Patna: The Mahavir Temple in Patna witnessed an extraordinary surge of devotion on New Year’s Day, as over 200,000 worshippers braved the bitter cold to pay homage. Starting as early as 4 am, a line of devotees stretched from the temple’s northern entrance to beyond Veer Kunwar Singh Park.
The temple doors opened at 5:15 am following the Jagran Aarti, and the steady stream of worshippers offering prayers and prasad continued until the temple closed at 11 pm. Devotees chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hanuman” throughout the day, their enthusiasm undeterred by freezing temperatures.
Homage to Acharya Kishore Kunal
Amid the celebrations, many devotees paid tribute to the late Acharya Kishore Kunal, the architect behind the temple’s modern resurgence and its philanthropic initiatives. His photograph was prominently displayed near the exit gate, where worshippers offered floral tributes. Chants of “Kishore Kunal Amar Rahe” echoed alongside devotional slogans, underscoring the community’s gratitude for his contributions.
Crowd Management and Security
The temple management, led by Dr. LB Singh, ensured seamless crowd movement and quick access to the sanctum sanctorum, supported by local authorities. A team of 100 private security personnel, 50 volunteers, and several police officers, along with magistrates, were deployed to maintain order.
A live feed from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum was broadcast on an LED screen in the premises, allowing devotees in queues to witness the rituals. Security was bolstered with CCTV monitoring, and announcements from a temporary stage helped manage the large gathering.
Lost and found issues were promptly addressed, and essential information was disseminated through loudspeakers to assist visitors.
Record Sale of Naivedyam
The occasion also marked an unprecedented demand for Naivedyam, the temple’s signature offering. On January 1 alone, approximately 12,500 kg of Naivedyam was sold, with a total of 21,000 kg sold over December 31 and January 1 combined.
Mahavir Temple superintendent K. Sudhakaran confirmed that 10 counters were set up to meet the high demand. The sale figures underscored the significance of the event for devotees, many of whom consider Naivedyam a sacred part of their offerings.
Priests and Rituals
Fifteen priests were stationed in the sanctum sanctorum to facilitate smooth and quick darshan, while six additional priests were brought in from Ayodhya to support the occasion. The temple management prioritised ensuring a spiritual and hassle-free experience for every visitor. The Mahavir Temple’s New Year celebrations not only highlighted the enduring faith of its devotees but also showcased efficient management, making it a model for large-scale religious gatherings.
