred occasion of Ashtami was marked on a grand ceremony and heavy range, which was in the famous power in the Sri Naina Devi temple, which was above the hills of Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Since the morning, thousands of devotees have thrilled the temple to offer prayers and perform Ashtami rituals, seeking blessings of peace, prosperity and welfare for their families.
Wayers from various states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar made their way for the revered temple. The day is dedicated to the worship of Mata Mahagauri in the eighth form of Goddess Durga.
With the traditional Ashtami Pujan, special Havan rituals were performed at the ancient Havan Kund inside the temple complex. According to SDM Dharamampal, who also serve as the Chairman of the Fair Officer and Temple Trust, “All arrangements for Ashtami Puja were already completed. Devotees are being directed in organized queues to ensure smooth darshan. We are sure that no devotee faces any inconvenience.”
He further said that under the guidance of the temple trust and the district administration, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, strong mob management and security measures were implemented to handle the huge influx of pilgrims.
Priest lucky Sharma, speaking about the importance of the day, said, “On Ashtami, Mataji is offered Kadah Prasad, which is considered his favorite. Devotees also offer ‘Ahutis (holy prasad)’ in search of the divine grace of the Goddess in Haavan Kund.”
He said, “Today is Ashtami and devotees are coming in large numbers and special aarti is performed throughout the day,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the National Capital, Delhi, the iconic Jhandevalan Mata Temple was seen as devotional scenes. Long lines of devotees gathered to pay tribute to the morning and participate in the rituals of Ashtami.
A devotee says, “We have been coming on Ashtami for the last 10-12 years. We come every Ashtami, but especially during Navratri. The arrangements are very good; Ten years ago, it was not like this. The way arrangements are made now, everything is smooth and no one has any problem.”
Both temples saw an atmosphere of spiritual enthusiasm and devotion, as the holy festival of Navratri continues to unite people in the states to commemorate the divine female energy.
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Rupee/DPB