Ujjain: Simhastha got underway at Ujjain today with Peshwai of Panchdashnam Juna Akhada. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with his wife Sadhana Singh attended the first Peshwai. He met and sought blessings of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshananda Giriji Maharaj, Akhada Parishad’s President Narendra Giriji, Juna Akhada’s Patron Hari Giriji, Mahamandaleshwar Pilot Baba, Mahant Golden Giriji Maharaj, other Mahamandaleshwars and Mahants.
The Chief Minister performed workship at Padao Sthal of Juna Akhada at Neel Ganga and unveiled model of 5-story proposed building of the Akhada. Mahants of the Akhada welcomed the Chief Minister and In-charge Minister Bhupendra Singh. The Chief Minister inspected Neel Ganga’s beautification and fountain. School Education Minister Paras Jain, MP Satyanarayan Jatia, Central Simhastha Committee’s Chairman Makhan Singh, Ujjain Development Authority’s Chairman Jagdish Agrawal, MLA Mohan Yadav and large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
Attending the Peshwai, the Chief Minister rode on Mayur Rath with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshananda Giriji Maharaj from Neel Ganga and waived to the devotees. Saints and seers participated in the Peshwai blowing conches enthusiastically. Thousands of devotees on either side of the road witnessed the event. Starting from Neel Ganga amidst beating of drums and music of orchestra, the Peshwai concluded at Juna Akhada’s Simhastha Chhaoni after passing through Teen Batti Chouraha, Chamunda Chouraha, Dewas Gate, Malipura, Daulatganj, Gopal Mandir, Mahakal Mansir, Harsiddhi, Dani Gate and Dutt Akhada.
At various crossings, the Peshwai was accorded grand welcome by social organisations, workers and voluntary organisations. Peshwai Marg was beautifully decorated. Sadhus performing Tandav became centre of attraction of devotees during Peshwai. One of the Sadhus in the costume of Lord Shivshankar carrying a trident was performing Tandav and another spinning a plate on his finger while dancing, sending it in the air and then balancing it again on the finger. A number of Naga Babas presented attractive and thrilling stunts with swords, tridents and other weapons.
