2025 Ashvin Navratri Utsav at Shree Saptashrungi Nivasini Devi Temple
Each year, Shri Maa Saptashrungi Devi Ji Temple observes the Chaitra Navratri Utsav, Ashvin Navratri Utsav, and Kojagiri Purnima with great devotion and enthusiasm. Since 2024, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) has been providing services to pilgrims visiting the temple during these occasions. Once again in 2025, the local administration asked VMRK to provide services for the pilgrims during Chaitra Navratri Utsav 2025. After that event, they expressed their satisfaction and requested VMRK to offer services during Ashvin Navratri Utsav and Kojagiri Purnima 2025. They also conveyed that they look forward to VMRK’s ongoing participation in future celebrations.
VMRK gratefully accepted another opportunity to serve. This year, the Ashvin Navratri Utsav was observed from September 22 to October 1. A large number of devotees visited the temple during this period, with the highest footfall typically occurring in the final days. Following Navratri, another wave of pilgrims arrived in the days leading up to Kojagiri Purnima, which fell on October 6. VMRK, in consultation with the local administration, provided medical services from September 26 to October 1 and again from October 4 to 7. Food services were offered from October 4 to 7.
Preparing to serve
In no time, VMRK volunteers at Lighthouse Center Pimpalner swung into action to prepare for the service. They assessed the medicine stock that remained after the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari 2025 and replenished the supplies. Volunteers also thoroughly cleaned the ambulance to prepare it for emergency medical services. Early the next morning, on September 26, the ambulance and a pickup truck loaded with materials departed from Lighthouse Center Pimpalner.
In the days that followed, VMRK volunteers packed the materials for food services. These were loaded onto a truck together with a dough kneading machine, large insulated food containers, and utensils for cooking and serving. With the packing complete, the truck departed from Lighthouse Center Pimpalner on October 2.
Getting ready to serve
VMRK was allotted a hall measuring 85 feet by 100 feet, located about 1 kilometer from the temple. Volunteers partitioned the hall for medical and food services by installing metal pillars and covering them with tent cloth. To enhance safety and security, fire extinguishers were installed throughout the area.
In the food distribution area, speakers were installed to play devotional songs dedicated to the Goddess, adding to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, an LED screen was set up to display VMRK’s charitable initiatives and highlights from past devotional events organized by VMRK.
PILGRIMS RECEIVED MEDICAL CARE FOR DEYHDRATION, WOUNDED FEET, AND OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS
FIVE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS and EIGHT volunteers worked in shifts TO PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICE 24 HOURS DAILY OVER 10 DAYS
Medical assistance
The medical camp became operational by mid-afternoon on September 26. Staffed by a team of five medical professionals, and eight VMRK volunteers, it operated around-the-clock.
During Ashvin Navratri Utsav and Kojagiri Purnima, many devotees undertook foot pilgrimages. On Kojagiri Purnima, pilgrims also carried long poles with containers filled with river water from their hometowns to the temple. As a result, many pilgrims arrived at the camp with body pain, muscle soreness, foot pain, dehydration, and minor injuries. Those arriving by vehicles experienced similar discomfort after waiting for two to eight hours for darshan. The medical staff attentively treated everyone and even offered foot massages to ease fatigue.
Heavy rains added to the physical exertion, leading to colds, coughs, and fever. Those who were prescribed inhalation therapy received the medication misted from the nebulizer at the medical camp.
On October 7, after serving pilgrims for 10 days, VMRK concluded its services. During this period, over 3,790 pilgrims received free medical consultation, medicines, and first aid.
VEGETARIAN MEALS WERE SERVED AROUND THE CLOCK TO DEVOTEES
More than 350 VMRK volunteers worked in shifts to prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner EVERY DAY
Serving food with love
The food service ran 24-hours daily from October 4 to 7, serving over 20,480 devotees during this period. More than 350 volunteers worked in coordinated shifts to ensure smooth operations.
Each day saw long queues of devotees flowed in and out the food service area through the separate entry and exit points. The highest turnout fell on Kojagiri Purnima, when over 10,240 people were served in a single day. Security volunteers guided the devotees and prioritized senior citizens, mothers with young children, and individuals with special needs to be served first.
Inside the food distribution area, the food preparation team ensured a continuous supply of fresh, hot meals, including chapati, seasonal vegetables, rice, and pulses. Devotees were seated in rows, while the food distribution volunteers moved along the rows to serve them promptly. Cleanliness volunteers also worked alongside them. As soon as a row of devotees finished their meals and vacated, the space was promptly cleaned for the next group. Meanwhile, another team of volunteers regularly served water to the devotees as they exited.
Visitor feedback
Many people left comments in our visitor log, some are listed below:
At Saptashrungi Gad, VMRK provided free medical services. I am very thankful to Sant Baljit Singh Ji for this. Due to the free medical services provided by the doctors and volunteers, I received instant relief from pain. This facility is very helpful for devotees who walk long distances. I hope it continues in the future. Thank you.
In today’s fast-moving world, people are often driven by material pursuits. But today, I feel truly blessed after seeing the remarkable service provided by your organisation. You are doing an exceptional job. I would love to join your organisation and offer my services in the future. Thank you.