A grand spectacle of age-old faith and royal Mewar traditions unfolded on Jaljhulni Ekadashi at the renowned Charbhuja Nath Temple in Gadhbor, located in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district. Believed to date back roughly 5,500 years, the ancient temple witnessed Thakurji emerging from the sanctum sanctorum for a royal town tour, drawing devoted followers who gathered to experience this regal pilgrimage to Dudhtalai.
The Golden Palanquin and Royal Retinue
The centerpiece of the Jaljhulni Ekadashi celebrations was the magnificent golden palanquin of Lord Charbhuja Nath. Following sacred rituals, the deity was enshrined within this ornate gold palanquin, after which the procession departed the temple grounds accompanied by a regal entourage. Grandly adorned elephants and horses moved alongside the procession, while members of the priest family walked flanking the palanquin, dressed in customary red turbans known as red paag.
Display of Ancient Gold and Silver Weaponry
A distinctive hallmark of this sacred event is the ceremonial display of historic temple weaponry. For this annual procession, weapons fashioned from gold and silver, including maces, spears, swords, and guns, were brought forth. Regarded as sacred symbols of the divine power, authority, and splendor of the Lord, these artifacts remain under the dedicated care and ritual worship of the priest family. The presence of these ceremonial arms sets the Gadhbor procession apart from typical religious gatherings.
Streets Blanket A Two-Kilometer Path in Pink Gulal
As the palanquin wound its way through the town, devotees celebrated with intense fervor by showering pink gulal across the route. Along the entire two-kilometer procession path, vibrant clouds of colored powder coated the streets, creating a vivid sea of pink. Chants echoing the Lord's name resonated continuously as pilgrims actively participated in the joyful tradition.
Ceremonial Bath and Circumambulation at Dudhtalai
Concluding the town tour, the procession arrived at Dudhtalai. Traditional rites commenced with a circumambulation around the waters of Dudhtalai, followed by the ritual bath administered to the deity. This holy immersion forms the spiritual essence linking the festival to the observances of Jaljhulni Ekadashi. Blending golden regalia, traditional priestly attire, historic weapons, mounts, and festive colors, the annual ritual at Charbhuja Nath Dham continues to preserve the living cultural legacy of Mewar.
