Introduction
The 52nd grand celebration of the Si-Pi Milan Mahotsav kicked off in the holy city of Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, near the campus of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. The festival, spanning nine days, commenced with fervent devotion and a procession led by women, carrying the revered Shri Ramcharitmanas and the sacred Kalash.
Festival Inauguration and Activities
The Si-Pi Milan Mahotsav was inaugurated with a soulful recitation of Shri Ramcharitmanas in the morning, followed by a procession where women took the lead, parading with the holy book and the Kalash. Shri Bhagwat Katha, an integral part of the event, commenced alongside the Kalash yatra from Chitrakoot Maidan. The program received divine blessings in the presence of Sant Shri Ramraj Das Ji Maharaj from Prem Sarovar Barsana Dham.
Eminent Personalities Presiding Over the Event
The auspicious festival is graced by the presence of esteemed personalities. Shri Ramcharitra Das Ji Maharaj, the first disciple of Mama Ji Maharaj, Sia Didi (Mama Ji’s beloved daughter), and Ramleela Vyas Acharya Shri Narharidas Ji Maharaj, will preside over the nine-day event, providing spiritual guidance and blessings to the participants. The festive atmosphere has enveloped every household in and around the vicinity, bringing joy and spiritual enrichment.
Enactment of Gauri Shankar Vivah
As part of the Si-Pi Milan Mahotsav, the evening witnessed a captivating enactment of the Gauri Shankar Vivah, narrating the enthralling story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine union. The performance beautifully portrayed the manifestation of Mata Parvati as the daughter of King Himachal. When Devarshi Narad enlightened her parents about her future, they became anxious.
Determined to win Lord Shiva’s heart, Mata Parvati embarked on a rigorous penance in the forest. Despite her devoted efforts, Lord Shiva remained unyielding. Eventually, he granted half of his body to her, leading to the wedding procession of Shiva Ji arriving at King Himachal’s abode. Witnessing the procession, the people were both astonished and fearful, but amidst the chanting of mantras and devotional songs, the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Mata Gauri was solemnized.
Enthralling Performances by Various Characters
The play involved a talented cast, with characters like Kush portraying Parvati, Himalaya-Animesh, Maina-Rajesh, Brahma-Child, Indra-Pintu, Narad-Shyam Prakash, Shri Ram-Priyanshu, Shankar Ji-Saurabh, Saptrishi-Mahatma, Vishnu-Purushottam, and Bhringi-Nand Bihari.
Presence of Dignitaries and Maharajas
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Neetish Singh, Sitaram Chaturvedi, Ram Kripal Singh, Banke, Arvind, Jayashankar Tiwari, Ashok, Rammu, Gopal Sharma, Namonarayan, and other esteemed personalities.
Conclusion
The Si-Pi Milan Mahotsav in Kashi Vishwanath stands as a splendid confluence of faith, devotion, and cultural significance. With the blessings of revered saints and the dedication of the organizers and participants, the festival is set to be a spiritual journey of joy and enlightenment. The captivating enactment of the Gauri Shankar Vivah reminds everyone of the divine bond between Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, rekindling the essence of love, devotion, and unity among the devotees.