Prakateshwar Mahadev Temple: Exemplifying Social Harmony

The temple of Prakateshwar Mahadev, located in Bedla village near the city, is a remarkable example of social harmony and spiritual devotion. During the holy month of Shiva worship, devotees flock to this temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Devadhidev Mahadev. However, this temple goes beyond religious rituals and encompasses personal moral values, social education, and social harmony.

The story of the temple begins with the discovery of an ancient Shivling in the Bedla river in 1998, on the auspicious day of Nagpanchami. Hindu organizations and devotees installed the Shivling on a public platform. After 17 years of collective efforts, a temple was built under the leadership of Pratap Singh Rathore, the deputy head of Bargaon. Last year, the Shivling was consecrated in the newly constructed temple, performed by the revered saint Avdheshanand Ji Maharaj of Surajkund.

A unique aspect of this temple is that it involves the active participation of children. Harshul Sharma, a 14-year-old boy, serves as the temple's chief priest. Every morning before going to school, Harshul takes care of the worship and evening rituals in the temple. The decorations and tasks related to the temple are carried out by a dozen children from every household in the locality, who join hands in traditional attire. Pratap Singh Rathore, the young deputy head, has successfully engaged these children in the temple's activities, aiming to preserve and pass on the Sanatan culture to the coming generations.

Despite living in a digital era where children are often engrossed in mobile devices, Rathore believes keeping them connected to their cultural roots is crucial. By involving them in the temple's responsibilities, Rathore hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and nurture their role in nation-building. The children dedicate their free time, especially during holidays, to the temple, ensuring the upkeep and organizing grand evening rituals. This approach strengthens their connection to their cultural heritage and fosters personal moral values, social awareness, and a sense of national identity.

Aditya Sen, a young teacher associated with the temple, emphasizes the importance of moulding the personality of these young individuals. Alongside the worship of Mahadev, the temple also imparts social and moral values, educating the children about the lives of great men who contributed to making the country a world leader. This holistic approach aims to develop a sense of dedication towards the nation from an early age.

The temple's rituals and aarti (devotional songs) begin with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" (Victory to Mother India), reflecting the patriotic sentiments of the vice president of Badgaon. This integration of national education with religious practices reinforces the importance of patriotism. Following the handover of the temple's responsibilities from Manoj Sharma, the former chief priest, to his son Harshul, the young generation has stepped forward to contribute to the temple's operations.

Furthermore, the temple promotes social harmony and unity. On Mondays, different households in the locality and surrounding areas offer Prasad (sacred food offering) to Mahadev. Families eagerly wait for their turn and distribute the offerings to the community. This practice encourages children to consider the entire locality as their extended family. Pratap Singh Rathore believes that the tendency towards individualism and self-centeredness erodes cultural and moral values. To counter this, the temple has implemented various innovations and practices to foster social cohesion and preserve the community's cultural heritage.

The temple of Prakateshwar Mahadev serves as a symbol of social harmony, where devotion to the divine coexists with nurturing personal, social, and national values. It stands as a testament to the power of collective efforts and the positive impact a community can have when working together for a greater cause.