Baba Vishwanath’s Tilkotsav has started, with huge gathering of devotees

Tilkotsav of Baba Vishwanath has already begun in Kashi. Baba Vishwanath Tilakotsav is a 375 years old tradition. On the occasion of Vasant Panchami, the Tilak Festival began at Mahanta’s Residence, the Vishwanath Temple in Terdhinim. The festival is taking place in a guest house which is called ‘Gaura Bhavan’. During the construction of Baba Dham, the permanent residence of Mahant was demolished. Ever since then the Mahant has been staying temporarily in a guest house.

Baba will sit on a pedestal made of Ganga mud and kush in place of the silver throne. The ritual of Tilkotsav shall be then performed. The devotes of Baba Vishwanath have been invited on this occasion. A huge crowd had assembled in Baba’s Tilkotsav. There was a great turmoil of excitement among the Devotees. Usually, Baba’s Tilkotsav follows Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) which goes along with Mahashivratri. A majestic procession is arranged before the marriage. A tremendous number of people feel blessed to be a part of this procession.

On Tuesday, Mangal Arti of Baba Vishwanath’s of Panchbadan was performed for a duration of four to half-past four, just a few minutes before Tilkotsav. From morning six to eight the Brahmins, after reciting the four Vedic hymns, offered Baba milk. A Panchavya bath was offered to Baba Vishwanath of Panchabadan Pratibha by the spiritual leaders in the afternoon which was followed by the Vedic Rituals and further by Tilkotsava.

A fruit was offered to Baba from quarter-past eight to half-past eight. After this, the ritual of Rudrabhishek was performed by five Vedic Brahmins with five fruits in the form of their juices, from half-past eight to half-past eleven. Baba was bathed for yet another time at quarter-to twelve. From noon to half-past twelve, Aarti and the mid-day offering were conducted. After this session, Mangal songs were performed by women.

The Kashi Vishwananth Temple is the only temple of Lord Shiva that has been allowed to open in view of the Baba Vishwanath Tilakotsav. While other temples have remained closed, it has been opened with issues guidelines. Besides visiting Baba Vishwanth for his Tilakotsav, there was gathering infront of Sankatmochan, Kaal Bhairav temple and Annapurneshwari. The roads in the city were full of devotees who came seeking blessings. This has led to the city getting congested with huge traffic.