Latest news with #Rudrabhishek


Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Dress code for Rudrabhishek at Mankameshwar
Prayagraj: This Shrawan month, which will begin on July 11, devotees willing to perform Rudrabhishek (special puja) of Lord Shiva at the famous Mankameshwar temple campus will have to follow a dress code. While women devotees must wear a saree or suit, men devotees will need to wear a dhoti, kurta, and paijama while performing Rudrabhishek on the temple campus. The management of Mankameshwar temple has decided to implement a dress code for devotees only for those willing to perform Rudrabhishek during the Shrawan month. "Devotees must be conscious of Indian culture and tradition and must wear decent clothes while performing Rudrabhishek on the temple campus," said chief priest Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari. For other devotees arriving for darshan, there will be no dress code, he made it clear. He, however, appealed to devotees to wear traditional Indian dress while visiting temples to offer prayers to deities.


Hans India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Varanasi locals celebrate India's victory over Pakistan
Varanasi: Celebrations erupted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, following India's successful military operation against Pakistan. In a unique show of devotion and patriotism, locals anointed a poster of PM Modi with 51 litres of milk, accompanied by religious rituals including Sankhnaad, Rudrabhishek, and Dugdhabhishek, all performed to the chanting of Vedic mantras. The celebrations came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike launched by India on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to the Defence Ministry, the 25-minute strike resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. IANS spoke to some of the locals of Varanasi. Bhim Singh, one of the locals, said, 'Today, we are celebrating the efforts of PM Modi. Under his leadership, our armed forces successfully executed Operation Sindoor. This should serve as a warning to Pakistan. Honestly, I wish the operation had lasted longer so we could take even stronger revenge.' Another resident, Navneet Pandey, added, 'We were deeply affected by the killing of 26 innocent people in Pahalgam. PM Modi has shown strong leadership. The way he handled the situation diplomatically and militarily is commendable. That's why we performed a Dugdhabhishek of his poster and offered prayers with drums and chants.' Over 100 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor. According to Army officials, 24 precision strikes on nine different targets were carried out in a span of just 25 minutes in the early hours of May 7. According to reports, the Pakistan air force has suffered severe losses, with 20 per cent of its infrastructure destroyed in Indian strikes. Many of its fighter jets have been destroyed while more than 30-40 of its army men are understood to have succumbed. India targeted at least 10-11 airbases in Pakistan, many of which are known to host the country's key fighter jets. The strikes caused severe damage, destroying ammunition depots and airbases such as Sargodha and Bholari, where the PAF's F-16 and J-17 fighter aircraft were said to be stationed. After four days of intense fighting, India and Pakistan finally reached an understanding to pause the operation.


Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fraudsters dupe priest posing as Armymen
Kanpur: A priest became a victim of deception when scammers, pretending to be military personnel, swindled Rs 25,000 from him. They concocted a tale that troops would be sent from Kanpur to Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The priest received a telephone call on Tuesday in which the caller claimed that the Prime Minister has authorised military action against Pakistan. The caller informed him that forces from Kanpur would be sent to Pakistan to retaliate the Pahalgam incident. The fraudsters sought the priest's banking information, supposedly to transfer money for a Rudrabhishek ritual requiring 11 priests and puja items. Upon sharing his account details, funds were immediately withdrawn. Priest Krishna Bihari Shukla informed TOI about receiving a call on Tuesday afternoon regarding a Rudrabhishek ritual to be performed for military success against Pakistan. After agreeing, he discussed the costs of worship materials, quoting approximately Rs 10,000, including expenses for five additional priests. The caller then arranged a video call with an alleged superior officer, who requested banking information during the ongoing call. His phone was disconnected upon sharing the details. Later, he discovered that Rs 15,500 and Rs 10,000 had been deducted from his account. Despite the theft, the scammer made five calls on Wednesday morning, falsely claiming accidental transfers and requesting Google Pay activation for refunds. He declined and contacted the authorities. Inspector Manvendra Singh of Panki confirmed the registration of the case. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The fraud was perpetrated by someone impersonating an Army officer, referencing the Pahalgam attack. The matter remains under investigation," he said. A police official posted at the Cyber Cell said, "This incident serves as a cautionary tale about how criminals adapt their strategies to exploit current events and religious sentiments for financial gain."

Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Associated Press
Maha Shivaratri at Mahakaleshwar: A Night of Divine Celebration in Ujjain
Maha Shivaratri in Ujjain: A Fusion of Faith, Heritage, and Tourism / -- Maha Shivaratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, will be observed with deep spiritual fervor at the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on February 26 2025. The temple, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is set to welcome millions of devotees seeking divine blessings and an immersive cultural experience. Maha Shivaratri at Mahakaleshwar Temple is a night of devotion, marked by traditional rituals, Rudrabhishek ceremonies, and cultural performances that honor Lord Shiva. The festival draws pilgrims and travelers from across the country and beyond, offering an authentic experience of India's deep spiritual traditions. The sacred city of Ujjain transforms into a vibrant hub of religious and cultural tourism, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh's position as a prime destination for spiritual exploration. A significant highlight of the celebrations will be Mahakal Lok, the grand corridor surrounding the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which will be beautifully decorated and illuminated for Maha Shivaratri. The vibrant atmosphere of Mahakal Lok will be further enhanced with special light displays, devotional music, and cultural performances that will bring to life the legends of Lord Shiva. The sculptures, murals, and the spiritual ambiance of Mahakal Lok will offer devotees and tourists an unparalleled experience, making it a key attraction during the festivities. In addition to the grand celebrations at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Maha Shivaratri will also be commemorated through various cultural and artistic expressions across the state. On February 26, special performances and exhibitions showcasing different artistic representations of Shiva-Shakti will take place in Mandsaur, Tikamgarh, Panna, Murena, and Mauganj, under the guidance of the Directorate of Culture. From February 26 to 27, the cultural festivities will continue in Nohata (Damoh) and Bhojpur, where performances highlighting the divine essence of Mahadev will be showcased. These events will provide visitors with a deeper appreciation of Madhya Pradesh's vibrant cultural and religious heritage. Madhya Pradesh has consistently strengthened its reputation as a hub for spiritual and religious tourism, offering deep and authentic experiences to visitors. Ujjain, with its rich history and sacred significance, stands at the core of this journey. The government's continued efforts to enhance infrastructure, maintain cleanliness, and ensure safety have made the Maha Shivaratri celebration a seamless experience for all pilgrims. The integration of community-led tourism initiatives further enriches the event, making it a responsible and inclusive festival. Madhya Pradesh has witnessed remarkable growth in tourism, with a record-breaking 112.1 million visitors in 2023—three times the footfall of the previous year. The rising interest in cultural and religious tourism has significantly contributed to this growth, with festivals like Maha Shivaratri playing a vital role in attracting both domestic and international visitors. The state's ongoing investment in infrastructure and visitor facilities ensures that Madhya Pradesh remains an offbeat destination of first choice for travellers seeking unique and meaningful experiences. Madhya Pradesh continues to uphold its commitment to clean, green, and safe tourism. Ujjain, in particular, has set benchmarks in cleanliness and safety, providing a secure environment for all visitors. The seamless management of large-scale religious gatherings like Maha Shivaratri underscores the state's dedication to responsible tourism practices and community-driven development. X Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: