‘Bhagwan ko bhasm chad rahi hai, mahilayein ghoonghat odh lein,’ voice of priest Satya Narayan at Ujjain's Mahakal no longer resonate

Priest of Ujjain’s Mahakaal temple, Satya Narayan Soni has passed away at the age of 80. His identity was in his voice as people used to hear him during Bhasma aarti when he used to announce, "Women should wear their veil, Bhasma Aarti is taking place," (‘Bhagwan ko bhasm chad rahi hai, mahilayein ghoonghat odh lein).

"भगवान को भस्म चढ़ रही है,
महिलाएं घूंघट कर लें.."

करीब 45 साल से बाबा महाकाल की सेवा में लीन सत्यनारायण सोनी जी की ये आवाज़ अब नंदी हॉल में नहीं गूँजेगी..अपने इस सच्चे सेवक को सर्वेश्वर निश्चित ही शिवरूप कैवल्य प्रदान करेंगे। जय श्री महाकाल!! pic.twitter.com/lFCc90Eh9b

— Jagdish Devda (मोदी का परिवार) (@JagdishDevdaBJP) April 11, 2024

What happened to priest Satyanarayan?

A huge fire started in the Mahakal temple's sanctuary sanctorum during the Dhulendi celebration. He sustained severe burns and was under treatment. He continued to encourage other injured persons to flee despite his advanced age.

The last rites of Satyanarayan Soni took place on the banks of Shipra River in Ujjain. His son Rajesh Soni performed his last rites. His popularity was so much that the administration and police of Ujjain gathered to bid him farewell.