During the grand festival of lights, Diwali, while people traditionally visit temples or conduct rituals at home to seek prosperity and wealth, Bhilwara witnesses a unique and striking tradition that draws widespread attention. At the Masania Bhairavnath temple situated within the Panchmukhi Moksh Dham in Bhilwara city, a special Kapal Puja and Khappar Sadhana are conducted in the middle of the night amidst the cremation grounds. Under this distinctive ritual, practitioners ignite a fire inside a khappar using camphor, ghee, panahdhup, and coconut, placing it upon their heads to perform special worship.
This tradition, which has continued for nearly 20 years, begins ten days prior to Diwali and continues right up until the festival night. The most remarkable aspect of this practice is that in a cremation ground where people hesitate to visit even during daylight, practitioners carry a khappar on their heads at night to perform Kapal Puja. The practitioners change daily and perform the worship using various methods. The core purpose of this ritual is to pray for the peace and prosperity of families, liberation from obstacles, and the welfare of the entire state and the world.
Prayers to eliminate family obstacles
Temple priest Ravi Khatik shared details, stating that for about 20 years, this ritual of Kapal Puja has been performed inside the cremation ground on the occasion of Diwali. While people light lamps in their homes on Diwali to wish for prosperity, practitioners sit at this ascetic ground of the cremation site to meditate for world peace and universal welfare. The goal of this ritual is to ensure that all families remain safe and sound, peace prevails in everyone's lives, and any obstacles heading toward any family are removed.
Sadhana performed in various ways
About 10 days before Diwali, various religious rituals and spiritual practices commence. In this khappar, items such as camphor, ghee, panchdhup, and coconut are utilized. Afterward, incense is placed on embers and held over the skull or forehead for worship, a practice known as Kapal Puja or Khappar Puja. Different practitioners perform distinct actions daily during this sadhana, with some holding the khappar in their hands while others place it on their backs and chests. For nearly two decades, practitioners have maintained this tradition, wishing for happiness, peace, and prosperity across the state and the entire world.
