Maithils Worship Mahadev with Earthen Shivlings at Shyam Mai Temple in Bokaro

by Arun Pathak

Bokaro: On the occasion of Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi, the Maithili Kala Manch Kali Puja Trust organized several religious events at the Shyam Mai Temple in Sector-2, Bokaro. A significant ritual took place as Maithili women, in large numbers, mixed Ganga water with Gangot (soil from the bottom of the Ganga River) brought from Simaria. They then molded numerous earthen Shivlings, which were later worshipped in a ceremonial ritual at the temple’s Yagya Mandap.

The process of making the Shivlings began at 8:00 am, accompanied by traditional Nachari singing. Kali Puja and Samb Sadashiv Puja were performed, followed by an evening of Bhajan-Kirtan, Aarti, and distribution of Mahaprasad. Amarnath Jha and Mihir Kumar Jha Raju acted as the Yajman for the ceremony.

Pandit Chanchal Jha, Pandit Harishchandra Jha, Pandit Gauri Shankar Jha, Shailendra Mishra, Pandit Govind Jha, Mamta Jha, Pinky Jha, and others played a vital role in organizing the event successfully.

Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi holds special significance in Mithila, where it is believed that worshipping Parthiv Shivlings made from holy Gangot soil and water removes all obstacles and brings happiness, prosperity, and peace. This ritual has been an annual tradition at Shyam Mai Temple for nearly three decades.