Sinhastha begins at Trimbakeshwar as Fadnavis hoists Dharmadhwaj, President Murmu performs flag puja

Nashik, Maharashtra: The Sinhastha Kumbh Mela was formally launched at Trimbakeshwar on Saturday, October 31. The Kumbh's sacred flag, the Dharmadhwaj, was hoisted at Kushavarta Tirth on the banks of the Godavari, amid the chanting of Vedic mantras and the blowing of conch shells, with a large gathering of sadhus and mahants present.

The chief guests at the flag hoisting were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vidhushekhar Bharati of the Sringeri Peeth. President Droupadi Murmu then performed the Sinhastha flag puja at the same sacred spot. She was presented with a copper plate (tamrapatra) there.

Arriving at Kushavarta Tirth in the morning, Fadnavis welcomed the sadhus and mahants present. Shankaracharya Vidhushekhar Bharati was then welcomed as well.

The programme began with the ritual worship of the Godavari, as priests praised the river in mantras. A sankalp followed, praying for the happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being of all living beings. The puja began with the worship of Lord Ganesha, who was invoked so that all rituals and arrangements for the Sinhastha Kumbh Mela would be completed without obstacle.

The priests then invoked the deities and sought permission for the flag hoisting. Prayers to the Godavari-Ganga and collective prayers filled the entire premises with devotion. Fadnavis worshipped the flagpole. The Dharmadhwaj and the flag were ritually worshipped, and the Shankaracharya also worshipped the Dharmadhwaj. After conch shells were blown, an aarti of the flag was performed. The Shankaracharya and the chief minister circumambulated the Dharmadhwaj, and prayers were offered to Lord Trimbakeshwar.

The flag was hoisted amid the priests' chanting, the sound of conches and religious cheers. The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and auspiciousness. After the hoisting, an aarti of the sacred Godavari was performed.

Significance of the flag: In the astrological tradition of the Sinhastha Kumbh Mela, Jupiter's entry into Leo (Simha rashi) is considered an important alignment, which is why the flag hoisting carries special religious importance. The Sinhastha period begins with it. The Dharmadhwaj is regarded as a symbol of the mythological tradition of the Sinhastha, the sanctity of the Godavari and religious faith.

The flag bears the sun, moon, Jupiter, lion, crocodile, Omkar, swastika and bell. The sun and moon are linked with the protection of the nectar pot. Jupiter and the lion relate to the astrological reckoning of the Sinhastha, while the crocodile represents the pilgrimage tradition of the Godavari. The Omkar and swastika signify spirituality, auspiciousness and well-being. The twelve bells, ten directions and the seed mantra Hreem each have their own religious and symbolic meaning.

Those present at the flag hoisting included MLA Hiraman Khoskar, Mayor Triveni Tungar, Special Inspector General of Police Sanjay Ainpure, Collector Ayush Prasad, Zilla Parishad CEO Omkar Pawar, Superintendent of Police Dr S. Swami, sub-divisional officer Pawandatta, tehsildar Ganesh Jadhav, chief officer Govind Jadhav and Amol Chaudhari. Many saints and mahants were also there.

President Murmu's puja: Later, at the same Kushavarta Tirth, President Droupadi Murmu performed the Sinhastha flag puja in a devotional atmosphere. The ritual began as soon as she arrived. Amid the priests' chanting, she ritually worshipped the sacred Gautami Ganga Godavari. The flag puja followed, and then an aarti of the Godavari was performed with a special arghya.

The highlight of the occasion came when the priests' association respectfully presented the copper plate to the President.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and Employment Guarantee Scheme and Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal were present as chief guests.