The revered religious destination of Lohargal Dham, nestled in the Shekhawati region, is set to witness the grand commencement of its traditional 24 Kosi Parikrama starting today. Devotees have been arriving from different parts of the region in large numbers to participate in this deep-rooted spiritual tradition. The foot pilgrimage will officially be flagged off from the sacred Surya Kund under the guidance of sadhus and saints following the grand arrival and reception of the palanquin of Bhagwan Shri Thakurji.
As part of the lead-up to this grand event, the main palanquin of Bhagwan Shri Thakurji departed earlier from Charoda Dham in Khandela under the sacred guidance of Baba Ghanshyam Das. Numerous devotees and saints accompanied the palanquin on its journey, which arrives at Lohargal Dham today to receive a traditional welcome. Following this customary reception, the formal rituals of the Parikrama will commence directly from the banks of the Surya Kund.
This 24 Kosi Parikrama is much more than a routine religious journey, standing tall as a monumental reflection of Shekhawati's ancient pilgrimage traditions and deep-seated folk faith. Commencing from Lohargal, the sacred walking route traverses through several prominent spiritual locations, including Kirodi, Shakambhari, Nagkund, Tapkeshwar, Shobhavati, and Khorikund. As pilgrims trek through the scenic Aravalli hills, the entire atmosphere reverberates with devotional songs, chants, and spiritual prayers.
The historical significance of Lohargal Dham traces its roots back to the Mahabharata era. According to Baba Ghanshyam Das, the Mahant of Charoda Dham, the Pandavas were traveling across various sacred shrines in search of liberation from the guilt of the great war when they eventually arrived at Lohargal. Legend dictates that while bathing in the Surya Kund here, their iron weapons dissolved in the water, giving the sacred location its name of Lohargal and establishing its reputation as a site capable of absolving mortal sins.
Surrounded by the rugged topography of the Aravalli mountain range, Lohargal represents a striking blend of pristine natural beauty and unwavering religious devotion. The region is traditionally linked to seven sacred water streams and numerous ancient shrines, where arriving visitors take ritual dips in the Surya Kund and pay their respects at surrounding holy sites. According to local belief, undertaking this arduous circuit and bathing in the holy reservoir bestows immense spiritual merit upon the seeker.
The influx of pilgrims is expected to scale up continuously as the days of the Parikrama progress. The absolute focal point of this massive religious observance will be the grand fair and the auspicious royal bath at the Surya Kund held on the occasion of Bhadrapada Amavasya. This year, the main fair and royal bath are scheduled for September 11, drawing immense crowds of devotees to Lohargal. Following the sacred immersion, devotees will successfully conclude their pilgrimage rituals and offer prayers for divine blessings.
