35,000 Women Recite Atharvashirsha and Perform Mahaarti at Dagdusheth Ganpati in Pune

Pune, 8th September 2024: In a remarkable display of devotion and unity, 35,000 women gathered in front of the iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir to recite the Atharvashirsha and perform Mahaarti. The event, organized in honor of Rishi Panchami, witnessed an overwhelming participation of women, chanting the sacred hymns in unison, creating an atmosphere of spiritual energy and fervor.

The event, part of the 132nd Ganesh Utsav organized by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal, saw women from across Maharashtra, including Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Latur, and Nashik, come together for this unique ritual. Women dressed in traditional attire began arriving as early as 1 am, ready to offer their devotion to Ganaraya through the powerful recitation of the Atharvashirsha.

With chants of Om Namaste Ganpataye and Gan Ganapataye Namah filling the air, the women performed the Mahaarti, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The event was marked by vibrant enthusiasm as participants clapped their hands and raised their voices in praise of the deity. The atmosphere reached a peak as the collective energy of thousands of women chanting in unison created a powerful and moving scene.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including senior literary figure Dr. Aruna Dhere, Vrishali Srikant Shinde, Trust Treasurer Mahesh Suryavanshi, Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal President Prakash Chavan, Yatish Rasane, and Saurabh Raikar. They were joined by notable activists such as Shubhangi Bhalerao, Archana Bhalerao, and Prof. Gauri Kulkarni.

The ceremony commenced with the sound of conch shells, followed by the sacred Omkar chanting, which helped create a calming and spiritual atmosphere. The main Atharvashirsha recitation was accompanied by Ganesh Jagar Geet, a traditional song invoking Lord Ganesha. Every woman present bowed in reverence to Ganaraya, their faces radiant with devotion as they performed the Mahaarti.

The event achieved recognition from India Star World Records, with Dr. Deepak Harke presenting a certificate to the trust for organizing the largest gathering of women reciting the Atharvashirsha. The crowd extended from Dagdusheth’s Utsav Mandap all the way to Nana Wada, as thousands thronged to be part of this significant spiritual event.

In her address, Dr. Aruna Dhere highlighted the importance of wisdom and intelligence, stating, “True power lies in wisdom. Today, as thousands of women gather to seek enlightenment from Ganaraya, it is a reminder of the strength of knowledge. Behind every action, there is a thought. Whatever we do, we must do it wisely.”

As the ceremony concluded with the Mahaarti, the air was thick with devotion and emotion. The event, now in its 39th year, continues to grow as a symbol of faith, unity, and the spiritual power of women.