Varanasi: The 301st birth anniversary of Indore's queen Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated with reverence at Mandir Chowk of Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Sunday. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust organized a series of events to honor the 18th-century queen and highlight her contributions to the promotion of Sanatan traditions.
Events at Kashi Vishwanath Dham
The trust arranged a memorial service, prayer session, and 'aarti' at Mandir Chowk of the KV Dham. The statue of Ahilyabai Holkar was beautifully decorated with flowers. After completing the prayers, scholars remarked that her role in keeping Sanatan public consciousness vibrant and alive is unparalleled. They also highlighted how she ensured the rejuvenation of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1777, amidst its turbulent history of repeated demolitions and restorations. The trust resolved to keep the flame of Sanatan inspiration ever burning by preserving, propagating, and popularizing the great stories of saints and revered maternal figures of the Sanatan tradition.
Congress Tribute and Police Intervention
Congress members and workers held a tribute ceremony at their city unit office at Maidagin. Speakers highlighted Holkar's justice-oriented governance, public welfare, contributions to Kashi, reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and preservation of ghats, temples, dharamshalas, and public utility structures. Following the programme, Congress members attempted to march to the Gurudham temple, a state archaeology department-protected site where idols of Ahilyabai were shifted from Manikarnika ghat in January, to offer floral tributes. However, police deployed outside their office stopped them. Congress city president Raghvendra Chaubey condemned the police action, stating, "Our intention was only to offer garlands at the statue and pay homage to her, but the administration and police obstructed. Despite all odds, Congress will continue to spread the ideals of Lokamata Ahilyabai Holkar."
Public Participation
Scores of people associated with the Pal Samaj fetched Ganga water from Ahilyabai Ghat and reached Kashi Vishwanath Dham to perform Jalabhishek on the occasion.
