RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Seeks Blessings at Nagpur Durga Puja Pandal
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat visited a Durga Puja pandal in Nagpur on Maha Ashtami, speaking on the power of Shakti and national resurgence.
In a significant gesture of faith and devotion, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the Sri Sri Sarvajanik Durga Puja pandal in the Dhantoli area of Nagpur on Monday. The visit took place on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, one of the most revered days of the festival, where the RSS chief joined devotees in offering prayers to the Divine Mother.
The Power of Shakti and Inner Virtue
While addressing the gathering, Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the omnipresence of the Divine Mother, stating that the entire world functions through Her grace. He highlighted that it is Shakti (power/energy) that makes all things possible in the universe.
Beyond the ritualistic worship, Bhagwat urged devotees to look within. He remarked that the Divine Mother resides in the hearts of millions, manifested as a wealth of noble virtues. According to the RSS chief, the true spiritual task for individuals is to awaken these inherent qualities within themselves.
Connecting Faith to National Resurgence
Drawing a historical parallel, Mohan Bhagwat linked the resurgence of the Indian nation to the worship of the Divine Mother. He noted that the spiritual awakening of the country was preceded by the devotion of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
He further explained that it was through these divine blessings that Swami Vivekananda was able to embark on his historic mission. Bhagwat pointed out that the influence of Swami Vivekananda continues to be evident today, both in public endeavors across India and in the mindset of the nation's leaders.
"We should worship Her with deep devotion," Bhagwat added, reinforcing the importance of faith in the journey of the nation.
Maha Ashtami Celebrations Across India
The visit by the RSS chief coincided with the peak of Durga Puja celebrations across the country. Maha Ashtami is particularly cherished by devotees who gather at pandals to perform pushpanjali, the ritual of offering flowers to the goddess, bringing families and communities together in a shared spiritual experience.
Highlights from Other Regions:
- Guwahati, Assam: Devotees flocked to the Kamakhya Temple to seek blessings from Goddess Maa Kamakhya. In the city, the Latasil Durga Puja Committee celebrated its golden jubilee (50th year) with a spectacular pandal inspired by the architecture of the Kedarnath Temple, drawing massive crowds with its colorful lighting.
- Cuttack, Odisha: The city continued its 500-year-old tradition of Durga Puja. Cuttack, famous for its silver filigree work, showcased its distinctive Chandi Medhas (silver tableaux) as devotees visited various pandals across the city.