Shiv Sena prays for Team India's victory amid funeral pyres

Varanasi, Jan 2 (UNI) Shiv Sena today offered prayers at a cremation ground here seeking a historic test series triumph of Team India on South African soil.

Led by district party president Gulshan Kapoor, the Sena members trouped down to the Manikarnika Ghat -- mythologically famous riverside cremation ground -- to offer prayers at the Smashaneshwar Mahadev temple located in the middle of the burning funeral pyres.

While commoners gave a tearful farewell to their loved ones being cremated on the crackling pyres, the saffron brigade prayed for a larger cause, the team's victory that represents the aspirations of the cricket crazy nation.

The special 'Mahakal Kapal' pujan was performed by Baba Nagnath Yogi at the temple decorated with flowers of variegated hues.

The one-hour special prayer saw yogi offer wine to human skulls as part of the Kapal Pujan and later take to the special 'havan kund' lit up by the leftover of funeral pyres.

''This pujan is performed for those, who are not succeeding in their endeavours despite best of attempts. Similar is the condition of the Indian cricket team, which after winning the first of the three tests in Johannesburg fell flat in Durban in the next five-dayer,'' said Yogi.

The Shiv Sena leader said ''since the Indian team appears keener on walking down ramps and performing in TV commercials, hence we organised this special prayer not only to ensure their victory in the decider in South Africa, but also to reform them mentally for future engagements especially the World Cup in West Indies.'' UNI