GRAND ADORNMENT PLANNED FOR MAA ARANYA DEVI

GRAND ADORNMENT PLANNED FOR MAA ARANYA DEVI

15-OCT-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The temple of Maa Aranya Devi—the presiding deity of Ara—will feature grand adornments and striking decorations during the upcoming Sharadiya Navaratri. Devotees will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular display, with the deity adorned using a diverse array of flowers sourced from across the country and abroad. Preparations for these decorations and adornments are already underway at the temple.

The garlands for Maa Aranya Devi will be crafted from eight to ten varieties of fragrant flowers. A seven-member team, led by the renowned floral decorator Vishwanath Patra—affectionately known as 'Boka Dada'—from Kolkata, West Bengal, has been working on the preparations since October 10th. The team includes artists such as Robin Mitra, Tapas, Gour, and Amit, all hailing from Bengal.

The artists are currently preparing the decorative elements—including intricate, handcrafted pieces made with artificial flowers—at the Marwari Dharamshala, located at Shishmahal Chowk in Ara. According to the team, the decorative frames are being embellished with stones, pearls, and *zari* (ornamental metallic thread) work. The floral adornments will feature orchids, roses, *juhi* (jasmine), and marigolds.

Krishna Kumar, media in-charge for the Maa Aranya Devi Temple Development Trust, stated that the installation of the decorations and adornments will commence following the *sandhya aarti* (evening prayer) on the *shashthi* (sixth day) of Sharadiya Navaratri. The work is expected to be completed by around 3:00 AM. Subsequently, the *mangla aarti* (early morning prayer) for Maa Aranya Devi will take place at 4:00 AM on the *saptami* (seventh day). Following this, *boondi*—prepared from pure *besan* (gram flour)—will be distributed to the devotees as *prasad*.

On Wednesday, the fourth day of Sharadiya Navaratri, Maa Kushmanda—the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga—was worshipped at the Maa Aranya Devi temple. A large number of devotees gathered at the temple from the early morning hours. Devotees worshipped the Goddess with deep devotion and offered *prasad*. The rituals and prayers continued until late in the evening.

From 4:00 PM onwards, a large number of male and female devotees gathered within the temple premises to light *diyas* (lamps). Throughout this time, trustees of the Maa Aranya Devi Mandir Vikas Trust, female police personnel, and temple staff remained actively engaged in managing the crowd.

Media in-charge Krishna Kumar stated that from the *Saptami* to *Dashami* *tithi* (lunar days), devotees will enter the temple via the Bhairav ​​Baba Gali route for *darshan* (viewing/worshipping) of the Goddess. Meanwhile, the main entrance of the temple will serve as the exit point.