Bhopal: On Thursday afternoon, in the heatwave, the Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ujjain went on a surprise inspection. They rode about 120 kilometres on a bulletbike to inspect the arrangements for the forthcoming Panchkroshi Yatra so that the pilgrims did not have any problems during the festival. It was an unexpected surprise for all, as usually officials go on inspections in four-wheelers.
Each year, Ujjain, a holy city, organises the five-day Panchkroshi Yatra in Vaishakh. This yatra is attended by pilgrims from all over the region and even other parts of the state. This year’s yatra will start on April 23. The Collector and SP went to inspect the route together on a bullet bike.
SP Pradeep Sharma was driving the motorcycle during the inspection, and Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh was sitting behind him. A fleet of vehicles carrying other officials was following them. They moved from Nagchandeshwar Temple, going past Pingaleshwar, Shani Mandir Triveni, Karohan, Nalwa, and Ambodiya Bileshwar Dham.
Following the inspection, Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh gave instructions to his subordinates for further arrangements. He ordered the dispatch of a medical team to Nagchandreshwar Mahadev Temple, along with the installation of large LED screens, shade tents, and adequate lighting. He also instructed that two fire brigade teams be deployed at each rest stop on the way. He ordered the provision of drinking water at Pingaleshwar, the construction of temporary toilets, and the clearance of beehives along the route.
For Triveni Shani Temple, proper rest, tents, drinking water, and shade were to be made arrangements for, and at Karohan, tanker water supply and electric arrangements were also scheduled. Upon arrival of the Collector and SP at Pingaleshwar, they halted to pray at Pingaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Panchkroshi Yatra has been explained in the Skanda Purana, where the merit of living a lifetime in Kashi can be obtained by just staying five days within the Mahakal forest during the month of Vaishakh. The yatra has been named “Panchkroshi,” as pilgrims need to rest every five kos (about 20 kilometres) along the way. The way has increased to around 120 kilometres because of the growing population and the expansion of the city around Ujjain.
Comments are closed.