Gorakhnath Temple Sees Massive Devotee Influx Ahead of Makar Sankranti
A powerful surge of devotion filled the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Wednesday. Lakhs of devotees gathered to offer khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath. This happened just one day before the main Makar Sankranti festival celebrations.
Pilgrims Arrive Early for Blessings
Devotees started camping at the temple complex from Tuesday night itself. Pilgrims traveled from across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and even Nepal. They came seeking blessings for prosperity and personal well-being.
Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally monitored all arrangements. He focused on ensuring the safety and convenience of every devotee. The Chief Minister is scheduled to offer khichdi during the auspicious brahma muhurt on Thursday.
CM Yogi's Personal Involvement and Inspections
Staying at the temple since Tuesday night, CM Yogi conducted detailed inspections late at night. He repeated these checks on Wednesday morning. During his stay, he visited the temple gaushala. He fed jaggery to cows and gave specific instructions to staff about proper animal care.
The Chief Minister also interacted warmly with children of devotees. He blessed them and distributed chocolates, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Massive Police Deployment for Crowd Management
Authorities anticipated the arrival of lakhs of devotees. The district police placed the entire mela area on high alert. They established a temporary police station and nine police outposts in and around the mela zone.
SP City Abhinav Tyagi provided deployment details. A total of 2,556 police personnel are on duty. This force includes six additional SPs, 22 circle officers, and 84 inspectors. They receive support from 489 sub-inspectors, 1,365 male constables, and 235 women constables.
Comprehensive Traffic and Security Measures
Traffic management received significant strengthening. Authorities dedicated one traffic inspector, 36 sub-inspectors, 82 head constables, and 78 constables to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
In addition, 155 home guards have joined the service. Security received further tightening with a contingent of 25 Anti-Terrorism Squad personnel. PAC units are also deployed at the site.
Extensive Traffic Diversions Enforced
The district administration and traffic police enforced strict traffic diversions. Special parking arrangements are in place across Gorakhpur city on January 14 and 15. These measures address the Khichdi Mela at Gorakhnath Temple on Makar Sankranti.
Movement of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers toward Gorakhnath Temple faces complete prohibition from specific routes. This includes the route from Tarang overbridge via Humayunpur Chauraha.
Similar restrictions apply on routes from Ramleela Maidan via Mansarovar Temple and Jhulelal Temple. Restrictions also cover routes through Old Gorakhpur and Jhaviya Gali.
Vehicle entry toward the temple remains closed from Dashahri Bagh Tiraha, Kaudiyahwa Mor, and Jahidabad Tiraha. Movement of three and four-wheelers from JP Hospital overbridge toward the temple is banned.
Autos, e-rickshaws, and light commercial vehicles from Dharmshala Chauraha face diversion. They must travel via Jatashankar, Gangesh Chauraha, and Surajkund Overbridge.
Heavy vehicles receive diversion via Kalesar four-lane, Jungle Kaudiya, and Chiutaha routes. Vehicles from Siddharthnagar, Sonauli, and Farenda face restrictions beyond Bargadwa.
Authorities made route-wise parking arrangements for devotees arriving from Nepal, Bihar, and other districts. These measures ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion in the mela area.
Crowd movement at the temple itself is regulated through multiple gates and barricading. Organizers also arranged Khichadi Bhandara for devotees participating in the festival.
