Ranganath Takes A Ride On A Lion, Returns To Temple After Relaxing In A Big Garden

The Sri Ranganath Temple in Mathura is celebrating its annual Brahmotsavam Rath Mela festival for 10 days starting Friday. The festival began with the hoisting of a 51-foot flag on the Garuda pillar and the chanting of Vedic mantras by South Indian scholars.

 Later, the ride of Lord Ranganath on a golden lion was taken out, and devotees performed aarti at various places. The Lord’s ride passed through the market and reached the temple garden, where it rested for some time before returning to the temple.

Lord Ranganath plays Holi with 5 quintals of Gulal

The festival features several traditional and colourful events, including a special Holi celebration where Lord Ranganath will play Holi with the devotees sitting in a glass plane. The temple management has ordered 5 quintals of Gulal for this special Holi, and herbal colours have been arranged. The Holi ride will take place from 9 am to 12 noon, followed by a bhajan evening in the temple garden.

The Sri Ranganath Temple of South Indian style is approximately 179 years old and was built by devotees Radhakrishna, Laxmichand, and Govind Das of Mathura with the inspiration of Saint Rangadeshik Maharaj. The temple’s construction began in Samvat in 1901 and was completed in 1906. The temple’s architecture blends South Indian and Rajasthani styles, with a Rajagopuram (gateway tower) that is 50 feet tall.

Attractive decorations and rides for Lord Ranganath

Attractive decorations have been done in the temple for Brahmotsavam, and the entire temple complex and garden are lit up with colourful lights. The gate and pavilion of the temple garden are lavishly decorated, adding to the grandeur of the festival.

The festival includes several other events, such as the Rath Yatra, which is the most important event and will take place on March 16. During the Rath Yatra, God will appear to devotees morning and evening, sitting on various vehicles made of gold and silver.

Conclusion

The Brahmotsavam Rath Mela festival at Sri Ranganath Temple in Mathura showcases the temple’s rich cultural heritage with colourful events like the Rath Yatra and Holi celebration, attracting devotees from all over the country. The temple’s architecture and decorations add to the festival’s magnificence.