Prayagraj, 11 Oct (HS): The Sharadiya Navratri festival

began at the Shaktipeeth Maa Kalyani Devi temple with the auspicious Aarti of

the Goddess at 5:15 a.m., accompanied by Vedic mantras and the sound of conch

shells, bells, and gongs. Thousands of devotees worshipped the Goddess from

morning until noon. After 2 p.m., the Shodashopachar puja of the Goddess's

Mahabhog was performed. Following this, Maa Kalyani was adorned with a grand

decoration in the form of Goddess Shailputri. Mounted on a bull, she held a

trident and a lotus flower in her hands. She was adorned with gold and silver

ornaments, and flowers of jasmine, rose, and marigold. Pt. Sushil Kumar Pathak

performed the Maha Aarti at 7 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 12 midnight, a large crowd of

devotees gathered to have darshan of the Goddess. The temple courtyard echoed

with chants of Jai Mata Di from the devotees.

General Secretary Pandit Shyam Ji Pathak performed the

Mangala Aarti and Maharudrabhishek of the Mother Goddess, Shatchandi Mahayagya

was performed by 11 Brahmins under the guidance of Pandit Santosh Kumar Mishra

from 8 am to 11 pm and 4 pm to 6.30 pm, which will continue throughout

Navratri. Pandit Sushil Pathak said that a large number of devotees

participated in the Yagya. Many devotees got their children's Mundan ceremony

done in the Mother's courtyard. Beautiful electrical decorations have been done

in the Mother's temple and on the road outside.

Media in-charge Rajesh Kesarwani stated that on Monday, the

second day of Navratri, Mother Kalyani will be adorned as Goddess

Brahmacharini, adorned with numerous ornaments and flowers. Standing in a

meditative posture, she will hold a kamandalu (water pot) and a rosary.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi