The Baba Dham in Deoghar is gearing up for the Shravani Mela 2025, a major religious event starting on July 11. The district administration and temple authorities have completed the necessary preparations to manage the influx of devotees. Special attention will be given to the safety and convenience of the pilgrims during the festival.
From July 11, direct physical worship of the deity will be discontinued, and devotees will offer prayers using the Argha system. Temple priest Ravi Pandey hopes for some improvements in the management. He notes that the arrival of Sawan brings vibrancy to Baba Nagari (Deoghar), with millions of devotees, bearing Kanwars, coming from far and wide.
Pandey highlights the importance of ensuring that the chants of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ are not lost amidst organizational chaos and all devotees can pray. He points out that while changes are discussed annually, some old problems still exist. One key issue is the lack of information about temple closing times. He stresses the need for the temple administration to publicize information on closing times, offering times, and the elaborate rituals of Baba’s adornment.
He emphasizes the need for the administration to announce timings related to the closure of temple gates, timings of offering prayers, and information about the Baba’s Shringar Puja. He says that proper dissemination of such information is essential in preserving traditions and ensuring a smooth experience for devotees. The aim is to provide devotees with a pleasant experience, so that their journey is connected to devotion, and not hindered by mismanagement. This will also reinforce Baba Nagari’s reputation on the global stage.