Gandhinagar, February 15: In a display of deep devotion, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel offered prayers to the sacred self-manifested Bhavnath Mahadev at the foothills of Girnar mountain during the holy festival of Maha Shivratri. Accompanied by Energy Minister of State Kaushikbhai Vekariya, the Chief Minister immersed himself in the spiritual ambiance of the iconic Bhavnath Mahadev temple.
The visit coincided with the final day of the five-day Maha Shivratri fair, a grand tradition in Junagadh that draws thousands of devotees. Patel respectfully sought blessings from revered saints and ascetics gathered in the temple premises, honoring them with shawls and garlands in a gesture of profound respect.
Known for its confluence of spiritual leaders, the fair provided Patel a unique opportunity to engage in soul-stirring interactions. He paid obeisance at the eternal sacred fire pit, or Akhand Dhuna, within the temple and took a holy dip at Mrigi Kund, further deepening his connection to the divine.
In the satsang hall, the Chief Minister met prominent spiritual figures including Muktanand Bapu, Shernath Bapu, Hariharanand Bapu, Mahesh Giri Bapu, Mahendranand Giri Bapu, Sampurnanandji Bapu, Rajendradass Bapu, Bhardwaj Giri Bapu, Buddha Giri Bapu, and Somanathji Bapu. Each received his personal greetings and tokens of honor, underscoring the event’s significance as a hub of faith and enlightenment.
District Collector Anil Kumar Ranavasiya and Secretary of Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Board Ramesh Merja welcomed the Chief Minister with mementos. Minister Vekariya was similarly honored. Mela Officer Charansingh Gohil briefed Patel on the fair’s arrangements, while the leader mingled warmly with pilgrims, exchanging blessings and conversations.
The Maha Shivratri fair holds special allure with processions like the Ravedi, featuring ascetics from various akhadas and Digambar sadhus, symbolizing the triumph of devotion over worldly bounds. Patel’s participation highlights the harmonious blend of governance and spirituality in Gujarat’s cultural landscape.