Navratri begins at Koradi's Mahalaxmi Jagdamba temple, lamps lit in 7,500 ghats

NAGPUR: The Shardiya Navratri festival got under way on Sunday, October 11, at the Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata temple in Koradi, near Nagpur. The shrine is regarded as a centre of faith by lakhs of devotees across Vidarbha, and the first day saw a heavy turnout marked by great enthusiasm.

Worshippers began gathering as early as 4 am, and by morning long queues had formed outside the complex. The premises resounded with the chant of "Jai Mata Di" as the festival opened with formal rituals of worship. Lamps were lit in 7,500 ghats, and the glow of these lamps lit up the whole temple complex through the day.

Devotees came not only from Nagpur but from several districts of Vidarbha. Those who stood in line had darshan of the goddess in her self-manifested form and also in her full adornment, known as the alankar form.

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also guardian minister of Nagpur and Amravati districts, visited the temple and offered prayers. After performing the rituals, he lit a lamp to mark the start of the festival. His wife Jyoti Tai Bawankule and son Sanket Bawankule were present with him.

Speaking on the occasion, Bawankule wished everyone a happy and prosperous life and prayed that joy, contentment and good health stay in every family. He hoped farmers, workers, women, youth and every other section of society would find fresh opportunities to progress. He also prayed that, with the blessings of Goddess Jagdamba, people receive new energy, confidence and the strength to face difficulties.

The temple administration has put several arrangements in place for the large number of devotees expected during Navratri. Free meals are being served at the rear of the temple complex, which is of particular help to those who have travelled long distances. Separate facilities have been made so that senior citizens and differently abled devotees can have darshan with ease, and a plan is in place to keep movement smooth during peak hours and keep inconvenience to a minimum.

The administration, the police department and volunteers are working together to manage the crowds, keep the queues orderly and maintain peace and law and order in the complex.

With the good turnout on day one, the lamps and the continuous devotional chants, a mood of deep religious fervour prevailed in Koradi. Devotees will keep arriving over the next nine days, and lakhs are expected to visit during the festival. Worshippers said they prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being after seeing the goddess. The Navratri tradition of worship, faith and community participation at the temple has continued for a long time.