Sants criticize Kumbh in Ujjain: it is a spiritual center, not a tourist spot

Famous storyteller Pradeep Mishra participated in the special session 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' of 'Aaj Tak Dharma Sansad' held in Ujjain, the city of Mahakal. On Friday, he expressed his views on the Kanwar Yatra, Shiva devotion, and the changing nature of faith. He emphasized that the original purpose of the Kanwar Yatra is the remembrance and reverence of Lord Shiva, not any kind of display, noise, or show-off. Mishra also stated that a true Kanwariya should carry not only Ganga Jal but also better resolutions for their future. He said that this journey requires devotion, discipline, and feeling rather than ostentation.

Storyteller Pradeep Mishra objected to the use of DJs and excessively loud music. He said that when a Kanwariya walks, they do not need external sound because their internal feelings are extremely strong. However, he acknowledged that playing loud DJs has become a fashion in the current time, which is unnecessary. He gave an example that the Kanwar Yatra is being organized in his Sehore region, and the administration had given clear instructions while granting permission that DJs would not be included in the procession, and his committee agreed with this decision. The journey will conclude with bhajans and remembrance of God.

Mishra also highlighted how people are turning the Kanwar Yatra into a means of showing off. Responding to the trend of people getting special clothes stitched, T-shirts made, and making big arrangements to carry the Kanwar, he said, 'Hey brother! Just say 'Bol Bam' and become one with Mahakal. When you get time, walk slowly taking Baba's name. It is not mandatory to perform the Kanwar Yatra with so much pomp.'

In response to questions regarding the Kanwar Yatra and inconvenience to the general public, he stated that originally, the administration of all states has ensured separate routes for the Kanwar pilgrims. He mentioned the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, which have designated specific routes. A separate Kanwar route has also been created in Sehore. He also said that just as residents of Ujjain can visit Mahakal daily without anyone stopping them, those devotees who come walking from afar should be given way and respected.

Regarding people's comments, he called it a common custom of the world. In this context, he narrated a story in which it was told that when Bhole Baba was carrying Mata Parvati on Nandi, people commented that both were heavy riders on Nandi. Lord Shiva suggested that Parvati sit and he himself descend. When Lord Shiva started walking, people commented that he was a 'slave to his wife'. Conversely, when Lord Shiva sat and Parvati walked, people said that he was making a 'delicate woman' walk. Finally, when all three descended and Nandi walked alone, people still commented that 'Nandi is so good, why don't both sit down?' Through this story, he showed that the world will always say something.

Under the title 'Kanwariya carries tomorrow, not water,' he explained that people believe the Kanwariya is only carrying water, whereas the reality is that Mahakal and Lord Shiva walk with the Kanwariya. He believes that the Kanwariya is carrying their future, and when that water is offered to Mahakal, Mahakal changes the cycle of life of great people, so it is not just water; a pot of water solves all problems.

The sacred month of Sawan has arrived, which is a favorite time for worshipping Lord Shiva. This year, the Shravana month will last from July 30 to August 28. Throughout this period, temples and shivalas will be filled with praises to Mahadeva, with both mantras and the recitation of the Shiva Chalisa being heard.

After performing worship to Lord Shiva, his devotees never forget to recite the aarti. Those who perform worship of Mahadeva at home should also обязательно recite the aarti in the morning and evening after prayer.

The text of the aarti that should be recited is provided. This hymn glorifies Shiva, calling him the creator, preserver, and destroyer, and also describes his divine attributes, such as the three forms, various types of ornaments, and residence in Kashi.

According to the text, whoever sings this aarti will attain desired fruits, according to the words of Shivananda Swami.

During the 'Shiva-Khata' session at the 'AajTak Dharma Sansad' event held in Ujjain, known as the city of Mahakal, KathaVachak Mahesh Giri participated. In his address, he highlighted the importance of the month of Sawan and emphasized why bathing Shiva in water holds special significance during this period.

In his presentation, Mahesh Giri detailed the religious significance of Lord Shiva and the act of jalabhishek. He noted that according to sacred scriptures, Lord Shiva greatly favors water, making the water bath particularly important during the month of Sawan.

Mahesh Giri referenced scriptural mentions stating that 'Jaldhara Shiva Priyam' (The stream of water is beloved by Shiva). He explained that Goddess Ganga descended from the feet of Lord Vishnu and settled in the hair of Lord Shiva. This is why Shiva is considered to have a special connection with water. According to the scriptures, all water existing in the world is regarded as a form of Ganga, so pouring water on Lord Shiva is considered a very pious act.

The month of Sawan is the period within the four months of the rainy season when the highest amount of rainfall occurs. This is why this month is revered as the most beloved by Lord Shiva. According to the KathaVachak, Lord Shiva bestows special grace upon devotees who sincerely worship Shiva in Sawan.

Mentioning Chaturmas, Mahesh Giri noted that during this period, Lord Vishnu resides in a state of yoganidra in water. He added that in the tradition of Sanatana Hari and Har are considered inseparable. Consequently, the significance of water increases during Chaturmas, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in it.

He also mentioned the Kavad Yatra pilgrimage procession, where devotees bring water from sacred rivers such as Ganga, Narmada, Shipra, and others to perform jalabhishek on Lord Shiva. In his opinion, when this sacred water, which is believed to contain the presence of God, is poured onto the shrine, Lord Shiva rejoices and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.