The Spiritual Significance of Prayagraj: Unveiling the Amruta Connection:
By Lokanath Mishra
Prayagraj holds immense spiritual significance due to its association with the divine nectar, Amruta. According to Hindu mythology, Amruta was spilled in Prayagraj, making it a sacred site where the Mahakumbh Mela takes place every 144 years.
The Divine Trio: Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman
The story of Amruta is intricately linked with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, who played pivotal roles in its creation and distribution. Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama, is believed to be guarding Prayagraj, protecting its spiritual essence.
The Sahi Snan Ritual: A Sequence of Worship.
After taking the sacred bath (Sahi Snan) in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, devotees must follow a specific sequence of worship:
- Mata Vindhvasini: After completing sahi snan, the Devotees must first visit to Vindhyachal to take permission from Mata Vindhvasini by duly praying to her to start the process of post ritual for completion of Sahi snan.
- Lord Shiva: The first puja is offered to Lord Shiva at the Kasi Viswanath Temple, acknowledging his role in the Amruta legend.
- Lord Vishnu: The second puja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in one of his incarnations (particularly Sri Ram, Shri Krishna, or Shri Narasigh or Shri Jagannath). Devotees must also offer prasad and distribute it to Brahmins.
- Lord Hanuman: The final puja is performed at the Hanuman Temple, seeking the blessings of the guardian deity. Devotees must chant the Sundarakand and offer prasad.
Completing the Ganga Snan
After completing the puja sequence, the ritual will be completed. This sacred ritual is believed to cleanse the soul and bestow spiritual enlightenment upon the devotees.
Many devotees perform Special puja at the Siddha Mahavir temple in Puri by Chanting of Sundarakand followed by prasad sevan in the temple of Prabhu Shri Hanuman. Tulsi Dash while came to Puri stayed in this temple.
By following these rituals, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman and the divine trio of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman.