Jawalamukhi, June 1: A large number of devotees gathered at the residence of Acharya Dinesh Sharma in Jawalamukhi to seek the divine blessings of the rare collection of 5,508 Shaligram Bhagwan, which has arrived in Himachal Pradesh from Ajmer as part of its annual spiritual tour.
The sacred event witnessed special havan, worship ceremonies, and a community feast (bhandara), where devotees participated with great devotion and received prasad.
Speaking on the occasion, Pujari Sunit Jha said that the collection of 5,508 Shaligrams is unique and unparalleled. These sacred Shaligrams, considered manifestations of Lord Vishnu, are permanently housed at the renowned Shaligram Bhavan in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
He explained that every year the Shaligrams are brought to Himachal Pradesh during the summer months to protect them from the intense heat of Rajasthan and to keep them in the pleasant and cooler climate of the hills. Devotees who wish to host and worship the Shaligrams at their homes are also given the opportunity during this spiritual journey.
Pujari Jha shared that the initiative was inspired by his late father's desire to have darshan of the thousand forms of Lord Vishnu described in the Vishnu Sahasranama. Since visiting a thousand Vishnu temples was not practically possible, the family began collecting Shaligrams representing the divine names of Lord Vishnu. Over the years, the collection grew and has now reached 5,508 sacred Shaligrams.
Acharya Dinesh Sharma said that the current period of Purushottam Maas (Adhik Maas) holds special significance for the worship of Shaligram Bhagwan. For the past four days, the Shaligrams have been worshipped at his residence with Ganga water, lotus flowers, Tulsi leaves, and various sacred offerings.
He noted that Rajasthan is currently experiencing extreme temperatures, while Himachal Pradesh offers a much more favorable environment. Therefore, the Shaligrams are brought here for about one and a half months, allowing devotees to perform seva, worship, and seek blessings.
Acharya Sharma added that after completing the four-day religious programme in Jawalamukhi, the Shaligrams will proceed to their next destination. He concluded by praying for peace, prosperity, good health, and the welfare of humanity, wishing that harmony and happiness prevail throughout the world.
The presence of the rare collection of 5,508 Shaligrams has turned the event into a major spiritual attraction, drawing devotees from different areas to witness the sacred darshan and participate in the religious ceremonies.