The famous Baba Ikottarnath temple located in the forest of Mandanpur in Puranpur. Awakening
KK Sharma, Ghungchai (Puranpur). As Mahashivratri festival approaches, preparations have intensified in the area. The work of cleaning, painting and attractive decoration of the pagodas is going on war footing. Administrative officials are also busy making arrangements for drinking water, light and security for the convenience of the devotees. The excitement in the markets has increased. A lot of enthusiasm is being seen among Shiva devotees regarding the festival.
The great festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated every year on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. This time Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Sunday 15th February. This great festival and this fast have special significance in Hindu religion. According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, Mahashivratri holds significance for many reasons.
One belief is that Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati got married on this day. This festival is celebrated to commemorate their divine union. Besides, it also symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti. Preparations are being made in full swing in the area for the festival. From homes to temples, the work of cleaning and painting is being carried out at a rapid pace.
Baba Ikottarnath Temple, situated on the calm banks of Gomti River amidst the dense forests of the area, remains a major center of faith and belief. This ancient temple situated in the lap of nature attracts a large number of devotees every day. There is a belief about the Shivalinga established here that it changes color three times a day. The eagerness of the devotees to see this increases.
It is said that Devraj Indradev had established 71 Shivalingas of Gomti River to get freedom from the curse of Gautam Rishi. This is the same place. That is why this place is famous by the name Ikottarnath. It is being told that Shivalinga changes three forms in the main temple. A huge fair is held here on Mahashivratri. Devotees believe in the miraculous glory of Baba Ikottarnath.
A large number of devotees queue up in the temple for Jalabhishek and worship. There is also a unique tradition of asking for a wish in the temple. It is said that whichever devotee prays here with a true heart, his wishes are definitely fulfilled. When the wish is fulfilled, the devotees get a tap installed in the temple premises. Thousands of taps installed in the premises testify to the unwavering faith and spirit of service of the devotees.
Despite being situated in the middle of the forest, the temple remains crowded with the footsteps of devotees even though the roads to reach it are not good. Devotees say that this temple is not only a center of religious faith but also remains the identity of the area. This time, in view of the increasing crowd on Mahashivratri, devotees have demanded from the administration to provide better roads, lighting and other facilities here.
Natural beauty Baba Ikottarnath Temple, associated with deep faith and miraculous beliefs, is still strengthening the faith of people where the sound of bells resonating in the peace of the forest gives a feeling of spiritual peace to the devotees. Regarding the festival, the administrative officials are also busy in inspecting and improving the lighting, lighting and security arrangements leading to the temple.
Regarding the upcoming festival of Mahashivratri, the arrangements are being tested by reaching all the major Shiva temples. The roads in the forest to reach Ikottarnath temple are bad, which will be repaired before the festival. Cleanliness work is being done in the temple premises to provide facilities to the devotees. There will be no inconvenience of any kind to the devotees.
Hemant Kumar, DCA MNREGA and in-charge BDO, Puranpur
Mahashivratri festival is on 15th February. This time more devotees are expected to arrive. In this regard, the work of cleaning and painting the temple has been completed. The temple is being decorated attractively. Preparations have been made for the devotees to stay at night.
- Nirankar Giri Priest, Baba Ikottarnath Temple
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