The sacred festival of Maha Shivratri was celebrated with profound devotion in Gadhpur on the banks of the holy Ghela River. The Sankhyogi Baheno of Gadhpur Desh lead the efforts in organizing this grand celebration.
The festivities took place at the historic mandir of Shree Nilkanth Mahadev, a site of great Puranic significance. This particular Shivalinga holds a unique place in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, as it was personally worshipped by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, and served as the primary place of worship for the family of the noble devotee, Shree Ebhel Khachar.
The pujan and archan of Shree Nilkanth Mahadev were performed by members of the Dharmakul Parivar. Following the pujan, devotees participated in a Shiv Laghu Rudri Homatmak Yagna, which was officiated by learned Brahmins from the region.
During the yagna, H.H. 108 Bhavi Acharya Shree Nrigendraprasadji Maharaj and H.H. Bal Lalji Shree Yagnendraprasadji Maharaj performed the concluding rituals of the yagna by offering the bidu (final coconut sacrifice) to Shree Yagna Narayan.
Following the yagna, various santo of Gadhpur Desh explained the mahima of the Nilkanth Mahadev Mandir, explaining the mandir’s sanctity, and how Shree Nilkanth Mahadev fulfills the wishes of anyone who does his pujan. Lalji Maharajshree then gave his blessings to all of the santo and haribhakto in attendance, encouraging them to continue celebrating Maha Shivratri every year in the presence of Shree Nilkanth Mahadev.
