Lucknow/Varanasi/Mathura/Ayodhya (UP), Apr 19 (PTI) Thousands of devotees flocked to temples across Uttar Pradesh on ‘Akshay Tritiya’, participating in special prayers, vibrant gatherings and traditional ceremonies.
In Mathura, devotees were visible outside major temples, as temples in the city are getting ready for Akshay Tritiya celebrations on Monday.
Historian and Shri Bankey Bihari temple Vrindavan ‘Sewayat’ Prahlad Ballabh Goswami told PTI that prominent temples in the city observe any occasion or festivals based on the Hindu calendar’s Udaya Tithi (sunrise date).
“Since Akshay Tritiya falls at the time of sunrise on Monday, the temple will observe Akshay Tritiya on Monday,” he said.
Akshay Tritiya holds special significance at the Shri Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan, since devotees get a chance to have darshans of the lotus feet of Thakur ji Maharaj, which is available only on this day in the year.
A large number of devotees are also seen performing ‘Maha Abhishek’ and doing circumambulation at Govardhan, since it is believed that performing ‘parikrama’ on this day leads to salvation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished the people on the occasion and described the festival as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
“I pray to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi that this sacred occasion infuses everyone’s lives with happiness, prosperity, and well-being, and spreads the light of joy and progress in every home,” he took to X.
At the historical Radha Damodar temple in Vrindavan, the preparation will begin early on Monday morning, when the ‘Sewayat’ will mix camphor, saffron and perfume in sandalwood paste before applying it to Thakur ji.
Krishna Balram Goswami Sewayat of Sri Radha Damodar temple said, “It takes an entire day to carve the attire and the deity offers darshans in the attire only in the evening.” Thakur Radha Ballabh Lal will wear ‘Hathphool’ and ankles made of Sandalwood.
Sukrati Goswami Sewayat of Shri Radha Ballabh temple, Vrindavan said, “The Phool Bangla Utsav will begin from tomorrow at the temple. The temple will also offer summer drinks, like Thandai, Sharbat and Lassi to the deity.” Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said that the entire Vrindavan is divided into 3 zones and 11 sectors with police personnel and magistrates.
Ten medical teams and 5 ambulances are also placed at different locations.
Taking note of extreme heat conditions, fans and coolers are placed at various places and mats are placed for the convenience of devotees.
He also asked officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of drinking water for devotees, the DM said.
On the occasion, a fountain system will be formally launched during the ‘Saptarishi Aarti’ at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi to provide cooling relief to Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath, the temple administration said.
This arrangement will remain dedicated to the service of Baba continuously, on a daily basis, until the festival of Raksha Bandhan, it said.
The temple administration further explained that, according to tradition, this fountain is installed during the summer season specifically to provide cooling comfort to Shri Vishweshwar.
It serves not merely as a religious ritual, but also stands as a profound symbol of the deep faith and sentiments of all the residents and devotees.
In Ayodhya, thousands of devotees gathered for prayers at the Ram temple.
“Akshay Tritiya is considered one of the most sacred days in Hindu tradition and is closely associated with Lord Ram. It is believed that Lord Ram took his sacred vow of truth on this day,” Anil Mishra, a member of the Ram temple trust, said.
According to belief, visiting the Ram temple on Akshaya Tritiya brings eternal blessings and prosperity, which led to an overwhelming surge of devotees.
SP (city) Chakrapani Tripathi said that a three-tier security system was implemented in Ayodhya on this festive occasion. PTI COR NAV APL APL
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