Gaura departed on Rangbhari Ekadashi
– Photo: Amar Ujala
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Gulal flying in the air amidst the chants of Bam-Bam Bhole, Har-Har Mahadev Shambhu. The continuous echo of Damru’s noise and conch shell, as if a red sheet was spread from the sky to the ground. Every hand eager to touch the palanquin of Baba Vishwanath and Mata Gaura. Crowded in the streets of Tedhineem. On the occasion of Rangbhari Ekadashi, the gaiety of Mother Gaura’s farewell was visible on every resident of Kashi. The palanquin of Baba and Mata Gaura, coming out of Tedhineem, sat in the golden sanctum sanctorum for the first time. The residents of Kashi took permission to play Holi by offering gulal to Baba and the gaiety of Holi engulfed Kashi. Maa Gaura is seated for the first time in the golden sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kashi Vishwanath.
On Friday, on Rangbhari Ekadashi, in the Brahma Muhurta, the rituals of Gauna started at the former Mahant’s residence. After bathing with Panchgavya and Panchamrit, Dugdhabhishek was performed for the moving statue of Mata Gaura with Baba. The methods of milk anointing were completed by Pt. Vachaspati Tiwari and Sanjeev Ratna Mishra. From 5 to 8.30 in the morning, 11 Brahmins performed Maha Aarti after Shodashopachar Puja and offered fruits. Baba’s darshan was opened for the common devotees after the royal decoration of the moving idols at 10 am and Bhog Aarti at 11.30 am. Devotees queuing up in the streets were reaching for darshan of the moving idols of Baba Vishwanath and Mata Gaura carrying Abir, garlands and offerings. The members of Damrudal paid obeisance at Baba’s feet with Damru Ninad.
