There is special splendor here too. On the festival of Holi, a unique custom is being seen in the nuclear city Pokaran of Jaisalmer district, which has been going on for many centuries.
Worship is done at the Red Fort of Pokaran
In fact, one day before Holi in front of the Red Fort located in Pokaran, the worship of God Eloji is done on behalf of unmarried boys. On behalf of these boys, a vow of marriage is sought by worshiping Eloji. The same bachelor youths also circumambulate around the statue of Eloji. During this, gulal is offered in worship and alcohol is offered in prasad. It is a belief that on the occasion of Holi, a young man who circumambulates Eloji 5 times gets married within one year. Because of this, this tradition has been going on for centuries.
Eloji is the god who gives brides
Educationist Mansukh Jingar says that Eloji deity is worshiped with great devotion in Jaisalmer-Barmer. Eloji is like an adorable god for unmarried boys. Boys who have reached the age of marriage and are not getting married. Those unmarried boys perform puja in front of the idol of Eloji at the crossroads of the village, town, 1 day before Holi. Let’s circumambulate. Such people get married within one year.
Century-long tradition
It is believed that worshiping Eloji pleases him. The wishes of bachelor boys are fulfilled. He gets the queen of his dreams. This tradition has been going on for many centuries. Under this, bachelor boys of the city also come in front of the Red Fort of Pokaran. Eloji asks the deity for a vow of marriage. It is the belief of the people of this place that Eloji fulfills his vows as well.
Eloji was Holika’s fiancé
According to legend, Hiranyakashyap’s sister was Holika, who was engaged to Eloji, but Hiranyakashyap was very upset with the devotee Prahlad. He made various attempts to kill Prahlad, but he did not get success. Because of this, once Holika reaches Haranyakashyap. When she asks her brother the reason for his sorrow, Haranyakashyap talks about killing Prahlad. On this, Holika had a boon of not getting burnt in the fire. Due to this, Holika sits in the fire with Prahlad and due to this Holika dies and Prahlad comes out.
Because of this Eloji decided to remain a bachelor
When Eloji reaches the city of Hiranyakashyap to take his bride Holika, he gets the news of Holika’s death there. Eloji gets hurt by this and he decides to lead a life of bachelorhood. Since then, the person who does not get married even after passing the age of marriage, he worships Eloji. Let’s take the blessings of the bride. Where the festival of Holi is celebrated with great pomp in the district, Eloji is also worshiped with rituals.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
: Language Inputs
This post is sourced from newspapers, magazines and third-party websites. For more information please check NewsDay Express Disclaimer.
