Vrindavan 2016.04.02 (VT Staff): The Rath Yatra which begins the ten-day long Bramhotsav festival was taken out from the Shri Ranganath Ji temple in Vrindavan yesterday. Rangaji is one of the most famous temples of North India and this is the principal annual event held there.
As soon as Thakur Godarangmannar came out of the temple premises riding on his chariot made of sandalwood, it was surrounded by devotees hoping to be able to pull the ropes.
Shri Rang Ji Temple is known for showcasing the traditions of South India. Devotees from all over the world started hovering in and around the temple from Friday morning. At 7:30 a.m. as soon as Thakur Godarangmannar came out on his chariott, devotees started hailing him and pulling the ropes of his chariot.
The Rath Yatra started from the main temple and was taken to the Lord’s garden via Chungi Chauraha. People from South India found themselves fortunate enough to be able to pull the chariot. It is believed that Thakur Godarangmannar blesses whoever pulls on his chariot, and frees them from all the sins of the material world.
Shri Ranganath Ji Temple, which belongs to Ramanuja community, was built in the year 1850 by Lakshmichand Seth of Mathura, on the pattern of the Shri Rangam Temple in South I of the ndia.
The chariot came back from the garden to the temple at eve. During that time, colorful fountains kept running to provide relief to Thakur Ji from the scorching heat.
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About the Rath:
The chariot of Thakur Godarangmannar is 50 feet in height and is made up of 950 kg each of sandalwood, brass and iron. The four wheels are made of wood and the chariot is pulled using thick ropes.
The Bramhotsav Festival:
The Bramhotsav festival starts from the Chaitra month (March-April) as per the Hindu calender and runs for 10 days. During this time, Thakur Godarangmannar comes out on his chariot along with Surya Prabha, Elephants, Horses, Lord Hanuman and Lord Garuda and heads towards the garden. It is generally believed that people of any caste, race or religion should be able to see the Lord, that’s why he comes out of the temple this time each year.
The Fair and Crowd during the festival:Image may be NSFW.
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The area around the Rangji Temple has been the scene of huge crowd of devotees throughout the day and night. The festival is accompanied by a fair (mela) where around 200 big and small temporary shops offering varieties of products for local and visiting shoppers.
Due to the heavy crowd, the Municipal Corporation has set up camps like “Lost & Found” to help people. Several NGOs are also active during the fair offering seva and water to the devotees visiting for the Ranganath Ji Temple. Local police headed by Senior Police Officer Uday Prata Singh was also available to provide security to the visitors.
Wrestling:
On the occasion of Bramhotsava, a wrestling competition has also been organised at Hazarimal Sports Ground, where wrestlers from other regions of the country are also participating.
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