Pune: Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees on the fifth and final Monday of Shravan month.
Despite light rains and thick fog, approximately 150,000 devotees flocked to the temple, chanting sacred slogans such as "Har Har Mahadev" and "Junglewasti Bhimashankar Maharaj Ki Jai," as they sought blessings from the sacred Shivling.
The Shivling, adorned with colorful floral decorations, provided a spiritual ambiance that resonated with the faithful. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde graced the occasion by performing the holy "Jalabhishek" ritual.
Bhimashankar, known as the sixth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, attracts millions of devotees during the Shravan month every year. The confluence of the weekend and Amavasya Monday led to an unprecedented crowd, with an estimated four to five lakh devotees visiting the temple over the three-day period.
To manage the massive influx, the local administration had arranged five parking lots. However, as the number of visitors exceeded expectations, additional parking facilities were utilized, ensuring that devotees faced minimal inconvenience.
The Khed Police Sub-Division, under the leadership of Officer Amol Mandve, ensured a strong security presence throughout the temple complex.
Key figures from the Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Devasthan Trust, including Chairman Adv. Suresh Kaudare and Deputy Executive Trustee Madhukar Shastri Gawande, were actively involved in overseeing temple operations and addressing devotees' needs. They were joined by other trustees and local leaders, including Ratnakar Kodilkar, Dattatraya Kaudare, and Bhorigiri Gram Panchayat Bhimashankar Sarpanch Dattatraya Hile.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accompanied by his wife, performed the sacred Jalabhishek, praying for the prosperity of the state's farmers and adequate rainfall.
In his address, Shinde expressed his commitment to the welfare of the state's citizens, mentioning his tenure of over two years during which Maharashtra has become the top-ranked state in the country. He highlighted several key welfare schemes, including the Ladki Bahin Scheme, free higher education for girls, the Chief Minister's Annapurna Scheme, and electricity bill waivers for farmers. Shinde also sought divine strength, health, and energy from Bhimashankar to continue his work for the state's development.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the Chief Minister's helicopter, originally scheduled to land near the Bhimashankar temple, was forced to land at Landevadi in Ambegaon. From there, the Chief Minister continued his journey to the temple by road.
