In a remarkable display of faith and cricket passion, thousands of Indian fans gathered at the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to pray for victory in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Shri Mahakal’ as devotees sought divine intervention for the Men in Blue.
The three-match ODI series kicked off with India securing a commanding seven-wicket win in the opener in Hyderabad. However, New Zealand bounced back fiercely in the second ODI in Raipur, clinching a thrilling eight-wicket victory. With the series now locked at 1-1, all eyes are on the decisive third match scheduled for January 21 in Bengaluru.
Devotees from across Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states flocked to the temple early morning. Special pujas were organized where priests invoked blessings for key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the pace attack led by Mohammed Shami. ‘Mahakal Baba will ensure our team’s triumph,’ said Rajesh Patel, a local fan who cycled 50 kilometers to attend the prayers.
Social media is abuzz with videos of the massive aarti and the sea of blue jerseys inside the temple premises. This tradition of seeking divine favor before big matches has become a hallmark of Indian cricket fandom, blending spirituality with sport. As the final ODI approaches, the prayers at Mahakaleshwar add an extra layer of anticipation to what promises to be a blockbuster clash.
Whether it’s the roar of the crowd or the grace of the gods, India enters the decider with momentum and faith on their side. New Zealand, known for their never-say-die attitude, will need more than skill to overcome this spiritual surge.