Reincarnating Raipur
HATHKESHWARNATH GLOWED BY A JHAKI ON MAHASHIVRATRI
Mahashivaratri, precisely the most auspicious festival of the Hindu religion, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Lord Shiva the Adiyogi supreme God is worshipped on this day, he destroys evil and takes away the miseries of his devotees including blessing them with his blessings. Like every year, the Hatkeshwar Nath temple in Raipur this year too witnessed a huge influx of devotees who came to pay their respects to Lord Shiva on this occasion.
Since the morning of 18 Feb 2023, Hatkeshwarnath or Mahadev Ghat temple was full of devotees, eagerly waiting for their turn to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. The temple was decorated beautifully as Kalabhairava, and Har-Har Mahadev’s chanting can be heard on the premises. People from other districts of the state have also visited the temple in hope of the blessings and darshan of Baba Hatkeshwarnath.
The celebrations also included two Jhakis of Baba Hatkeshwarnath Mahadev that took place at the Mahadev Ghat temple. The first Jhaki reached Ram Chabutra via Satyam Vihar Colony, while the second Jhaki began their march from Mahadev Ghat temple and reached Mahamaya temple. Devotees dressed as Lord Shiva, Nandi Maharaj, and other deities participated in the Jhaki, adding to the festive fervour.
The atmosphere in Raipur was filled with the echo of Har Har Mahadev, and slogans of Jai Bhole and Bam Bhole occupied the air. For the first time after the Covid period, devotees celebrated the Shivratri of Lord Shiva with great enthusiasm and zeal. The police force was deployed at every nook and corner of the temple complex for security arrangements.
The Mahashivaratri celebrations at the Hatkeshwar Nath temple in Raipur witnessed a huge gathering of devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. The festive atmosphere, the Jhakis, the chanting, and the decorations added to the fervour and enthusiasm of the celebrations. The occasion was celebrated with full devotion and is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India.
