Shillong, February 1: Shortly after the Varanasi district court granted permission for a priest to conduct prayers before the idols in a Gyanvapi Masjid cellar, midnight religious ceremonies unfolded on the premises. Preparations for the puja commenced promptly after the court’s directive, with the aarti performed under stringent security measures, India Today reported.
Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain confirmed the development, stating, “The SG has complied with the orders of the court. Shayan arti done by a pujari of KVM Trust after putting up idols. An Akhand Jyoti started in front of them. Daily Arti of all above deities- Morning Mangla Arti, Bhog Arti, evening arti, late sunset evening arti, Shayan arti.”
At around 12 am on Thursday, a path leading to the ‘Tekhana,’ where the grand Nandi sits in front of the Vishwanath Temple, was opened. The idols discovered during the Gyanvapi premises survey were placed, and a prayer was conducted, followed by the offering of prasad.
Starting Thursday, the Gyanvapi complex authorities would undertake all worship rituals, including Shayan Aarti and Mangal Aarti, along with prayer recitations. The offerings from the worship were handed over to the Kashi Vishwanath Trust by the administration.
Simultaneously, the Uttar Pradesh Police remained on high alert, conducting patrols to prevent any untoward incidents and monitoring social media for potential rumors. A video shared by news agency ANI depicted security personnel deployed around the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi.
Advocate Sohan Lal Arya, following the court ruling, informed reporters that arrangements had been made, but Vyas Ka Tekhana had not been opened for devotees yet. Chants of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’ echoed from the devotees. Chairman of Kashi Vishwanath Trust, Nagendra Pandey, remarked on the ruling, expressing satisfaction that the court had ordered the opening and subsequent worship at the ‘tehkhana,’ resolving any potential issues. He affirmed the trust’s commitment to following the court’s directives, ensuring necessary procedures are carried out for worship.
