Sri Laxmimata Temple To Be Adorned With Shish Mahal in Sahakarnagar for Navratri Festivities
Sri Laxmimata Temple To Be Adorned With Shish Mahal in Sahakarnagar for Navratri Festivities - pune pulse
The Sri Laxmimata Temple in Sahakarnagar is gearing up for the much-anticipated Navratri celebrations, and the grand transformation of this sacred place is nothing short of breathtaking. The temple is adorned with vibrant new colors, featuring an impressive arch and a spacious mandap, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The temple’s façade is now illuminated with LEDs and adorned with enchanting electric lighting, while millions of natural and fragrant flowers enhance its beauty. Adding to the spectacle, the temple is being fashioned into a Shish Mahal, bathing it in a kaleidoscope of seven colors, thanks to the contribution of about 100 skilled artisans from Kolkata, who have worked tirelessly over the past month.
The Shish Mahal will be worshipped by Pune’s Joint Commissioner of Police, Sandeep Karnik and his wife. He will offer his devotion to the Goddess on the 14th of October at 7:00 PM. This remarkable endeavor has been spearheaded by Aba Bagul, the organizing chairman of the Pune Navratri Festival, and former Deputy Mayor.
The origins of the Swayambhu Shri Lakshmimata Devi temple in Sahakarnagar can be traced back to the Peshwa period. Roughly 30 years ago, in 1993, former Deputy Mayor Aba Bagul, who had served as a corporator for three decades, undertook the task of restoring the temple. The temple houses a splendid marble idol featuring the triune forms of Kalimata, Laxmimata, and Saraswatimata, consecrated by the venerable Gandhian thinker, Balasaheb Bharde. For three uninterrupted decades, the temple has been a hub of religious, social, cultural, literary, educational, and cultural preservation activities. Devotees from all corners of Maharashtra make pilgrimages to this conscious goddess in devotion.
The marble idol of Shree Lakshmimate now glistens with a golden tiara, various gold ornaments, and a silver saree adorned with gold embellishments. The temple is imbued with the sweet scent of incense and the melodious sounds of prayer and aarti. The temple’s premises are adorned with intricate rangoli designs and aromatic fountains in celebration of this year’s Navratri. Moreover, the surrounding area has been thoroughly cleaned to ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors.
On the day of Ghatstashana, October 15th, the organizers of the Pune Navratri Festival, Aba Bagul, the President, and former Deputy Mayor, and Mrs. Ghatasthapana, the President of the Pune Navratri Women’s Festival, will perform the rituals with due reverence at 8:15 am. Daily aarti of Shri Lakshmimata and prasad distribution are scheduled, along with a Homa on Ashtami. The temple will remain open for devotees from early morning to late at night.
In terms of security, the installation of cameras and robust police arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and peaceful environment. The Pune Navratri Women’s Festival within the temple premises will be inaugurated on October 17. Aba Bagul also announced that various competitions, including Bhagyalakshmi contests, group aarti, kanya pujan, and group recitations of Srisukta, will continue until October 24, adding even more grandeur to this year’s Navratri festivities.
