Bihar Food and Consumer Protection Cabinet Minister Ashok Choudhary offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain on Sunday morning and participated in the early morning Bhasma Aarti. Choudhary is a senior leader of the Janata Dal (United).
During the prayers, the minister was seen dressed in saffron attire, holding a prayer mala and immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. After the Bhasma Aarti, S.N. Soni, Deputy Administrator of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee, welcomed and felicitated him.
Choudhary praises temple arrangements
After offering prayers, Choudhary praised the arrangements at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. He said he has been visiting the temple regularly for the past 25 years and has witnessed improvements in the arrangements every year.
He said that with the number of devotees increasing, the temple administration and district administration are continuously expanding facilities. Choudhary also praised arrangements such as online booking and Aadhaar-based ticketing, saying they have made the darshan process more convenient for devotees.
He added that despite the heavy rush during the Sawan month, the administration has been managing the crowds effectively.
Choudhary’s stand on village tax controversy
Meanwhile, political rhetoric has intensified in Bihar over the state government’s decision to impose taxes in villages. Last week, Choudhary had targeted the Opposition over the issue, saying that the Opposition had no other work to do.
He said that money is required to move forward on the path of development. His remarks had sparked considerable discussion amid the ongoing political debate over the proposed village taxes.
Thousands attend moving Bhasma Aarti
A moving Bhasma Aarti was also organised at the Mahakaleshwar Temple on Sunday. Thousands of devotees participated in the special event and witnessed the ritual with devotion.
