Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Dham Commences Rangbhari Ekadashi with Sacred Gulal Dispatch
The vibrant Rangbhari Ekadashi celebrations are set to commence at Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi on Monday, marked by a unique ceremony that will send traditional gulal to the Shrikrishna Janamsthal in Mathura. This auspicious event, scheduled for February 27, commemorates Goddess Parvati's 'gauna' or post-wedding rituals following her marriage to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri.
Symbolic Gesture of Spiritual Unity
According to Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, the chief executive officer of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (KVT), the festivities will begin with a 'Rudrabhishek' ritual at the temple on Monday morning. Following this sacred ceremony, traditional gifts, particularly gulal, will be dispatched to Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura. This symbolic act is designed to represent the profound cultural and spiritual connection between the holy cities of Kashi and Braj.
This tradition of exchanging gifts between prominent temples across India has gained momentum recently. During Mahashivratri, various temples send offerings to Kashi Vishwanath, while the Kashi Vishwanath temple reciprocates by sending gifts to other temples during their special occasions, fostering inter-religious harmony.
Elaborate Celebrations and Cultural Programs
With the completion of these initial rituals, a series of religious and cultural programs will be organized leading up to February 27. The grand finale will feature a mega celebration at the temple, where the Panchbadan idol of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesh will be installed near the idol of Lord Lakshmi Narayan within the temple premises.
In Varanasi, Rangbhari Ekadashi transforms into a colorful spectacle. Devotees traditionally smear kumkum and abeer on Shivlings throughout the city, and temples like Kashi Vishwanath attract hundreds of pilgrims seeking blessings.
Traditional Performances and Rituals
On Rangbhari Ekadashi itself, the gifts sent by Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi for Lord Vishwanath will be ceremoniously received in the morning. To enhance the spiritual ambiance, traditional 'Raas' and 'Holi Rasiya' performances will be presented by artists from Braj at the cultural stage, known as the Shivarchanam stage, located within the dham.
As per longstanding tradition, the deity's mobile idol will arrive at the temple to be placed in the sanctum sanctorum, adding to the devotional fervor.
Unique Post-Ekadashi Celebrations
The day following Rangbhari Ekadashi offers an equally fascinating experience. At Manikarnika Ghat, people engage in Holi celebrations using colors, sandalwood powder, and even cremation ashes, reflecting the city's deep spiritual roots and unique cultural practices.
This year's Rangbhari Ekadashi promises to be a significant event, blending religious devotion with cultural expressions, while strengthening the bonds between India's sacred sites through thoughtful gestures of unity and respect.
