FP NEWS SERVICE Ujjain

Fifth palanquin procession of Lord Mahakal was taken out with incredible joy and devotion while thousands of devotees visited his palanquin beneath showers on the first Monday of Bhadav month, here on Monday.

Palanquin procession was taken out from Mahakaleshwar Temple premises at 4 pm. replica of Saptdhan was presided in a bullock cart, Manmahesh was presided in palanquin, Chandramauleshwar was presided over royal elephant, Tandava idol was presided over a Garud.

Lord Mahakal visited the city with follow- up of royal elephants and horses while passages were echoing with sounds of drums, trumpets and rain drops.

Collector BM Sharma and SP Rakesh Gupta performed the worship of Lord Mahakals replica and his royal palanquin in Mahakaleshwar Temple premises while it was performed by government priest Pt Ghanshyam Sharma, earlier. Crackers were busted and fire salutes were offered to the palanquin as soon as it reached the main entrance gate.

Devotees and city people were appreciating gift of rainfall on the city on sacred day of first Bhadav Somvar. Collector, SP and other dignitaries shouldered the holy palanquin from Kaharwadi. Palanquin procession reached Ramghat via Gudari Square and Kaharwadi where ‘Jalabhishek’of Lord Mahakal was performed by one dozen priests. Then, it moved through Ramanujkot, Kartik Chowk, Khati Ka Mandir, Satyanarayan Mandir, Tanki Square, Gopal Mandir, Patani Bazaar to Mahakaleshwar Temple. Outsiders were found delighted when they watched their lord so alive.

People were standing on both sides of palanquin processions passage while kids were sitting over terraces, devotees of discourse groups were dancing and outsiders were watching it all, with much curiosity.