Mail News Service
Saraikela, Jan 15: Noted for its soothing and rejuvenating environs, the temple of Devi Akarshani takes on hues ordained by man as devotees in multi-coloured dresses line up to seek the blessings of the Goddess for rain, good crops, allround peace, prosperity and progress. On Friday, devotees from across states thronged the temple and after prayers to the fair grounds to share the experience of joy and excitement with others. The pryers were performed traditionally and devotees sought Akarshani Ma’s blessings with bowed heads. Her devotees vouch that none has been returned empty handed from Her Darbar. Devi Akarshani Ma has been fulfilling the wishes of thousands of devotees through time and their faith, belief and reverence in Her has only grown with the rolling of centuries.
Devotees continue to pour in with their families and offer prayers for peace and prosperity of all in their localities. Kharsawan legislator Dashrath Gagrai who offered prayers for the happiness and progress of people on Friday said, “Being in the presence of Ma Akarshani fills a devotee with a feeling of confidence and perform development work. This Akhan Yatra is beyond all geographical and community divides as the Mother loves and blesses all by fulfilling their wishes. Our strength lies in our belief and confidence on Her. Joy and happiness is a feeling that emanates from the heart and soul. I pray to Mother Akarshani for peace and progress of all.”
Devotees remained on fast until they had completed the offering of their prayers to Devi Akarshani. They worshiped with vermillion (sindoor), lighted clay oil lamps, incense sticks, rice, fruits and sweets. Stalls offering free refreshments like chips, biscuits, water, lemonade, jagery and tea were set up by social groups including Jai Ma Akarshani Yuva Jagriti Club of Rogogoda, Adarsh Yuva Samiti of Jagannathpur and Shahid Nirmal Mahto Smarak Seva Samiti of Dagardiha.
Sanitizers and masks distributed: Shri Jharkhand Cement Company of Jharkhand offered 51 kilograms of prasad to the Mother’s Akhan Yatra. The Company’s Manager BK Tripathy along with former legislator Mangal Singh Soy distributed 1,000 bottles of 200 ml each mineral water, masks and sanitizers among the devotees. The devotees were reminded of the COVID protocols that were to be adhered to during the Akarshani Yatra.
‘Chiri Daga’ the tradition during Akarshani Akhan Yatra: ‘Chiri Daga’ is an age old tradition practiced by devotees especially in rural climes. It entails heating of a three pointed iron road and then marking three spots around the naval of a person. According to a villager this practice, though initially painful, ensures that the digestive system works naturally all year round. ‘Chiri Daga’ was practiced in almost all villages including Pandra, Basudevpur and Manik Bazaar. Elders dragged unwilling children to be marked by the heated iron rod. The ritual is performed by a religious practitioner.
