Devotees Throng Pratapgarh Temple for Maa Kushmanda Darshan on Fourth Navratri Day

A large crowd of devotees gathered at Maa Belha Devi Dham in Pratapgarh to offer prayers and seek darshan of Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Maa Durga. Long queues began forming at the temple from early dawn on the fourth day of Sharadiya Navratri, which was Wednesday. The entire shrine complex echoed with chants in praise of Maa.

Early on Wednesday, the temple priest performed the grand shringar of Maa Kushmanda and conducted the aarti according to ritual traditions. The temple gates were opened for devotees only after the prayers were completed. Even before the gates opened, a large number of devotees had reached the temple and were standing in queues with baskets carrying items for worship.

As soon as the temple opened, the process of darshan and puja began. Devotees bowed at Maa Kushmanda’s feet and offered flowers, garlands, coconuts and chunari. They also prayed for happiness, prosperity and well-being for their families.

There was considerable enthusiasm among devotees during Navratri. The crowd was not limited to Maa Belha Devi Dham. Devotees also gathered at other temples dedicated to goddesses across the district to offer prayers and seek darshan.

A devotional atmosphere prevailed in the temple premises from the morning, as devotees continued to arrive for Maa Kushmanda’s darshan and worship.