Almora.
Under the aegis of the International Sapt Rishi Akhara Parishad, a grand religious program was organized on Sunday at Shri Maa Tungeshwari Mata Teerth Dham, located on the banks of the Kaushiki River near Bimola village in Hawalbagh block. The day began with rituals including worship, a Sundarkand recital, a havan, and devotional singing. This was followed by a large community feast (bhandara), which drew a massive gathering of devotees.
The highlight of the program was the felicitation of the revered saint of Tungeshwari Teerth Dham, Bhagat Ji Maharaj. Recently, on August 28 in Vrindavan, in the presence of saints from various states, he was conferred the revered title and position of “Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar.” To honor this achievement, devotees and local residents warmly welcomed him at the Teerth Dham.
Beginning at 8 a.m., hundreds of devotees participated in the rituals, havan, and Sundarkand recitation. The devotional songs filled the atmosphere with spirituality and devotion. Until late afternoon, discourses by saints were delivered, focusing on the importance of faith, devotion, and social service. Later, holy food (prasadam) from the bhandara was distributed among the devotees.
The program saw participation not only from local villagers and residents of Almora town but also from devotees who arrived from different regions. From early morning, a steady stream of devotees kept reaching the Teerth Dham, creating a deeply spiritual and devotional atmosphere.
Prominent personalities present at the event included Rishivar Kailashanand Maharaj of the International Sapt Rishi Akhara, senior Mahamandaleshwar and international spokesperson Rishivar Krishnachandra Kandpal, Akhara’s religious teacher Acharya Lokesh Maharaj, BJP State Vice President and former MLA Kailash Sharma, Naveen Joshi, Lal Singh Latwal, Umed Singh Kanwal, Acharya Naveen Chandra Pant, along with many public representatives and a large number of devotees.
The elevation of Saint Bhagat Ji Maharaj to the position of Mahamandaleshwar is being regarded as a matter of great pride for the region. Devotees described it as a significant achievement in the direction of strengthening faith, spirituality, and social harmony.
