Kullu celebrates Jal Vihar festival at Lord Raghunath temple on Nirjala Ekadashi

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Kullu, June 26

The annual Jal Vihar festival was organised at the Lord Raghunath Temple in Raghunathpur, Kullu, on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi, attracting hundreds of devotees who gathered to seek blessings and participate in the traditional religious celebrations.

As part of the rituals, Lord Raghunath was taken out of the sanctum on a palanquin after the traditional deity process was completed. The temple priest performed special prayers and gave the idol a ceremonial bath with cool water amid chanting of religious mantras.

During the festival, Lord Raghunath’s, Hanuman’s, Shaligram’s, and other idols were also bathed and decorated by the priests. Devotees organised bhajan and kirtan programmes throughout the day, while children also participated in celebrations by playing with water after the religious ceremonies.

Lord Raghunath’s staff bearer, Maheshwar Singh, was present during the event, which is considered one of the important festivals associated with the temple traditions.

Lord Raghunath’s custodian, Danvendra Singh, said that Jal Vihar is among the major festivals celebrated at the temple along with other occasions such as Dussehra, Basant, Annakoot, and Van Vihar.

He said that on the day of Jal Vihar, Lord Raghunath is brought out of the sanctum, and after the sacred bathing ceremony, the deity is returned to the sanctum. The water used during the ritual is taken by devotees as Charan Amrit (holy water).

He added that devotees observe a special fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, and people of the valley have deep faith in Lord Raghunath.

Temple priest Dinesh Kishore said Jal Vihar is an important festival, and devotees visit the temple to receive blessings and pray for the prosperity and well-being of the valley.

Another priest, Kamal Kishore, said the festival is organised every year on Nirjala Ekadashi, where Lord Raghunath is taken outside the temple and bathed with cool water as part of the sacred tradition. According to local belief, consuming the holy water used in the ritual provides spiritual purification and relief from various ailments, drawing a large number of devotees every year.