Patna: Devotees in large numbers visited temples across the city on Sunday to offer prayers and take part in traditional ceremonies during ‘Akshay Navami', which occurs on the Navami of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month following Diwali. People gathered near ‘amla' (gooseberry) trees, performed thread-tying ceremonies and prepared prasad, including khichdi.
According to Patna-based astrologer Rakesh Jha, the ‘amla' tree symbolises perpetual auspiciousness and prosperity. "From Akshaya Navami to Kartik Purnima, the gods reside in the root of this tree. On Akshaya Navami, after worshipping and ‘jal abhishek', devotees light diyas in the evening. This gives freedom from all sins and offer good health, fortune, happiness and prosperity," he said.
The celebrations began with devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganga river while observing fasts throughout the day. They performed rituals, offered prayers and participated in charitable activities as part of the festivities. Various puja samitis organised ‘katha' sessions which the devotees attended.
Bela Devi, a devotee, said worshipping the ‘amla' tree on Akshaya Navami holds significant importance, particularly for prayers seeking longevity for husbands. "All wishes are fulfilled by worshipping the amla tree. Along with this, thread is tied around the amla tree and food is also prepared for the Brahmins," she said.
Another devotee, Shivani Kumari, described how women gather around the amla tree to pray for their family's welfare. "It is believed that people who observe fast and offer prayers, get salvation and their wishes come true. Devotees perform all religious and spiritual activities on this day for ‘punya', including charity," she said.