In the town of Kotdi within Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, the revered shrine of Kotdi Shyam observed the sacred occasion of Jaljhulni Ekadashi with immense grandeur and spiritual fervor. Regarded as a distinctive tradition across the country, this pilgrimage site marks the sole day each year when the presiding deity, Kotdi Charbhujanath, departs the inner sanctum adorned in the attire of a farmer to mingle directly among devotees. A massive gathering assembled throughout the township to participate in the celebrations and witness the sacred procession.
Vedic Abhishek and the Farmer Transformation
The dawn ceremonies began inside the temple corridors with sacred chants and elaborate Vedic rituals. Temple priests administered a traditional milk bath to the deity, followed immediately by an ablution ceremony utilizing holy water transported especially from Triveni Dham. After concluding the sanctification rites, attendants adorned the idol with intricate gold ornaments and an exclusive ceremonial attire that transformed the deity into a traditional farmer. Standing proudly in this agrarian form, the idol was seated aboard a decorated silver chariot to initiate the community procession.
The Divine Union at Chowki Temple and Eleven Bewans
Moving through the central bazaars with devotion and musical accompaniment, the grand procession made its way to the landmark Chowki Temple. Here, an emotional reunion took place between Kotdi Shyam and his elder sibling, the Charbhujanath of Chowki Temple. Onlookers and devotees compared this extraordinary meeting of deities to the iconic epic union of Ram and Bharat. Following this traditional greeting, 11 bewans originating from various regional shrines throughout the town joined behind Kotdi Shyam's silver conveyance to move forward together for the water-swinging rituals.
Eighteen Hours Among Devotees and Doorstep Welcomes
As the deity was ceremonially swung over the water, thousands of earthen lamps illuminated the waterfront while continuous devotional hymns filled the night air. The divine voyage spanned approximately 18 hours among the public, concluding only when the deity returned to the sanctum the following morning. Carried upon the shoulders of reverent worshippers, Kotdi Shyam visited every threshold in the settlement. Families waited eagerly outside their homes to conduct traditional prayers and aarti, presenting an array of food offerings and refreshing beverages in dedicated service.
