Dombivli’s Ganesh temple glows with a thousand lamps

DOMBIVLI: The historic Ganesh temple in Dombivli glimmered in a golden glow on Wednesday as thousands of lamps lit up the premises on the occasion of Tripurari Poornima. For the last 15 years, the temple has been observing the festival, which sees around 600 to 700 visitors lighting lamps on the day.

Tripurari Poornima, known as Deva Deepawali, is the festival of light of the gods. This year, the lamps have been arranged by the temple trustees along with the Rotary Club of Dombivli (West). This festival is celebrated to commemorate Lord Shiva for killing the demon Tripurasura. It is also the birthday of Vrinda, the personification of the Tulsi plant. This day is also considered dear to Radha, the lover of Krishna — Vishnu’s incarnation. It is believed that Krishna and Radha danced rasa and Krishna worshipped Radha on this day. This day is also dedicated to the pitrs (ancestors).

People visit the temple to seek blessings, light lamps and offer prayers jointly. “We also distribute 1,000 books containing the prayers that one has to perform during the occasion,” said Pravin Dudhe, vice president of the temple trust.

Swami Achuthanantha Saraswathi also arrived at the temple to seek blessings and be a part of the prayers.

“It is a Hindu holy festival celebrated on full

moon day or the fifth lunar day of Kartika (November -December). Lighting of

lamps is a significant way to observe this festival,” said Dudhe.

RISHIKESH CHOUDHARY Ganesh Temple in Dombivli is lit up with lamps on Tripurari Poornima on Wednesday.