Grand narration by Pandit Jai Shravan Maharaj and majestic Shiv Baraat transform the town into a sea of devotion
Published on: January 07, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The seventh day of the Shiv Puran Katha at the Durga Manch in Nandai emerged as an unforgettable spiritual experience, marked by deep devotion, divine emotion, and cultural grandeur. The highlight of the day was the soul-stirring narration of the Shiv Vivah episode, which immersed devotees in an atmosphere of reverence and transcendence.
Renowned scholar and storyteller Pandit Jai Shravan Maharaj of Simga (near Raipur) presented a vivid and emotionally charged account of the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati, based on classical references from the Shiv Puran. Through eloquent storytelling and scriptural verses, he described the lineage of King Daksha, his sixty daughters, the intense penance of Goddess Sati, her marriage to Lord Shankar, Shiva’s abode in the Himalayas, and the eternal unity of Shiva and Shakti. Each episode deepened the audience’s spiritual engagement, turning the entire pandal into a sanctified, Shiva-conscious space.
Message of Shiva–Shakti Oneness and Unbroken Devotion
During the discourse, Pandit Jai Shravan Maharaj emphasized that Shiva and Shakti are one and indivisible, just as Radha–Krishna and Sita–Ram represent inseparable divine unity. He described devotion as an unceasing flow, stating that in the age of Kaliyug, continuous and sincere bhakti alone gives meaning to life. Citing examples from the Shiv Puran and the concept of Navadha Bhakti from the Bhagavat, he urged devotees to make regular devotion an integral part of their lives.
Grand Shiv Baraat Enthralls the Town
Following the discourse, a magnificent Shiv Baraat was taken out from the Sheetla Temple in the inner locality of Nandai. Accompanied by drums, traditional music, fireworks, and devotional dance, the procession passed through the old Shiva Temple and Firantin Temple, covering the entire town. The baraat took nearly an hour to reach the Katha pandal, captivating residents and transforming the entire area into a vibrant celebration of faith and devotion.
A Living Experience of Divine Wedding
As the baraat reached the pandal, local children and adolescents dressed as deities, ganas, spirits, and celestial beings, creating a powerful visual of Lord Shiva’s wedding procession. The pandal resonated with Vedic chants and traditional Chhattisgarhi Shiv Vivah songs, offering devotees the feeling of witnessing the divine marriage in person. The hour-long ritual created an atmosphere of overwhelming spiritual joy, as if the entire cosmos was celebrating.
Elders and Dignitaries Moved by the Experience
Prominent social worker D.C. Jain and senior editor Ashok Pandey were present on the occasion. They shared that although they had initially come only for darshan, the spiritual energy and grandeur of the event compelled them to stay until the conclusion.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/in-charge-minister-meets-former-mp-ashok-sharma-in-rajnandgaon/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/a-heartbeat-that-changed-a-life/
Pandit Jai Shravan Maharaj also honored the members of the organising Gaurishankar Mahila Mandal on stage and blessed them for their dedicated efforts. The yajmans were felicitated as well. The successful organisation saw active contributions from Hariharno family, Pradeep Acharya, Purushottam Tiwari, and several other devoted volunteers.
Overall, the seventh day of the Shiv Puran Katha became a historic and spiritually enriching chapter in the religious and cultural life of Rajnandgaon region—an experience that devotees will cherish for years to come. Expressing gratitude, Vijay Hariharno, patron of the Gaurishankar Mahila Mandal, said that the joy, devotion, and divine atmosphere witnessed during the event were the result of relentless efforts by the women’s group and, above all, the boundless grace of Lord Bholenath.
