Every year, hundreds of worshippers come to Shikhar Shinganapur in Maharashtra to worship Lord Shiva and continue an old custom.
East of Satara, at a distance of 90 miles, lies Shikhar Shinganapur. On the day of Gudi Parva, the yatra for this sacred location begins. Together with pilgrims from Maharashtra, many more go from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and other regions.
This yatra commemorates Shiva and Parvati’s union. The ceremony of applying turmeric to the Shiva statue is carried out on the night of Gudi Padwa, and the wedding of Mahadev and Parvati is commemorated on the fifth day of Chaitra (Panchami).
A human chain is formed by the Kanwadiyas from several villages, in which thousands of them take part. Their Kanwadi is draped with vibrant clothing and embellished with flags.
These Kanwadiyas chant and dance their way to the temple after arriving at the fort. The last person from Saswad to arrive to the shrine was “Telyabhootachi” Kawad. Devotees use water from five rivers to worship Lord Mahadev, and this water is also used for abhishek. The yatra is over at that point.
The Kanwars arrived to the shrine late at night, as is custom. They were carried to the Mahadev temple on people’s shoulders. The water from five rivers was used to perform Mahadev’s Abhishek. The whole party was stunning and vibrant.
