Jabalpur, the spiritual capital of Madhya Pradesh came alive on Monday as the 15th annual Sanskar Kanwad Yatra, the State’s largest Kanwad pilgrimage, was carried out with overwhelming enthusiasm and deep-rooted religious zeal. From Gaurighat to Kailash Dham, the city witnessed a saffron wave of Kanwariyas chanting ‘Bam Bhole’ as they marched barefoot, completing the difficult 35-kilometer yatra with extraordinary devotion. The Kanwad Yatra commenced at 7 am, following the traditional pujan and aarti of Maa Narmada, performed in the presence of saints including Dada Guru Maharaj and Acharyas, along with State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel and other dignitaries.

 

The Kanwariyas along with sacred water of Maa Narmada also carried saplings, symbolising their vow to contribute to environmental conservation by planting them in the hills of Kailash Dham. As the city streets transformed into a holy procession route, the police deployed hundreds of personnel, ensuring seamless traffic flow and security. Heavy vehicles were barred from entering important locations to facilitate the peaceful progression of devotees. The Jabalpur Municipal Corporation also ensured proper cleaning on Yatra route. The Sanskar Kanwad Yatra, already etched in the Golden Book of World Records, saw an unprecedented turnout this year. People of all age groups from children to elderly, men and women joined the sacred march.

 

Along the route, hundreds of welcoming stages were erected by residents, social and religious organisations to offer water, refreshments and encouragement to the barefoot Kanwariyas. The 35-kilometere-long Yatra was carried out through major places including Retnaka, Rampur Chowk, Shankaracharya Chowk, Shastri Bridge, Teen Patti, Supermarket, Lordganj, Bada Fuhara, Sarafa Bazaar, Galgala, Belbagh, Ghamapur Chowk, Kanchghar, Gokalpur, Ranjhi and Khamariya before concluding at Kailash Dham, where the devotees performed ‘Jalabhishek’ to Lord Shiva, marking the culmination of their spiritual journey in the evening. Public representatives and other dignitaries who joined the yatra described it as a soul-purifying experience and lauded the collective energy and discipline of the Kanwariyas.

 

 

Lord Gupteshwar Mahadev set out on His divine annual ‘Shahi Sawari Yatra’ to shower blessings upon the devotees, on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi in the holy month of Shravan, on Monday. The procession began from Shri Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple under the guidance of Dr. Swami Mukunddas Ji Maharaj and Jagadguru Dr. Swami Nrisinghdas Devacharyaji Maharaj. The purpose of the yatra was to seek divine blessings for peace, prosperity and harmony in the city. Resembling the sacred Mahakal Sawari of Ujjain, the Shahi Sawari has grown into a esteemed tradition in Sanskardhani. Lord Gupteshwar Mahadev was carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin, accompanied by traditional musical bands, drums, shehnais, camels and horses. The procession passed through Shakti Nagar Chowk, Kripal Chowk, Hitkarini School, Angad Hanuman Mandir, Adi Shankaracharya Chowk, Shastri Bridge, Old Bus Stand, Malviya Chowk and concluded at Bada Fuhara and Katara Wale Hanuman Mandir. Thousands of devotees gathered along the route to offer prayers and catch a glimpse of the deity. Special arrangements were made at various points to welcome the procession. Devotees showered flowers, performed aarti and participated in devotional singing. Many spiritual leaders were present, including Jagadguru Dr. Swami Nrisinghdas Devacharyaji Maharaj, Jagadguru Raghav Devacharyaji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Akhilanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Jagat Rajaramacharyaji Maharaj, Dandi Swami Kalikanand Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Swami Radhe Chaitanya Ji, Gyaneshwari Didi, and Swami Ramji Sharan Maharaj.