Nasik, Aug 12: Security has been stepped up and elaborate arrangements made for the large number of Mahants and devotees scheduled to take the royal bath (Shahi Snan) at Tribakeshwar on the first 'Parvani' (special day) of ongoing Kumbh Mela today.

The Mahants and Sadhus of Shaiva sects would take the Shahi in Kushavarta Teerth, housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the origin of Godavari.
On the occasion of the full moon, five 'Shahi Miravanuks' (royal processions) would also be taken out. The Mahants were busy decorating their deities, arms, horses, elephants and palanquins that would be taken out in elaborate processions throught the city, drawing thousands of onlookers.
As many as 2100 police personnel, including officers and state reserve police force platoons, commandoes, state government employees and officers would be deployed to control the sea of devotees expected to throng the city.
Besides, 20 ambulances, 100 doctors and nurses would also be stationed to attend to the devotees if they need any medical intervention.



Frequent bus services would be provided by the state road transport corporation for today's 'Parvani' (special day).



Meanwhile, the Mahants of Juna Akhada and Niranjani Akhada have reached an understanding over the royal bath.



According to official sources here, the Mahants of Juna, Avahan and Agni Akhadas would take holy dips on August 12 and September 7 while those of Niranjani and Anand would take the dip on August 27.


Bureau Report