Patna: Mahavir Mandir in Patna is set to introduce a new religious tradition, known as Shikhar Dhwaj-Puja, from July 29, 2026. Under the initiative, the sacred flag atop the temple’s main spire will be ceremonially replaced on every Purnima (Full Moon) day following a special worship ritual.
According to the temple administration, devotees will also be able to participate in the ceremony, and the flag replacement will be conducted with prescribed religious rites and rituals.
Flag Regarded as Source of Spiritual Energy
Temple authorities said the flag installed on the temple spire is regarded as a centre of spiritual energy. Worshipping and paying obeisance to the flag is believed to offer devotees the spiritual merit associated with worshipping all the deities housed within the temple complex.
The administration noted that the tradition of worshipping and replacing temple flags on Purnima has long been observed in several prominent temples across the country.
Monthly Ceremony to Be Held on Every Purnima
Until now, special worship and replacement of the temple’s spire flags were generally carried out on major religious occasions such as Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti.
With the introduction of the new practice, a dedicated Shikhar Dhwaj-Puja will now be organised on every full moon day. The initiative will formally begin on Ashadha Purnima, which falls on July 29, 2026.
Two-Hour Ritual Before Flag Hoisting
Sayon Kunal, Secretary of the Shri Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti, said the special worship ceremony will be conducted near the main flag within the temple premises and is expected to last around two hours.
During the ritual, priests will perform worship with Vedic chants and Sankalp (sacred vows). The flag will be consecrated through prescribed religious procedures before being hoisted atop the temple spire.
Decision Taken Following Devotee Requests
According to the temple administration, devotees had been requesting a dedicated worship ceremony for the spire flag on Purnima days for some time.
After considering these requests and observing similar traditions in several ancient temples, the administration decided to introduce the monthly ceremony at Mahavir Mandir.
Participation Open to Devotees
The temple administration said devotees will have an opportunity to participate in the Shikhar Dhwaj-Puja. Worship rituals will be performed publicly in the names of devotees who register and pay the prescribed fee.
Officials said the initiative is intended to provide devotees with a regular opportunity to take part in the ceremonial worship and replacement of the temple’s sacred flag.
