Mahanga: Possibly for the first time in the history of Odisha, a minister became a Kaudia (Bol Bom devotee) on Monday.
State Sports and Youth Affair Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera was seen among Kaudias on the third Monday of the month of Shravan.
The Minister offered prayers at Chandi Temple at Kendupatna under Salepur police limits in Cuttack district and then collected holy water from the Chitrahola river. He then walked barefoot all the way to Nataka village and performed the Jala Lagi (pourinfo of holy water on Shivlings) ritual in a Shiv Temple.
In the month of Shravan, kaudias wearing saffron clothes collect holy water from rivers, make Shivalingas on the river bed and worship them before embarking on a long walk to a Shiva temple of their choice. They carry the water in two containers made of clay or brass or copper attached to a bamboo stick decorated with accessories believed to be loved by the Lord. They time their walk to ensure they reach the Shiva temple of their choice early on Monday morning and then pour the water on the Shivalingas.
It is believed that the special prayers and offerings paid to the Lord during the holy month of Shravan are answered by the Lord.
The Bol Bom devotees will continue everyday especially on Mondays during the month till Rakhi Purnima or Gamha Purnima. Besides, they observe the month without shaving and take only complete vegetarian food without onion and garlic.
Ms Kalinga AI