Latest news with #Mahakaleshwar


Mint
23-07-2025
- Mint
Are schools open today—July 23, Wednesday? Schools shut in THESE cities due to Shivratri and Kanwar Yatra; Check here
Schools in multiple states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand will be closed due to Sawan Shivratri and the ongoing Kanwar Yatra on July 23, 2025, Wednesday. The closures are primarily aimed at avoiding traffic congestion and ensuring student safety in areas expecting heavy pilgrim movement and temple crowding. In Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar), all schools from Classes 1 to 12 will remain shut, though online classes are allowed in accordance with district administration guidelines. In Ghaziabad, schools are shut for Sawan Shivratri, with the option to conduct online sessions. Meanwhile, educational institutions in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar will remain closed until July 23, with strict enforcement measures ordered for any non-compliance. Similarly, in Hapur, Badaun, Bareilly, and Saharanpur, schools have been directed to stay closed from July 16 to July 23. In Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), a holiday has been declared due to the large number of pilgrims visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple. In Haridwar (Uttarakhand), schools will remain closed on July 23 in light of the heavy footfall expected for the Kanwar Yatra. In Telangana, while there is no official holiday for Shivratri, a statewide bandh on July 23 has prompted most schools and junior colleges to suspend physical classes. However, in Punjab, there has been no official announcement regarding school closures for Sawan Shivratri or the Kanwar Yatra, so schools and colleges will function normally on July 23. In Delhi, there is speculation that schools may remain closed on Sawan Shivratri; however, no official confirmation has been released so far. Parents and students are encouraged to check with their respective schools for the most current updates. The decision to announce holidays in various regions is largely influenced by security measures, the establishment of no-vehicle zones, and efforts to ease congestion along routes used by Kanwariyas. While many areas have suspended physical classes, some institutions may opt for online teaching. Parents are advised to stay informed through official school communications.


Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong, BJP war of words over ‘Sawan Somvar' holidays in Ujjain schools
Bhopal: A political dispute emerged after the Ujjain district collector issued an order announcing that all schools, both govt and private, will remain closed on Mondays during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan. While Mondays will be closed, schools will remain open on Sundays. The decision was taken as Lord Mahakaleshwar's Sawari (procession) hits Ujjain streets on the five Mondays during Shravan from July 14 to Aug 11. It is believed that Lord Mahakaleshwar is the ruler of Ujjain, and he comes out of the temple on "Sawan Somvars" to know the well-being of the people of Ujjain. A huge procession of seers, priests, and disciples travels through the entire town, dancing, singing, and beating drums. Massive crowds from Ujjain and outside the city gather to witness the procession and get a glimpse of Lord Mahakaleshwar, who is carried by temple priests in a palanquin. Congress MLA from Bhopal (Central) seat, Arif Masood, questioned the decision of the Ujjain district administration, while the BJP defended the decision. Masood alleged that Ujjain collector Roshan Kumar Singh issued the order to please chief minister Mohan Yadav, who comes from Ujjain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir en Cervecería Nacional CFD podría proporcionarte un ingreso adicional Empieza a invertir hoy Registro Undo Speaking to reporters, Arif Masood said, "Mahakal's procession has been a regular event during Savan Mondays, and customarily, people from every society and religion welcome it. Since this customary procession has always been part of Ujjain, what was the requirement to close schools on Mondays and hold classes on Sundays?" Masood further said, "What if people from other religions start asking for such holidays, what will the govt do? Will they declare holidays for other religions too? The country must run according to the Constitution, not for one religion. This order is not for Mahakaleshwar Sawari or the children of Ujjain. It looks like the collector issued this irrelevant order to please the chief minister." The district collector Ujjain's order issued on July 7 said, "In view of the Lord Mahakaleshwar Sawari during the month of Shravan, all govt and non-govt schools within the boundaries of Ujjain Municipal Corporation area will remain closed on Mondays, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, and August 11. In its place, the schools will run in their usual scheduled time on Sundays, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10. " A political dispute started after Arif Masood's comments. Minister for youth affairs, Vishwas Sarang, said, "Reacting to Arif Masood's comment is a waste of time. The country respects the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Mahakal's ride in Ujjain is a historical tradition. The govt has taken the decision so that young devotees can participate in the procession." BJP MLA from Huzur assembly seat, Rameshwar Sharma, said, "Parents of school students are very happy that schools will remain closed on Mondays so they may participate in Lord Mahakal's Sawari and take His blessings. There is a special importance attached to the worship of Lord Mahakal during Sawan Mondays. People come from across the world to witness the procession. School children get caught in massive traffic jams. This decision was taken to save students from the crowds." Replying to Masood's claim that the district administration took the decision to please the chief minister, Sharma said, "Masood is opposing this decision to please the Muslim community, Sonia Gandhi, and other Congress leaders."


Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
MP govt develops spiritual trails to attract Ayodhya-Kashi devotees
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to promote religious tourism between the two states. The initiative aims to attract pilgrims visiting Ayodhya and Mathura by developing sites linked to Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in MP, where the state government is working to establish new pilgrimage circuits to tap into the growing tourist inflow from UP. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to promote religious tourism between the two states. (Deepak Gupta/HT Photo) 'Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and later crowned king, but during his 14-year exile, he is believed to have spent nearly 11 years in Chitrakoot before travelling to the south via Madhya Pradesh,' an official said. 'To attract spiritual travellers, the MP Tourism Board has launched a new initiative titled 'Shri Krishna Patheya'.' The spiritual circuit maps the journey of Lord Krishna from his birthplace in Mathura to Ujjain, where he is said to have pursued his education, he added. MP Tourism Board's principal secretary, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, said both states share deep cultural ties, with temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakaleshwar drawing global devotees. The existing Kashi-Mahakal Express already connects the two Jyotirlingas. The proposed Ganga-Narmada Tourism Corridor aims to link religious centres across the two states, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Omkareshwar, and Mahakaleshwar, promoting spiritual, wellness, cultural, and heritage tourism.


India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
BJP MP Ravi Kishan offers prayers at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 16 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan visited Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Monday and offered prayers at the revered Jyotirlinga shrine. The MP expressed gratitude to the district administration, the Madhya Pradesh government, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and the Union Government for the development of the Mahakal corridor. 'I am grateful to the administration, Madhya Pradesh government, PM Modi and the double-engine government for building such a grand Mahakal corridor. Good facilities for devotees are now available', Ravi Kishan said in a video shared by the Mahakaleshwar Temple. On June 7, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had also visited and offered prayers at the temple. Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of the Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various Puranas. Many Sanskrit poets have eulogised this temple emotively, starting with Kalidasa. Ujjain used to be the central point for the calculation of Indian time, and Mahakala was considered the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain. In all his splendour, the presiding deity of time, Shiva, reigns eternal in Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, with its shikhara soaring into the skies and an imposing facade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Bhasma Aarti is one of the most revered rituals at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. It is performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM. According to temple traditions, the ritual begins with the opening of Baba Mahakal's doors in the early hours, followed by a holy bath with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. The deity is then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood before the unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti take place, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells. From across the country, visit the temple to witness this divine ritual, believing that attending the Bhasma Aarti brings blessings and fulfilment of wishes. (ANI)


India.com
04-06-2025
- General
- India.com
IRCTC Launches Ashta Jyotirlinga Shravan Special Yatra: Book Your Journey Now!
IRCTC Shravan Special Train: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation also called IRCTC has announced a special spiritual train journey for devotees during the holy month of Shravan. This train is named the Ashta Jyotirlinga Shravan Special Yatra and it covers 8 sacred Jyotirlingas across India. This is a golden chance for people who want to explore the spiritual side of India and visit these famous temples in a single tour. The bookings for this journey are now open and seats are filling fast. What is the Ashta Jyotirlinga Yatra? In Hindu belief Jyotirlingas are the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva There are 12 main Jyotirlingas in India and this IRCTC tour covers eight of them in one trip. These eight temples are known for their spiritual power and beauty. The yatra includes the following Jyotirlinga temples: Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain Bhimashankar in Maharashtra Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh Trimbakeshwar in Nashik Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh Grishneshwar near Ellora Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi Baijnath in Jharkhand These are some of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and each one has a unique story and spiritual importance. IRCTC Launches Special Jyotirlinga Yatra: Key Details Below IRCTC invites you on a soul-stirring Ashta Jyotirlinga Shravan Special Yatra aboard the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train. Be a part of this prominent tour and collect countless memories. Book Now: @RailMinIndia — IRCTC Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train (@IR_BharatGaurav) May 13, 2025 Special Features of the Train Journey This yatra is designed to give a comfortable and spiritual experience to travelers The tour is done by a Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train which is a fully air conditioned train with modern facilities. The train has clean sleeping arrangements hygienic food and friendly staff to assist passengers during the journey. It also includes comfortable bus transfers to temples clean hotels for freshening up and all meals throughout the trip. There will also be guides onboard who explain the importance of each temple and help devotees with temple visits and darshan. How to Book Tickets for the Yatra? People can book their tickets easily on the official IRCTC Tourism website. They can also visit the nearest IRCTC tourist facilitation center for offline booking. IRCTC has made different packages for different budgets so that more people can join this holy journey. There are budget options as well as premium ones depending on the traveler needs. Seats are limited so people are advised to book their places early to avoid missing out. Why You Should Not Miss This Spiritual Trip Shravan is one of the most important months in the Hindu calendar for worshiping Lord Shiva and this yatra is a great way to do it in a peaceful and organized manner. Instead of planning temple visits one by one this train tour covers 8 Jyotirlingas in one single journey with no worry about transport food or stay. It is safe convenient and spiritually fulfilling for all age groups and especially ideal for families and elderly people who may find individual travel difficult. IRCTC have started Jyotirlinga yatra package priced at 22,820 to 54,660 INR class wise IRCTC Budget berths are filling up fast due to high demand Now bookings are available on IRCTC's tourism portal where it has generated quite a bit of interest among the travelers. This is not just a train journey it is a spiritual path that takes you closer to faith and peace. So if you have always wanted to visit the Jyotirlingas, now is the best time to go ahead and book your seat.