Ujjain : Amidst the reverberating zeal and enthusiasm of massive crowd of devotees, the fifth procession of Lord Mahakal was taken out in the city on Monday. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan along with his wife Sadhana Singh joined the procession.
Earlier, Chauhan and his wife performed worship of Lord Mahakal at Sabha Mandap. The VVIP couple performed a special worship of the deity by offering an abhishek accompanied by chanting of holy mantras. Lord Chandramouleshwar was presided in the silver palanquin which was shouldered by the CM. As the palanquin was taken out of the temple entrance, devotees desperately waiting to have glance of their favourite deity showered flower petals and bowed their heads in obeisance. Chauhan and his wife walked through the procession bare foot as they played cymbals to please the God Mahakal. Both of them performed worship of the deity at the banks of Kshipra.
Lord Manmahesh was presided over the royal elephant, shiv-tandav on Garud, Uma-Mahesh on bullock and Holkar replica was presided in the bullock cart in the procession. Police force paid a guard of honour at the entrance. Home guards, special armed forces, police band and bhajan troupes accompanied the procession. MP Dr Chintamani Malviya, MLAs Mohan Yadav, Anil Firozia, Satish Malviya, Bahadur Singh Chauhan, BJP city president Iqbal Singh Gandhi and others were present during the procession. Royal procession of Lord Mahakal will be taken out on August 25.
Shivraj shows interest in Simhastha
When Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was about to leave Ramghat at about 5.30 pm, Congress former MLAs Rajendra Bharati and Virendra Singh Sisodia tried to make some submissions before him. Some security persons did not allow Bharati to reach near the CM, but after a brief verbal duel, Bharati succeeded to meet the CM. During the two minute talks, the former MLAs asked the CM to include former MLAs and experienced administrative and police officers in the preparations of the Simhastha Fair-2016. Later, in an informal talk with the media persons, Shivraj said that he would soon visit Ujjain again to review the ongoing preparations. He said that there is no drought like situation across the State. He tried to evade replying on the issue of appointment of BJP president.
Despite fever, CM takes part in the procession
As per schedule, the CM had to accompany the Lord Mahakal’s procession on the entire route, but he concluded his journey at Ramghat in wake of fever. He wore a band on his left ankle.
The CM had to go to Indore from here at 7 pm, but he left to Bhopal by airplane at about 6.20 pm.
The CM along with his wife paid a courtsey visit to veteran BJP leader and former mayor Radheshyam Upadhyay at his residence when the procession reached Kaharwadi.
MLA Mohan Yadav was seen competition with the BJP MLAs and MP so as to exhibit his vicinity with the CM during the entire visit.
The CM’s wife Sadhana Singh entangled into pushing and elbowing near Ramanujkot.
Though, there was comparatively less crowd during fifth procession, policemen were seen unnecessarily pushing the devotees here and there.
CSP (IPS) Saurabh Mishra was not allowed to supervise the procession arrangements and instead ASP Rajesh Vyas took this responsibility.
For the first time, a band party comprising Nagar Seva Samiti members also accompanied the procession.
