Vice-President Shekhawat visits Ujjain

Ujjain, Sept 8: Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat yesterday took part in a 'Atirudra Mahayagya' for global welfare, organised during the Hindu months of 'Sawan' and 'Bhadon' at this ancient temple town's world-renowned Mahakaleshwar shrine, one of India's dozen 'jyotirlingas'.

The Vice-President reached here today along with his family. The 'mahayagya' was under the aegis of Varanasi's Pavahari Mahant Swami Bhavani Nandan Ji Yati and 22 priests participated. Over the past decade, Yati organised such 'mahayagyas' at 10 other 'jyotirlingas'.

The 2007 venue will be Kedarnath.

Dr Shekhawat offered milk, clarified butter, curd, honey, sugar at the 'shivling'. The Mahakaleshwar Mandir Samiti presented a picture of Mahakaleshwar and a 'shivling' to the visiting dignitary.

Among those present were AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh and Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for School Education Paras Jain.

UNI