Impressive procession taken out on the eve of Maha Shivratri
An impressive Shobha Yatra (Shiv Baraat) was taken out from Ranbireshwar Temple here today on the eve of Maha Shivratri.
The Shobha Yatra was organized by Shri Ranbireshwar Temple Welfare Committee (SRMWC) in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Charitable Trust. It was flagged off by Ranvijay Singh, Trustee of Charitable Trust J&K.
The grand procession started from Shri Ranbireshwar Temple. It passed through various main markets of the old city, including Indira Chowk, Hari Market, Raghunath Bazaar Chowk, Raghunath Bazaar and other prominent places.
Temple Mahant Rishi Ban, Omkar Sharma (Nandi Ji) and SRMWC President were among the dignitaries who joined the Shiva Baraat and spread happiness and religious fervor across the city. The procession ended at Sri Ranbireshwar Temple, where devotees gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings.
A large number of devotees participated in the procession singing hymns in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the way, people welcomed the procession by showering flowers. Many tableaux formed part of the procession which were fully decorated with flowers and fringes.
The market associations from where the Shobha Yatra originated decorated their markets and made welcome gates to welcome the Shobha Yatra.
Earlier, Maha Shivratri festival started with great enthusiasm and devotion at Shri Ranbireshwar Temple.
On the occasion, Ranvijay Singh, Trustee of Jammu and Kashmir Charitable Trust, installed Nandi Ji, the sacred companion of Lord Shiva, amid Vedic rituals, followed by the sacred havan ceremony.
Chairman J&K Charitable Trust Brigadier R.S Langeh (Retd), Secretary J&K Charitable Trust Ashok Kumar Sharma (SSP Retd), Additional Secretary Varinder Singh Jamwal, along with officers and staff members were present on the occasion.
Ranvijay Singh performed special aarti and worshiped Lord Shiva after the installation of Nandi ji in the temple premises.
Speaking on the occasion, Ranvijay Singh informed that the marble Nandi installed temporarily in view of the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri will soon be replaced by a grand 6 and a half feet long, 4 feet high brass Nandi. The brass Nandi ji is being specially crafted by the Chennai-based Handicrafts Development Corporation at an estimated cost of Rs 17 lakh.
The Trustee further informed that the ancient Shri Ranbireshwar Temple is ready to welcome the devotees on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. He said, with meticulous preparations and fervent devotion, the Trust has ensured that every aspect of the holy site is immaculately decorated and spiritually charged, offering divine blessings and a chance to commune with Lord Shiva. It is ready to embrace the devotees coming from far and wide.
