Mumbai: Crowds gathered at Mumbadevi temple to see Somnath Jyotirlingas.
Maharashtra: A large number of devotees visited the Shri Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai last week as part of the pilgrimage to the historic Somnath Jyotirlingas. Thousands of devotees gathered in the temple premises to have darshan of the sacred Jyotirlingas. Amid a religious atmosphere, the temple remained crowded throughout the day, with devotees offering prayers and expressing their faith.
According to temple manager Hemant Jadhav, these Jyotirlingas are considered extremely important from a historical and religious perspective. He explained that these Jyotirlingas are believed to be the original sacred symbols that devotees hid for safekeeping during Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack and destruction of the Somnath Temple in the 11th century.
Hemant Jadhav explained that after the attack on the temple, these sacred symbols were kept in various locations to preserve religious faith. Later, when the Somnath Temple was rebuilt, these Jyotirlingas were used as festival idols. Over time, this tradition has continued, and now these Jyotirlingas are taken to various temples across the country for darshan as part of religious pilgrimages.
The darshan program held at the Mumbadevi Temple witnessed a large crowd of devotees. Devotees stood in queues since early morning, waiting to have darshan of the Jyotirlingas. Special arrangements were made to maintain security and order in the temple premises to control the crowds and ensure easy darshan for all devotees.
Devotees described it as a rare and spiritual experience. Many said that the opportunity to have darshan of such sacred Jyotirlingas comes only once in a lifetime, which is why they have come to Mumbai from far and wide. Bhajans, kirtans, and religious programs created a devotional atmosphere in the temple premises.
According to the temple administration, the purpose of this pilgrimage is to promote religious traditions and connect people with India’s historical spiritual heritage. The Jyotirlinga Yatra passes through various cities and temples, where devotees have the opportunity to have darshan.
The local administration and temple management jointly managed the arrangements during this event. A queue system was implemented to control the crowds, and additional security personnel were deployed. Water, first aid, and other necessary arrangements were also made for the convenience of devotees.
The temple management stated that such religious events not only strengthen faith but also preserve cultural and historical traditions in society. They stated that this pilgrimage to the Somnath Jyotirlingas is an important medium to connect devotees with India’s ancient religious heritage.
Overall, the darshan program held at the Mumbadevi Temple created a religious and spiritual atmosphere in Mumbai. The presence of thousands of devotees made the event even more grand and established the historic pilgrimage to the Somnath Jyotirlingas as an important religious event.
