Mathura’s Krishna, Kashi’s Shiva to exchange divine gifts

Varanasi: This year, the holy festival of Rangbhari Ekadashi will witness exchange of gifts and offerings between the presiding deities of Kashi and Mathura. From Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura, offerings such as abir, gulal, and colours will be presented to Baba Vishwanath. Similarly, from Kashi Vishwanath Dham, ash, abir-gulal, clothes, and chocolates will be given to Laddu Gopal. With this exchange of gifts, devotees from both religious sites will receive blessings from Lord Laddu Gopal and Baba Vishwanath.
To implement this new initiative inspired by Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the chief executive officer of the temple trust, Vishwabhushan, held discussions with Kapil Sharma and Gopeshwar Chaturvedi from Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura. The officials at Shri Krishna Janmasthan also welcomed and supported this idea. The CEO of Kashi Vishwanath temple said that both management of both the temples exchanged requests and proposals via email. This religious exchange will take place between the two sacred sites.
"This event, which connects the two major spiritual streams of Krishna and Shiva devotion, will enrich the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Both Mathura and Kashi are cities that grant liberation, and this coordination and exchange of devotion between the two pilgrimage sites is an innovative initiative to be included in this year's Rangbhari Ekadashi and Holi festival," he said.
According to legend, the story of Rangbhari Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to Radha Rani, and since then, this festival has been celebrated. The Rangbhari Ekadashi festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which holds not only local but also global significance. During this occasion, celebrations will be held ceremoniously while sending and receiving gifts between the two holy sites, he said.